{"id":7657,"date":"2024-05-31T17:44:48","date_gmt":"2024-06-01T00:44:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ioflood.com\/blog\/?p=7657"},"modified":"2024-05-31T17:44:48","modified_gmt":"2024-06-01T00:44:48","slug":"install-emby-linux","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ioflood.com\/blog\/install-emby-linux\/","title":{"rendered":"Emby Media Server Installation | Streaming Setup for Linux"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Installing Emby on Linux servers at IOFLOOD<\/a> is a strategic step towards creating a powerful and customizable media server solution. Emby is an open-source media server software that allows users to organize, stream, and access their media files from various devices. This guide aims to provide a concise yet comprehensive tutorial on installing Emby on Linux, empowering our dedicated server<\/a> customers and fellow developers to set up a feature-rich media server environment and enjoy seamless media streaming.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we will navigate the process of installing Emby on your Linux system.<\/strong> We will provide you with installation instructions for both APT and YUM-based distributions, delve into compiling Emby from the source, and installing a specific version. Finally, we will show you how to use Emby and verify that the correct version is installed.<\/p>\n

So, let’s dive in and begin installing Emby on your Linux system!<\/p>\n

TL;DR: How Do I Install Emby on Linux?<\/h2>\n

\n You can install Emby on Linux by running the command sudo apt-get install emby-server<\/code>. Once installed, you can access Emby through your web browser at http:\/\/localhost:8096<\/code>.\n<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

sudo apt-get update\nsudo apt-get install emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# 'Reading package lists... Done'\n# 'Building dependency tree'\n# 'Reading state information... Done'\n# 'The following additional packages will be installed:'\n# '  emby-server'\n# '0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.'\n# 'Need to get 0 B\/100 MB of archives.'\n# 'After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.'\n# 'Selecting previously unselected package emby-server.'\n# '(Reading database ... 130812 files and directories currently installed.)'\n# 'Preparing to unpack ...\/emby-server_4.6.4.0_amd64.deb ...'\n# 'Unpacking emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Setting up emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Processing triggers for systemd (245.4-4ubuntu3.11) ...'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command updates your package lists, then installs Emby Server. Once the installation is complete, you can access Emby Server by opening your web browser and navigating to http:\/\/localhost:8096<\/code>.<\/p>\n
This is a basic way to install Emby on Linux, but there’s much more to learn about installing and using Emby. Continue reading for more detailed information and advanced usage scenarios.<\/p>\n
Getting Started with Emby on Linux<\/h2>\n
Emby is a media server designed to organize, play, and stream audio and video to a variety of devices. Emby’s source code is mostly open with some closed-source components as of August 2017, releases being source code releases are published under GPL. If you’re a music or movie enthusiast looking for a way to stream your media collection across your devices, Emby is a great tool to have in your arsenal.<\/p>\n
In this section, we’ll walk you through the process of installing Emby on your Linux system using different package managers. Remember, the package manager you use depends on the Linux distribution you’re running.<\/p>\n
Installing Emby with APT on Debian and Ubuntu<\/h3>\n
If you’re using a Debian-based distribution like Ubuntu, you’ll use the APT package manager to install Emby. Here’s how to do it:<\/p>\n
sudo apt-get update\nsudo apt-get install emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# 'Reading package lists... Done'\n# 'Building dependency tree'\n# 'Reading state information... Done'\n# 'The following additional packages will be installed:'\n# '  emby-server'\n# '0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.'\n# 'Need to get 0 B\/100 MB of archives.'\n# 'After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.'\n# 'Selecting previously unselected package emby-server.'\n# '(Reading database ... 130812 files and directories currently installed.)'\n# 'Preparing to unpack ...\/emby-server_4.6.4.0_amd64.deb ...'\n# 'Unpacking emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Setting up emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Processing triggers for systemd (245.4-4ubuntu3.11) ...'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
