How I Put Movies on Plex (Step by Step)

[@JohnAlexanderICT]

Almost exactly the same process I use, with the exception that I have a preset saved that grabs all the English soundtracks and subtitles, and then I add a stereo downmix to all of the soundtracks so it doesn't have to be downmixed on the fly if the playback device doesn't support 5.1. That allows me to do a folder scan for .mkv files, add them all to the job list, change to my preset, add all to queue and let it bake until golden brown.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I wish I could pin multiple comments. A few people here have great ideas and shortcuts I never would have thought of. Yours is one of them.

[@KawaiiCat2]

Your tutorial is awesome! I’ve been paying for streaming just to watch my shows out and about but have a ton of old dvds. Thanks for making this tutorial!

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Hey, check out my new video! I found a program that allows you to record your streams in same and better than dvd quality and get them on your Plex! I'm going to make an updated Plex video here soon as well. Thanks for takimg the time to leave a positive comment!

[@mickyelmb]

Thanks for the video. It cleared up how to use hand brake. The first video I watched said use hand brake but didn't mention MakeMKV. You clarified how hand brake is used to change the file format and saves storage space. That is very helpful.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thanks for the comment! Soon I'm going to be remaking this video but more in depth, show more features, and explain deeper about file types, compression, and all of the good stuff!

[@bradleygraves5915]

I use DVDFab to rip the movies direct into the MKV format. Pretty straightforward. You could go straight to mp4 if you want. Plus it will handle blu ray discs.

[@leroyharry9999]

Great walk through video!!! And your perspective on trying to watch the grinch during the holidays is solid.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Christmas time especially there are so many movies I like to watch anually. I want to own the classics and have them forever so every year I don't need access to 3+ different streaming services to watch them. Thanks for taking the time to leave a positive comment!

[@TwoGuyzTech]

Just noticed this video, really appreciate the shoutout, thanks for sharing!! we love seeing more people building their movie libraries this way.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Just giving credit where credit is due! Likewise... physical ownership > digital "ownership".

[@jeffstuart6420]

Nicely done and very helpful and clear. Easy to follow. Better than many others.Thank you.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mike90317]

Handbrake is awesome. Great tutorial man.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

It's a nifty tool to know how to operate. Awesome that it is free to use. Thanks for taking the time to leave a good review and checking out the video.

[@SteveErnst117]

Thanks for the video! Very helpful. Although I will say that in the handbrake step, if you convert the mkv to an mp4, you will NOT retain any of the english subtitle information, so I think it’s important to keep it as an mkv during the compression stage.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thank you for this comment and you are correct. If subtitles are important to you do NOT convert to mp4. One of the many things I did not mention lol. Good call.

[@LordDementus1987]

How long do your HDDs typically last? I've got an 18TB that has been going strong for a couple years now.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I haven't had one fail on me yet... (knock on wood). But on my current setup they are only 3-4 years old. 18TB is a beast! That's awesome! Have you had one fail on you before?

[@musikkimies]

Regarding Handbrake, I find that reduces file size from an mkv file is MUCH faster than doing so from an MP4 - like 10-15 minutes versus nearly the same duration as the movie - even with a somewhat older computer.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Hey, thanks for the tip! To clarify are you saying that compressing the mkv file is much faster for you versus compressing an mp4 file?

[@timmanc]

Can I skip the handbrake part if im using a media server as opposed to pc? My disks are not hd or Blu-ray so not huge sizes I’d imagine

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Absolutely. You do not need handbrake. DVDs from my experience are around 4GB each movie after making them an MKV file. Handbrake typically reduces them to about .7GB - 1 GB from my experience. If you have the storage space then by all means feel free to skip the handbrake. Cool thing is when you have mkv file it is already digital so if you need space later for some reason you can just use handbrake later.

[@timmanc]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades thank you for taking the time to reply, much appreciated.

