Need help with setting up a good media solution

[jaydoc]

Hi all

I recently got a new AMD5350 based SFF PC as a gift from a technophile friend! I want to use this as a media server. I have never done something like this. I do have enough proficiency with Linux to be able to set things up when following guides like the ones on this forum and website.

My main workstation is an i5 based desktop and that is what I have been using to hold my video files. I also have a PS3 and an Onkyo NR626 receiver. My TV is a Vizio M55 m551d a2.

I would like to be able to stream video files from my PC, as well as play streaming videos from a browser onto my TV.

What would I need to install in my media server PC to be able to do this?

Thanks

[ricksebak]

Plex would do what you described.

[jaydoc]

@ricksebak, thanks.

Would I need a Plex subscription, or will the free version be sufficient.

[ricksebak]

Depends on if you need the advanced features, such as the ability to watch videos on a phone, or not.

I would probably start out with the free version, then upgrade if you need some special feature.