The sudo apt-get update<\/code> command updates your package lists, then sudo apt-get install emby-server<\/code> installs Emby Server on your system. You should see a message indicating that the installation was successful.<\/p>\n
Installing Emby with YUM on CentOS and AlmaLinux<\/h3>\n
For those using CentOS, AlmaLinux or any other Linux distribution that uses the YUM package manager, the installation command is slightly different. Here’s how you can install Emby using YUM:<\/p>\n
sudo yum update\nsudo yum install emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# 'Loaded plugins: fastestmirror, langpacks'\n# 'Loading mirror speeds from cached hostfile'\n# 'Resolving Dependencies'\n# '--> Running transaction check'\n# '--> Package emby-server.x86_64 0:4.6.4.0-1 will be installed'\n# '--> Finished Dependency Resolution'\n# 'Dependencies Resolved'\n# '================================================================================'\n# ' Package            Arch        Version         Repository                Size'\n# '================================================================================'\n# 'Installing:'\n# ' emby-server        x86_64      4.6.4.0-1       epel                     100 M'\n# 'Transaction Summary'\n# '================================================================================'\n# 'Install  1 Package'\n# 'Total download size: 100 M'\n# 'Installed size: 100 M'\n# 'Downloading packages:'\n# 'Running transaction check'\n# 'Running transaction test'\n# 'Transaction test succeeded'\n# 'Running transaction'\n# '  Installing : emby-server-4.6.4.0-1.x86_64                             1\/1 '\n# '  Verifying  : emby-server-4.6.4.0-1.x86_64                             1\/1 '\n# 'Installed:'\n# '  emby-server.x86_64 0:4.6.4.0-1                                                '\n# 'Complete!'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
The sudo yum update<\/code> command updates your package lists, and sudo yum install emby-server<\/code> installs Emby Server. After running these commands, Emby should be installed on your system.<\/p>\n
Installing Emby from Source Code<\/h2>\n
If you prefer to install Emby from the source code, you can clone the Emby repository and compile it yourself. Here’s how you can do it:<\/p>\n
git clone https:\/\/github.com\/MediaBrowser\/Emby.git\n\n# Output:\n# Cloning into 'Emby'...\n# remote: Enumerating objects: 258, done.\n# remote: Counting objects: 100% (258\/258), done.\n# remote: Compressing objects: 100% (176\/176), done.\n# remote: Total 258 (delta 124), reused 163 (delta 74), pack-reused 0\n# Receiving objects: 100% (258\/258), 103.64 KiB | 2.59 MiB\/s, done.\n# Resolving deltas: 100% (124\/124), done.\n\ncd Emby\n.\/build.sh\n\n# Output:\n# Building Emby\n# ...\n# Build completed successfully\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This will clone the Emby repository to your local system and build Emby from the source code. The .\/build.sh<\/code> script compiles the code and builds the Emby server.<\/p>\n
Installing Different Versions of Emby<\/h2>\n
There may be situations where you need to install a specific version of Emby. This could be due to compatibility issues, or you might want to use a feature that’s only available in a specific version.<\/p>\n
Installing Specific Versions from Source<\/h3>\n
To install a specific version from source, you need to check out the corresponding tag in the Git repository. Here’s an example:<\/p>\n
git clone https:\/\/github.com\/MediaBrowser\/Emby.git\ncd Emby\ngit checkout tags\/4.6.4.0\n.\/build.sh\n\n# Output:\n# Switched to a new branch 'tags\/4.6.4.0'\n# Building Emby\n# ...\n# Build completed successfully\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This will build the specific version 4.6.4.0 of Emby.<\/p>\n
Installing Specific Versions with APT and YUM<\/h3>\n
You can also install specific versions of Emby using package managers like APT and YUM. Here’s how you can do it:<\/p>\n
# For APT\nsudo apt-get install emby-server=4.6.4.0\n\n# For YUM\nsudo yum install emby-server-4.6.4.0\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
These commands will install the specific version 4.6.4.0 of Emby.<\/p>\n