[@eedoamitay3341]

Ty for the video, just wondering the reasoning to keeping the cases still, I would have thought maybe putting them all in a disc binder would have been the way to go right?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

They do take up a lot of room. I got a lot of these movies from friends, family, coworkers (hence the grocery bags and them laying around everywhere) and I am thinking how I want to store them. Binder case is the obvious answer but part of me likes the case and it would be cool to me to have a grand display. But you are 100% correct they take up so much room. I have almost 700 now just from asking around. Crazy how many people are willing to give up DVDs when you ask. Funny thing is usually they give them to me and then thank me for clearing up space! Lol

[@eedoamitay3341]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades Ah for sure, I would keep them also if I had space, without a doubt haha its definitely nice to have them in the long run, appreciate the response !

[@MrMarbles]

guys, if you are filthy pirates and already have the mkv movie, the guide starts at 16 mins

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

🏴‍☠️🦜

[@kelly-do2ry]

Thanks 😊

[@TheRogBG]

If they are filthy pirates this isnt even a good guide. lets be honest here. There's programs that will do all this work for you automatically if you are pirating.

[@bradc7254]

Arrgggggg

[@shaqplayz]

@@TheRogBGplease explain

[@timmanc]

Great walkthrough thank you. Do I need any specific spec laptop , and does make mkv also work on Mac book ?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

MakeMKV does work on mac and the better the specs typically the faster the conversion process will happen. I have a newer pc will a newer i7 in it. Takes 5-10 minutes per movie I'd say. I do know some people who had older computers it was taking somewhere closer to an hour each movie. Yikes. But, yes programs are available for free on Mac.

[@Twenty2Comics]

Good Walk Through!! I did not know about the edition-rating that's a cool tip. Hopefully this tip helps you. Handbrake can rip DVDs straight from the disc. No need to use Make MKV. You do have to add a file to the program to make it work though.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I'll have to give that a try. That could save a lot of time especially when doing box sets with all the episodes. Thanks!

[@angelmares8675]

What file do you have to add?

[@Twenty2Comics]

@@angelmares8675 I believe it is libdvdcss-2.dll don’t quote me on that though. I would start there and do a google search with that and handbrake.

[@Winter1-]

If I put a blu ray disc instead of dvd, will I have better quality?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Blu ray will give you higher quality or resolution than DVD. Blu ray is normally 1080 and DVD is normally 480. Personally, when I do Blu Ray I don't use handbrake. I will keep .mkv file. I only compress DVD because the data it saves and I couldn't see a difference.

[@Winter1-]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades thx

[@JoshuaEdwards-n5g]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades how badly do you find it compresses the Blu ray? also, what's the typical file size of a Blu ray disc compared to a DVD before you use handbrake Thanks for the tutorial 😃

[@gerydblackmore5484]

nice video personally i use dvd fab

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thanks! Dvd fab looks like decent software. But looks like it cost money too? What features of dvd fab do you use besides ripping? Says it can upscale and what not. Have you tried this feature and if so what are your thoughts on it?

[@ungabunga115]

I'd also like to point out you can probably find a lot of old movies, Blu Rays included at your local Wal-Mart movie bargain bin for like a few dollars or something.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Great point! About a month ago I scored Men in Black trilogy at Wal-Mart for $5 in that bin. 3 movies for $5!? And now they're on my Plex, and I have them forever!

[@RosieLLC]

Great tutorial

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thanks! Glad you found it useful. I plan on doing an updated more in depth one in the future.

[@hjjr-se5jv]

I use Handbrake to convert .mkv files to .mp4 files. mp4 files are better suited to all the stuff i use with no noticeable loss in quality.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Same. Lately I've been experimenting with dvds converted to mp4 and bluray left at mkv files. But you're right usually I can't tell much of a quality difference. Especially with dvds.

[@naz.718]

do i need a blu ray external drive for blu ray films or can it just work without it?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Yes, you need an external drive capable of reading blu ray discs.

[@kwinders]

Or an internal Blu-ray drive works just as well.

[@uffeibsen8872]

Great tutorial !!!

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thanks!

