So I got my Shield yesterday and hooked it up. Installed kodi and put SilenceROM on it. All of that seems to be working solid.
Now what I want to do is install a NAS device that will allow me to store and stream media to all of our devices (basically replace the Xfinity X1 DVR & apps). Doing so will allow me to finally cut cable completely I think.
The problem I am running into is the plex server. The shield says you need to run the server on a home PC or NAS. Plex says a bunch of shit I don't fully understand. I don't have a home pc, there are two laptops, a tablet and two phones. I don't want to add a pc to the system just to run the server. However, if I mount the server on the NAS, there are a bunch of issues with processing and transcoding that will affect the ability to stream?
Help me OG nerds, you're my only hope. 
I'll buy a blue name for whoever helps me solve this today. Need to run out in about two hours and would like to hit the best buy on the way.
The issue is that it isn't as simple as grabbing a NAS at Best Buy.
How much storage will you need, what sort of network are you running, are you willing to transcode ahead of time assuming you have the storage capacity.
You may be better off using one of the laptops as a media server with an external hard drive as a temp solution right now. 
Flyers179 - The issue is that it isn't as simple as grabbing a NAS at Best Buy.Yeah what this guy said... Just get a laptop with a huge hdd. It will be SO much easier to work with
How much storage will you need, what sort of network are you running, are you willing to transcode ahead of time assuming you have the storage capacity.
You may be better off using one of the laptops as a media server with an external hard drive as a temp solution right now.
I'd like to add a 3TB NAS
I'm only the slightest bit computer literate, so I'm not very sure on the network question. What I have is:
Modem/router
2 laptops
2 printers
Sonos
Xbox
Shield
All grouped together with a Windows 'homegroup'?
From my reading, my understanding is that plex server on the nas won't do transcoding, but the shield can do transcoding before streaming? If I hardwire them together through the router I should have a fast enough connection? (hope this makes sense) Then the server only has to organize stuff for the shield?
Both laptops leave daily for work/school. Should I maybe just install plex server onto both? Store everything on the NAS and let them connect independently if that will work?
Or maybe this? I could go swing this and just leave it on the entertainment center.
ASUS G75VW BBK5 17.3? Notebook - Core i7 3610QM 2.3 GHz - 8 GB RAM - 1 TB HDD
$68.88
McGregorFistedMyAldhole -
you better swallow
^of course bro.
McGregorFistedMyAldhole - Or maybe this? I could go swing this and just leave it on the entertainment center.That computer could absolutely handle it, also installing Plex on both laptops could be sufficient too.
ASUS G75VW BBK5 17.3? Notebook - Core i7 3610QM 2.3 GHz - 8 GB RAM - 1 TB HDD
$68.88
You don't need to buy a NAS bay if your gonna use a computer, and external drive will do.
The shield won't be doing any transcoding on its end.
So yeah, if you're willing to buy a cheap computer that would be better than a standalone NAS server.
Never_rolled - I agree. Cheap puter with big external drive. I use Plex every day but on a PC. No issues. I bought the Iphone app. Plex is an amazing piece of software.VU
Flyers179 -Gonna go with this. Hope it works, I may have a couple more questions?McGregorFistedMyAldhole - Or maybe this? I could go swing this and just leave it on the entertainment center.That computer could absolutely handle it, also installing Plex on both laptops could be sufficient too.
ASUS G75VW BBK5 17.3? Notebook - Core i7 3610QM 2.3 GHz - 8 GB RAM - 1 TB HDD
$68.88
You don't need to buy a NAS bay if your gonna use a computer, and external drive will do.
The shield won't be doing any transcoding on its end.
So yeah, if you're willing to buy a cheap computer that would be better than a standalone NAS server.
Log out and back in.
McGregorFistedMyAldhole -You didn't need to do that but VU. Please ask away.Flyers179 -Gonna go with this. Hope it works, I may have a couple more questions?McGregorFistedMyAldhole - Or maybe this? I could go swing this and just leave it on the entertainment center.That computer could absolutely handle it, also installing Plex on both laptops could be sufficient too.
ASUS G75VW BBK5 17.3? Notebook - Core i7 3610QM 2.3 GHz - 8 GB RAM - 1 TB HDD
$68.88
You don't need to buy a NAS bay if your gonna use a computer, and external drive will do.
The shield won't be doing any transcoding on its end.
So yeah, if you're willing to buy a cheap computer that would be better than a standalone NAS server.
Log out and back in.
I never mind informing people about tech stuff.
Ok. Next question.
What if I got a display model Surface RT and a NAS? Will the Surface RT run plex server? Would it talk to both the shield and NAS and allow me to do what I want? Is this getting TOO complicated? Just curious because I thought this might be better than just a cheap laptop sitting on the shelf and would provide an additional screen/apps that would get used.
Never_rolled - You could use a laptop you already have and just but an external HD and call it a day.So just put plex server on both laptops and an external hard drive?
What's happening now is two laptops full of their own media (movies, music, pics etc.) I want to combine all of that into one location and get them off the laptops, yet have them accessible to to all the devices. Seldom are both laptops both available at the same time. Ideally I would like to have a stand alone system that is always up and running regardless of who is around to plug in their laptop.
McGregorFistedMyAldhole -I wouldn't go with a Surface RT, don't do that.Never_rolled - You could use a laptop you already have and just but an external HD and call it a day.So just put plex server on both laptops and an external hard drive?
What's happening now is two laptops full of their own media (movies, music, pics etc.) I want to combine all of that into one location and get them off the laptops, yet have them accessible to to all the devices. Seldom are both laptops both available at the same time. Ideally I would like to have a stand alone system that is always up and running regardless of who is around to plug in their laptop.
It's not running a 'real' version of Windows and won't be sufficient. I'm surprised you can still find one for sale (MS dumped the whole RT line iirc).
You'd have to link me to the model you intend to buy. The normal surface computers would be sufficient.
You could do what the above user suggested and just alternate laptops. Just centralize all the media on one drive and then use whichever laptop is available at the moment.
So I picked up a 5TB Seagate desktop drive. Gonna try running this with my existing laptop for now. Doesn't seem like the ideal setup, but I figure I can try it out and play with it until I get more used to it then probably pick up a dedicated computer to run the server.
The setup you're describing will work perfectly, whenever the laptop doesn't have to be moved while streaming off the external hard drive.
I have a laptop at my place that acts as a secondary server when I need it, but everyone's needs are different.
How much was the 5TB seagate. It goes on sale all the time online for $110.
WD model New at Best Buy's online store:
http://m.ebay.com/itm/201407151628?rmvSB=true
It was 149. 169 with the two year protection plan.