Homelab/Media Setup
Big picture planning for the entirety
Last updated
Big picture planning for the entirety
Last updated
GPM is going away, and YTM is almost definitely going to be an experience I don't want to pay for. I also have a massive music library already and use GPM to play that music, so why not DIY?
Need a home TV/stereo setup anyway, prepping for Black Friday 4k TV deals (yeah I'm still using a 1080p TV, bite me)
Home network configuration is currently suboptimal. Using a Google Router, issues arise when trying to use separate SSIDs to partition IoT devices off, and there is next to no fine-grained management.
I want to run PiHole (or something similar) for my whole network instead of depending on browser extensions
I'm curious about trying to incorporate more "life management" things like
De-google-ifying things as much as possible, e.g. using , , etc
I want to run locally for funsies
I'm a masochist who will love/hate fiddling with every bit of this for the next bajillion years.
Going to need to buy quite a bit of stuff, unfortunately. Capitalism wins today. 💰
Controversial as it may be, I'm leaning Sonos. Having used a larger Sonos config in a previous work office, I'm pre-convinced on the ease of use and good (enough for me) sound. Sure there's other options and maybe they're cheaper, but I'm planning on going second hand as much as possible which looks like it'll make this setup cost about as much as anything else.
I've also already discovered (via said previous office setup) that Sonos is hackable. This is important. HomeAssistant integration, too.
- getting a killer deal on this, it is the beginning and will suffice for quite a while. $350
This not being Atmos might mean 4k content is going to be annoying/need remux to prevent 4k transcoding...
- I've heard these and they are QUITE nice sounding. There's twofer deals all over the place on these on craigslist etc that I'll eventually aim for. $500 or less for two
- Two of these and the Playbase gives surround sound. I'm sure by the time I get to this there will be other options, which just means these will be even cheaper second hand. They'd also be great for various rooms in the house, though the regular One model with microphone might be better for other rooms... $100 or less per
- Stretch goal on this. Damn it looks nice. Full 5.1 would also be nice. Price: $??? no one seems to sell these second hand no used subs because they released a new version that’s back ordered
I don't know yet. Looking for something 4k in the 55"-70" range. Smart options would be good so I don't have to upgrade to a Series X too early (still on a launch edition Xbone so no 4k from it).
Not 100% on the best hardware option for 4k Plex, though I understand some smart TVs have good enough clients. I've read decent things about the Roku 4k. Plenty of time to consider.
I've had a nightmare of a time with casting so need to figure something out with that as well if the TV and/or the Plex player don't support it.
Price: $300-500
I don't have a huge lust for IoT, but there's some things I have/will be getting. I currently prefer Wyze since A) I have some Wyze stuff and it works well and B) Seattle based so if they steal my data I can just walk down and steal it back (/s)
Wyze Camera for keeping tabs on Bird own
Wyze plugs for some automation around Bird and terrarium lights own
Wyze Outdoor Camera to monitor the kayaks $50
Wyze Sense Motion for outdoor camera $6
Wyze Bulbs (maybe) $20/4
Possibly then go with Sense Contact $20/4
In summer, it would be nice to have some automation around humidifiers $??
I'd rather go rack mounted in the end for everything on this list
Supports more Ubiquiti Applications (that I'm likely to use)
Has a drive bay (for camera recordings etc)
Comes super highly recommended
Does not have PoE built in, will need to use a PoE switch own
Will need to purchase a rack < $100
Will need to find a location to put a small rack (6U)
possible I can use the Google WiFi as one as well (maybe).
I'm hoping for 8-12TB in a NAS. I'm not super familiar with my options as far as NAS goes, so further research may change my choices.
m2 nvme for cache < $100 new each, maybe need 2?
Good lord it's expensive, like $1k for the whole setup
Only supports up to 12TB drives (not a big deal)
Needs more RAM
Seriously good god that's expensive
Can sub in for the compute portion below for media streaming
Claims to be capable of 4k 30fps transcoding
Plex forums support this claim
Upgradable RAM < $100
Expandable to 9 bays if you're feeling frisky $$$$
Most "issues" seem to stem from non-technical owners
Pros
I just wanna play with it
Got all the necessary bits right there
Self contained, don't need multiple power supplies or expensive PoE addons
Cluster management software (FOSS?)
Can start looking into the automation and personal cloud stuff
Could get just the case (or the 5 case) and slowly add boards
Some dust insurance
Cons
More expensive than just slowly gathering pi boards
Might not fit with everything else in a 6U rack?
I've got a pile of micro SD cards and adapters so can save a few dollars there.
Also have an i5 8GB Windows laptop lying around, as well as an i5 16GB 2012 Macbook Pro. I think I can get away without a NUC for quite a while between them.
Eventually, though...a NUC $500+
...thinking, please wait....
...thinking, please wait...
Just some links to various relevant things
Depending on the client and subtitle type, enabling subtitles may cause video transcoding. Since plex does not transcode INTO x265, your 4k video will be transcoded down to x264 SDR, and you will lose all the benefits of 4k hdr.
I always use subtitles....
The seems to be recommended almost universally. It's pricey at $380 new but has all the features imaginable.
Will require buying at $100 or less each used
I'm also pondering a DIY solution this has been revealed to be a terrible idea.
The comes highly recommended. ~$400 used/refurbished
4x $400+ new
$450 w/ boards, $200 w/o