[@021om6]

Does this same process work with 4k blu rays?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

4k you need to have a capable optical drive which I put a link in the description for the video that helped me. Other then that yes you can follow the same process however it is all personal choices. Some people will tell you not to use handbrake and keep mkv file. There are methods for audiophiles to get the better audio. Even size of t.v. and how far away you sit from it can make a difference. Personally, I stick to 1080p blu ray. 4k takes a lot of data in my opinion and I am happy with it. Hope I answered your question? If not or if I introduced new questions keep them coming!

[@021om6]

@SteeleOfAllTrades thank you for your great response. I have a lot of 4k blu rays that I want to rip so I know that's going to take a lot of storage if I use handbrake to lower the gb storage does it take away the video and sound quality?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

@@021om6 Yes. Handbrake (compression) will always reduce quality hence, less data. This is where it gets fun because everybody's setup is different so how much compression until YOU notice an actual difference in quality will differ from me, your neighbor, and so on. What I would suggest doing is do one 4k movie. After converted to mkv file make a copy of it. Put the copy through handbrake. Label them test 1 and test 2. Add them to Plex temporarily. To be unbiased close your eyes and let someone else play one for 5 minutes then play the other where you don't know which is which to see if YOU can tell a difference. If you can't then I say use handbrake. Or ask a friend or spouse or something to give their unbiased opinion.

[@021om6]

Such a great point I will definitely do that! I have a few questions so ultimately I want to pull the plug on streaming services and use my own "netflix" by using all my physical media that I have collected . So, in order to do this, am I correct on these following steps? If not, please let me know. 1) Use a uhd friendly blu ray player to rip my 4k,blu ray, and dvd's. I have a Mac. How do I connect these players to my mac? 2) Use the makemkv software to rip and burn the film from the disc 3) Save the movie onto my nas 4) Download plex on my nas 5) Download plex on my smart tv. Will i be able to watch the movies on my nas to my TV?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

You and I are on the same page with the same end goal. I have not yet committed to a NAS because when I do I want it to be nice. First of all, the drivers can usually be connected via USB. Optical driver plus cable type plus computer CPU essentially dictate ripping speed. I use a PC/Windows; however, Mac should not be any different I'd imagine. Secondly, are you ready for this rabbit hole? You have the right idea. Get the file you eventually want after you rip it and put it on your NAS. Now here is another thing which will change your 4k quality is the NAS... Here is the Plex article for suggested CPU requirements (PassMark score) support.plex.tv/articles/201774043-what-kind-of-cpu-do-i-need-for-my-server/ Scroll down until you see the bold numbers and it tells you suggested score for 720p, 1080p, 4k SDR, and 4k HDR. I actually suggest reading entire article. Now here is the website which you can enter the CPU model and it will tell you the PassMark score www.cpubenchmark.net/ Go ahead and enter your Mac CPU model to see your score! Notice the jump between 1080p and 4K? 2000 score versus 12000 or 17000 score!? So, I went on Amazon and was looking at the Terramaster and stuff like that and those CPUs get nowhere close to the 4K score. Example, the Terramaster F4-223 on Amazon says it has a Celeron N4505 CPU. Enter that and it says it has a 2,295 score. This means it is capable of streaming up to 1080p on one device. I entered my PC CPU (Intel Core i7-11700 @ 2.50GHz) and got a score of 19,788. My PC absolutely obliterates the NAS at this rating. Another thing to point out is according to the article 1080p score is 2000 and 4K SDR is 12000. This means if my CPU score was 12000, I could stream to 6 devices at 1080p with roughly the same power to stream to one device at the 4K SDR. One more thing to point out would be is the NAS hardwired to the television or wireless? Because then you'd also have to take into consideration your internet speeds. It takes a lot to achieve the full 4K quality. Especially if you are wanting the full HDR experience. This is why I personally stick with 1080p for now.

[@yash.alapuria]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Appreciate it!

[@essetee]

If you set the QF at 26 or 27 your files will be much smaller without loosing quality

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I've had several people tell me several different numbers. I suggest everyone try out and experiment and see what they like. I agree though especially when it comes to DVD things already lower quality... and if you are converting 100s or 1000s of old footage to digital file size matters over time to some people.