Version Comparison<\/h3>\n
Different versions of Emby have different features and compatibilities. Here’s a comparison of some of the key features\/changes in the recent versions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Version<\/th>\nKey Features\/Changes<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
4.6.4.0<\/td>\nAdded support for HDR10+ and Dolby Vision, improved transcoding<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4.5.0.0<\/td>\nAdded support for hardware-accelerated encoding on AMD GPUs<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
4.4.3.0<\/td>\nImproved HDR tone mapping, added support for more subtitle formats<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
Using Emby and Verifying Installation<\/h2>\n
How to Use Emby<\/h3>\n
Once Emby is installed, you can start using it to organize and stream your media. Here’s a basic example of how to add a media library to Emby:<\/p>\n
# Navigate to Emby's web interface\nhttp:\/\/localhost:8096\n\n# Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your media library\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
Verifying Emby Installation<\/h3>\n
You can verify that Emby is installed and running correctly by checking the service status:<\/p>\n
systemctl status emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# \u25cf emby-server.service - Emby Server is a personal media server with apps on just about every device.\n#    Loaded: loaded (\/usr\/lib\/systemd\/system\/emby-server.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)\n#    Active: active (running) since Tue 2022-07-12 15:30:13 UTC; 1min 53s ago\n#  Main PID: 2468 (EmbyServer)\n#     Tasks: 23 (limit: 4915)\n#    CGroup: \/system.slice\/emby-server.service\n#            \u2514\u25002468 \/opt\/emby-server\/system\/EmbyServer -programdata \/var\/lib\/emby -ffdetect \/opt\/emby-server\/bin\/ffdetect -ffmpeg \/opt\/emby-server\/bin\/ffmpeg -ffprobe \/opt\/emby-server\/bin\/ffprobe -restartexitcode 3 -updatepackage emby-server-deb_{version}_amd64.deb\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command checks the status of the Emby server. If it’s running correctly, you should see ‘active (running)’ in the output.<\/p>\n
Exploring Alternative Media Servers<\/h2>\n
While Emby is a powerful and flexible media server, it’s not the only option available. There are other media servers like Plex and Jellyfin that you might want to consider. Let’s explore these alternatives and see how they compare to Emby.<\/p>\n
Plex: A Robust Media Server<\/h3>\n
Plex is another popular media server that organizes your video, music, and photo collections and lets you stream them to all of your devices. It’s easy to install and has a user-friendly interface.<\/p>\n
Here’s how you can install Plex on Ubuntu:<\/p>\n
sudo apt-get update\nsudo apt-get install plexmediaserver\n\n# Output:\n# 'Reading package lists... Done'\n# 'Building dependency tree'\n# 'Reading state information... Done'\n# 'The following additional packages will be installed:'\n# '  plexmediaserver'\n# '0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.'\n# 'Need to get 0 B\/100 MB of archives.'\n# 'After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.'\n# 'Selecting previously unselected package plexmediaserver.'\n# '(Reading database ... 130812 files and directories currently installed.)'\n# 'Preparing to unpack ...\/plexmediaserver_1.25.2.5319-c43dc0277_amd64.deb ...'\n# 'Unpacking plexmediaserver (1.25.2.5319-c43dc0277) ...'\n# 'Setting up plexmediaserver (1.25.2.5319-c43dc0277) ...'\n# 'Processing triggers for systemd (245.4-4ubuntu3.11) ...'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command updates your package lists, then installs Plex Media Server. Once the installation is complete, you can access Plex Media Server by opening your web browser and navigating to http:\/\/localhost:32400\/web<\/code>.<\/p>\n
Plex offers a premium subscription called Plex Pass, which provides additional features like live TV and DVR, mobile sync, and premium music features. However, the free version of Plex is quite capable and might be sufficient for most users.<\/p>\n
Jellyfin: A Fully Open Source Alternative<\/h3>\n
Jellyfin is a free and open-source media server. It’s a fork of Emby and offers all of its features without any of the premium tier restrictions imposed by Emby. Here’s how you can install Jellyfin on Ubuntu:<\/p>\n
