DVDs are high-quality and all, and straightforward on storage, however Blu-rays can actually elevate your Plex server. Identical to with DVDs, Blu-rays may be ripped and added to your library for all of your family and friends to take pleasure in.

The {Hardware} You Want

Earlier than you may even think about crisp, high-quality Blu-rays gracing your Plex media server, you want the correct {hardware}—particularly, a Blu-ray drive that may learn, burn, and rip. Fortunately, these are available in two types: inside and exterior. So, in case you have a pc that does not have an empty bay for an inside Blu-ray drive, you continue to have exterior choices.

It is also value mentioning that you have to be selecting a Blu-ray drive that may learn, burn, and rip 4K UHD Blu-rays. For inside choices, the ASUS BW-16D1HT is a good possibility, and the value is not going to shatter the financial institution. For exterior choices, the Archgon MD-8107 can be simple on a funds; nonetheless, you are restricted to only Blu-rays for those who connect with a Mac.

If you have already got a pc with a Blu-ray drive that may learn, burn, and rip Blu-rays, then you definitely’re good to go.

The Software program You Want

Simply because your Blu-ray drive can rip recordsdata doesn’t suggest you are able to do it natively. You want the correct software program to do it, too. MakeMKV is as easy because it will get, and although you can buy MakeMKV, you need to use it free of charge till the beta is over.

Even for those who use the free model of MakeMKV, you will want a beta key, which will get refreshed occasionally on MakeMKV’s Support Forum. Once you run MakeMKV for the primary time, do that:

1. Open the ‘Assist’ tab and select Register.
2. Copy and paste the beta key into the ‘License key’ area, then choose ‘OK.’
3. Restart MakeMKV.

Every time the beta key expires, return to MakeMKV’s Help Discussion board and seize the brand new beta key, assuming it stays in beta (which has been ongoing since 2010).

The way to Rip Your Blu-ray Disc

Now that you’ve the appropriate software program and correct {hardware}, seize your Blu-rays, and let’s get to work.

1. Launch MakeMKV and insert your Blu-ray into your Blu-ray drive.
2. In MakeMKV, set ‘Supply’ to your Blu-ray drive.
3. Below the ‘File’ tab, choose ‘Open disc’ and select your Blu-ray, which MakeMKV will scan. When it is finished, you will see a listing of recordsdata, like subtitles, audio, and the film itself.
4. From right here, you may determine what you’d prefer to hold. I might uncheck something your Plex server can have no use for. For instance, for those who do not want Spanish subtitles (or audio), then you may do away with them. Regardless, ensure that ‘Title’ is checked, as that’s the film itself.
5. Below ‘Output folder,’ choose a vacation spot for the file, then click on the ‘Make MKV’ button to finalize.

The method will take a while, contemplating Blu-rays are fairly large, particularly 4K UHD Blu-rays. Even DVDs take a few minutes to be boiled all the way down to a single file. So, make some espresso when you wait. Given how massive Blu-ray recordsdata get, ensure you have got a correct storage system for it, similar to a NAS device.

The way to Stream Your Blu-ray Information on Plex

After getting a recent, new digital Blu-ray file, you’re prepared so as to add it to Plex for streaming. Create a folder on your Blu-ray recordsdata, transfer them over to it, and set it apart for now. Alternatively, you may drag and drop the Blu-ray recordsdata into an current library or create a wholly new one as a result of your Plex server can never be too organized:

1. In Plex, open ‘Account Settings.’ Click on your profile image within the top-right nook.
2. On the left-hand facet, underneath ‘Handle,’ select ‘Libraries.’ Choose ‘Add Library’ and select an relevant library kind.
3. Within the subsequent menu, find the folder that has your Blu-ray recordsdata, then click on ‘Add.’

That is all there may be to it. You may hop on over to a different system and stream your newly added Blu-ray films. However why cease there? Develop your library past your wildest goals by adding public-domain films. With sufficient content material, you could possibly flip your Plex server into your own streaming platform!