[@joshuaharper4439]

Where do you get handbrake? Thanks.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Link is in the description of the video for all applications including handbrake

[@nathanst66]

Mkv works for me when I copy blu rays but DVDs give say illegal request, media region code is mismatched. Can this be fixed?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I haven't had this issue but some people do. From my findings online this has to do with the optical drive. Apparently it is different how blu rays and dvds do region code. What model of drive do you have and if you can what firmware? LibreDrive enabled optical drive will usually resolve this. Sources - forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=32232 forum.makemkv.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=16&t=19634

[@nathanst66]

The drive I have is unbranded (from Amazon) but I searched on google the error code and if you go to drives and devices on your pc and change your computers region code there it will fix the problem. I changed to one and it worked! No errors

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Great to hear! Thanks for sharing the resolution to your problem for others as well.

[@arc3065]

I’ve tried using handbrake and it takes literally hours to compress one movie. I don’t know if my PC is just a wimp or I have the wrong settings but I found it unusable for this reason.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Talking with other people who have had similar issues, it was their computer. They were a little older computers. You don't have to use handbrake. You can keep .mkv file. It will be larger but you'll have a great quality video and it can work on Plex or Jellyfin whichever you prefer.

[@arc3065]

Yeah it’s over 7 years old. Time to upgrade.

[@lawsnewton]

Shout out to you HEB bags Texas Bro!

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Good eyes! HEB is the greatest.

[@reggieswilliams]

Cool video

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Appreciate it!

[@SwankyK73]

You don't need handbrake. You can optimize the video within Plex, which will convert to an mp4. However, if you delete the original MKV file, and update the plex library, it will then also put the newly created MP4 in the recycle bin. So... once it's created, delete the original MKV file, and then empty the recycle bin. Update the plex library. Open the recycle bin and restore your optimized MP4 file. Done.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

This is interesting... Do you know if it also compresses file size like handbrake does or only convert mkv to mp4?

[@SwankyK73]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades Both. There are a few options when optimizing. You can optimize for mobile devices, TV, or original quality. I recently downloaded Batman V Superman extended cut. The UHD variety. almost an 80 GB file, and Plex took that down to about 10 GB after optimization.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

This is good to know! Neat trick! Like I said to others I wish I could pin several comments to the top for people to see these great ideas / tricks. Thanks for sharing I'll have to give this a try!

[@SwankyK73]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades After seeing this video, I thought about doing one my self showing my method. IDK if I'll bother with ripping a DVD since he covered that. But well see.

[@redstormsju777]

How do you get it to work so fast? I have a Mac file on my computer and it’s take. An hour to convert to mp4. I settings default on handbreak

[@archangelmusic13]

is it free to put your own movies on plex?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Yes, Plex is free. Plex does offer a paid version but it is not required.

[@archangelmusic13]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades what's the difference? what do you get in the paid version?

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

@@archangelmusic13 support.plex.tv/articles/202526943-plex-free-vs-paid/

[@Betamax19732]

Thanks good video

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thank you. I like your name and image. Analog technology 👍

[@sethterwilliger9434]

For the quality bar u can put it at 16.5 and u will never tell the difference in quality

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Great comment. I've messed with it up and down and couldn't tell you the difference.

[@yannisgk]

lol...we have the same disc player setup!!! (owc+lg but in a mac).

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I almost didn't get the OWC because of the price. But, I have no regrets now because the quality of that enclosure is amazing. If we have the same setup you should be able to do 4k movies into Plex!

[@yannisgk]

yes, owc enclosure was a bit pricey (also for me as i live in greece), but it's amazing indeed!!! i don't own any 4k disc, but i have many bluray discs that i may rip!!!cheers!!!@@SteeleOfAllTrades

[@michaelcrippen3733]

That app will not do copy right dvd

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Which application are you referring to? I haven't had copyright issues ever.