sudo apt update\nsudo apt install jellyfin\n\n# Output:\n# 'Reading package lists... Done'\n# 'Building dependency tree'\n# 'Reading state information... Done'\n# 'The following additional packages will be installed:'\n# '  jellyfin'\n# '0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.'\n# 'Need to get 0 B\/100 MB of archives.'\n# 'After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.'\n# 'Selecting previously unselected package jellyfin.'\n# '(Reading database ... 130812 files and directories currently installed.)'\n# 'Preparing to unpack ...\/jellyfin_10.7.7-1_amd64.deb ...'\n# 'Unpacking jellyfin (10.7.7-1) ...'\n# 'Setting up jellyfin (10.7.7-1) ...'\n# 'Processing triggers for systemd (245.4-4ubuntu3.11) ...'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command updates your package lists, then installs Jellyfin. Once the installation is complete, you can access Jellyfin by opening your web browser and navigating to http:\/\/localhost:8096<\/code>.<\/p>\n
Jellyfin is completely free and open-source. It doesn’t have any premium tiers or features locked behind a paywall. This makes Jellyfin a great choice for users who want a fully open-source media server.<\/p>\n
Comparison of Emby, Plex, and Jellyfin<\/h3>\n
Here’s a comparison of Emby, Plex, and Jellyfin based on their features and user experience:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Feature<\/th>\nEmby<\/th>\nPlex<\/th>\nJellyfin<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Open Source<\/td>\nPartially<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Premium Tier<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\nNo<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Live TV and DVR<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Mobile Sync<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Hardware Transcoding<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nPremium<\/td>\nYes<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
While all three media servers offer similar core features, the availability of certain features can vary depending on whether you’re using the free or premium version. Your choice between Emby, Plex, and Jellyfin would depend on your specific needs and preferences.<\/p>\n
Troubleshooting Emby Installations<\/h2>\n
Despite our best efforts, we might encounter issues during the installation or use of Emby on Linux. Let’s explore some common problems and their solutions.<\/p>\n
Emby Server Not Starting<\/h3>\n
After installing Emby, you might find that the server isn’t starting. You can check the status of the Emby server using the following command:<\/p>\n
systemctl status emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# \u25cf emby-server.service - Emby Server is a personal media server with apps on just about every device.\n#    Loaded: loaded (\/usr\/lib\/systemd\/system\/emby-server.service; enabled; vendor preset: enabled)\n#    Active: inactive (dead) since Tue 2022-07-12 15:30:13 UTC; 1min 53s ago\n#  Main PID: 2468 (code=exited, status=0\/SUCCESS)\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
If the output shows ‘inactive (dead)’, the Emby server is not running. You can start the Emby server using the following command:<\/p>\n
sudo systemctl start emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# No output means the command was successful\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command starts the Emby server. You can check the status again to confirm that the server is running.<\/p>\n
Access Denied Error<\/h3>\n
While installing Emby, you might encounter an ‘Access Denied’ error. This can occur if you’re not running the command as a superuser. You can solve this by using ‘sudo’ before your command, which gives you superuser privileges.<\/p>\n
sudo apt-get install emby-server\n\n# Output:\n# 'Reading package lists... Done'\n# 'Building dependency tree'\n# 'Reading state information... Done'\n# 'The following additional packages will be installed:'\n# '  emby-server'\n# '0 upgraded, 1 newly installed, 0 to remove and 0 not upgraded.'\n# 'Need to get 0 B\/100 MB of archives.'\n# 'After this operation, 0 B of additional disk space will be used.'\n# 'Selecting previously unselected package emby-server.'\n# '(Reading database ... 130812 files and directories currently installed.)'\n# 'Preparing to unpack ...\/emby-server_4.6.4.0_amd64.deb ...'\n# 'Unpacking emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Setting up emby-server (4.6.4.0) ...'\n# 'Processing triggers for systemd (245.4-4ubuntu3.11) ...'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command runs the installation with superuser privileges, which should bypass the ‘Access Denied’ error.<\/p>\n