[@dorkydicken]

But it's too easy, I did this in 2013 as well as setup Plex Media Server to allow me to stream my library over any connection, even my own mobile phone's data away from home network. It's just editing the ports and enabling some on your router.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thanks for checking out the video!

[@grayzukalooky7395]

Fruity Loops FTW!

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Been using it for years. It's my favorite DAW. Stay tuned, going to have some audio videos coming out soon.

[@Thierry-ck3fp]

🎧🤪🎙️🫶 Thank you so much for sharing 🙏 I wishing you a beautiful day to you and all your viewers. Much Love Thierry ❤️˘◡˘❤️

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Thank you for taking the time to leave such a positive comment.

[@zachamos7537]

Makemv is making my movies iso files

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Make sure after inserting the disc and the program recognizes the disc you click on the dvd or blu ray drive image. Do NOT click the folder on the top left with the green arrow. Folder with green arrow will create disc backup / iso file. Did this help you? Hard to describe in text. When I say click on drive image I am referring to the part you can see at about 3:25 in the video. Hope this helps!

[@britsluver]

Crossroads and enough yaaas

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Can't have a movie library without a little J. Lo

[@Lazarev666]

Omg, it is such a hustle. And you still have all of this plastic clutter left. Why can't you just sail ?

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

I'm not a lawyer but most likely downloading a trrnt of a movie you'd purchased on a disk should not be viewed as prcy. Making iso's or rips will take longer than that. Making a really good rip requires experience, and you're better off finding one ready made by specialists than go DIY. If you're in specific mickey-mouse-loving jurisdictions, might want to protect yourself anyways by using vpns or the like.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

You're not wrong. I've tried sailing the seven seas but it's not for me. I'd get the wrong movie, poor quality, subtitles in another language, you name it. When I want to want Shrek I want to watch Shrek NOW in good quality lol. Ultimately, I do this for movies I love, holiday movies, and other things so that I can watch what I want when I want to and during the holidays I don't have to have a specific streaming service to watch The Grinch. I could go on forever about how much I hate streaming services. I say buy it, own it for life, make movie nights a thing with kids or wife by going out once or twice a month to buy a new movie with the money you save instead of giving it to streaming platforms and you have it for life in good quality format.

[@Lazarev666]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades You tried that like 15 years ago. I never face such issues 😐. It's like streaming now, but for free.

[@Lazarev666]

@BoraHorzaGobuchul It just works, and the quality is good, I don't know what to complain about. They rip streams using special hacked hardware. So you basically get same 4k.

[@BoraHorzaGobuchul]

@@SteeleOfAllTrades you gotta know places. Unfortunately, just like everything, most trr nt trackers are sh*t nowadays. Lots of bad rips and outright crap. But if you know the good ones, you're golden. Those often require registration and have strict rules regarding the quality of releases and naming so it's ready to find high-quality stuff. I live in Mordor and dare say local trackers are exemplary in this regard. Screenshots, codec information, multiple soundtracks in various languages, qualities ranging from 4k to fullhd and below for older releases... If you know to find the right place.

[@CDubya.82]

No compression if you care at all about physical media. Otherwise you might as well just settle for any one of the many streaming services. I guess you must wanna make your own Netflix with the same crap quality they provide.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

I can't tell the difference between compressrion and no compression personally. And I need it as it uses roughly 70% less data from my experience. It's most important to me for ownership rather than paying monthly subscription to rent media.

[@rts3779]

Another video that didnt explain how to add media to plex.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

Let me help you! At 16:15 to 16:30 I put the movie file into my Plex library. At 18:25 I show you how to link your media folder containing all your movie files to Plex for first time users. Is neither of these what you were looking for?

[@mcoleman3687]

I felt it was kinda vague too. The MKV TO mp4 demo was spot on.

[@SteeleOfAllTrades]

@@mcoleman3687 Thanks for the feedback. From what I'm hearing is people want a more in depth how to video rather than a video showing how I do things. I'll consider it. Thank you!

[@symphonyarmada5747]

​@SteeleOfAllTrades yh please consider making the in depth video, completely new to this and need more indepth guidance.