Emby Not Accessible on Port 8096<\/h3>\n
After installing Emby, you might find that you can’t access the server on port 8096. This could be due to a firewall blocking the port. You can open the port using the following command:<\/p>\n
sudo ufw allow 8096\n\n# Output:\n# 'Rules updated'\n# 'Rules updated (v6)'\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
This command opens port 8096 in the firewall, which should allow you to access the Emby server.<\/p>\n
Remember, troubleshooting is a normal part of the process. Don’t be discouraged if you encounter issues. With a bit of patience and persistence, you’ll have Emby up and running on your Linux system.<\/p>\n
Understanding Media Servers in Linux<\/h2>\n
Before we dive deeper into the specifics of Emby, it’s crucial to understand what a media server is and why it’s beneficial, especially in a Linux environment.<\/p>\n
What is a Media Server?<\/h3>\n
A media server is a device or software that stores and organizes multimedia content\u2014like music, movies, and photos\u2014and makes it accessible to other devices on the same network. These servers use standard network protocols like HTTP and UPnP to stream the media content to client devices.<\/p>\n
The Role of Media Servers in Linux<\/h3>\n
Media servers play a crucial role in Linux environments, especially in home networks. They allow for centralized storage and streaming of media content, which can be accessed by any device connected to the network. This means you can watch a movie on your TV, listen to music on your smartphone, or view photos on your laptop, all stored and streamed from the media server running on your Linux system.<\/p>\n
Emby: A Powerful Media Server for Linux<\/h3>\n
Emby is a popular media server choice for Linux users. It’s designed to organize, play, and stream audio and video to a variety of devices. Emby’s source code is mostly open with some closed-source components, and it offers a range of features that make it a versatile and powerful media server solution.<\/p>\n
Emby’s System Requirements<\/h3>\n
Before installing Emby, it’s important to ensure your Linux system meets the minimum requirements. Emby requires a 64-bit architecture, 2 GB of RAM (4 GB recommended), and at least 20 GB of storage. Here’s how you can check your system’s architecture and memory:<\/p>\n
uname -m\nfree -h\n\n# Output:\n# 'x86_64'\n#               total        used        free      shared  buff\/cache   available\n# Mem:           7.7Gi       1.1Gi       6.0Gi       128Mi       611Mi       6.3Gi\n# Swap:          2.0Gi          0B       2.0Gi\n<\/code><\/pre>\n
The uname -m<\/code> command checks your system’s architecture, and free -h<\/code> checks your system’s memory. The output should show ‘x86_64’ for the architecture and at least 2 GB of total memory.<\/p>\n
Understanding these fundamentals provides a solid foundation for exploring and mastering Emby’s capabilities on your Linux system.<\/p>\n
Additional Uses of Media Servers<\/h2>\n
Media servers like Emby have drastically changed the way we consume media. They allow us to store all our media in one place and access it from any device on our home network. This convenience has made media servers an integral part of home networking and streaming.<\/p>\n
Network Storage: The Backbone of Media Streaming<\/h3>\n
Network storage is a crucial concept in media streaming. It’s the technology that allows media servers to store and serve media files. By understanding network storage, you can optimize your media server setup for better performance and reliability.<\/p>\n
Transcoding: Bridging the Compatibility Gap<\/h3>\n
Transcoding is another important concept in media streaming. It’s the process of converting media files from one format to another. Media servers like Emby use transcoding to ensure that media files are compatible with the device they’re being streamed to. Understanding transcoding can help you troubleshoot playback issues and improve streaming quality.<\/p>\n
Further Resources for Mastering Emby and Media Servers<\/h3>\n
To deepen your understanding of Emby and media servers, you might find these resources helpful:<\/p>\n