casey-hero2

Plex & Overseerr User Guide

Get Plex Account

Visit plex.tv/sign-up to create your free Plex account. Enter your email and create a password, or sign up using Google/Apple. Once logged in, message the admin (@casey) on Slack or another method with your Plex account email address.

Access Casey+ Server

Once the admin (@casey) adds you to the Casey+ Plex Server you will be sent a friend invite and invitation to a shared library. Check your email (including spam) for any Plex notifications and watch for emails from [email protected] as well. You can also accept the invite via the Plex web app at app.plex.tv under Profile > Requests.

Request New Content

Use the request.casey.plus system powered by Overseerr to request new content. Log in with the Plex account you previously made after you have been added to the server. All requests will be vetted, approved, and automatically downloaded and added to the server.

Download Plex Apps

  • Desktop: Plex for Windows/macOS/Linux from plex.tv/downloads
  • Mobile: iOS App Store / Google Play Store "Plex" app
  • TV: Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, smart TVs via app stores
  • Consoles: PlayStation, Xbox from respective stores
  • Web: app.plex.tv works anywhere

Streaming Best Practices

Prefer Direct Play whenever possible; if that fails, fall back to transcoding at a suitable quality level so playback remains smooth. Set streaming quality to "Original" first, and only step it down if you see buffering or stuttering.

Hardware Tips:

  • Use the best possible or newest hardware when possible, such as Apple TV 4K or Nvidia Shield, which handle more formats via Direct Play.
  • Use hard-wired Ethernet over Wi-Fi if possible for more stable bandwidth and fewer buffering issues.
  • Set client quality to "Original" and enable Direct Play/Direct Stream in each Plex app; turn off "Automatic" quality if you want to avoid unnecessary transcoding.

Best Devices for Plex:

  • Nvidia Shield TV/Pro: Excellent codec support for Plex, supports high-bitrate 4K HDR and advanced audio formats, and is widely regarded as one of the best Plex clients.
  • Apple TV 4K: Great general streaming device that also Direct Plays most common Plex media and offers a polished interface for less technical users.
  • Modern Android TV / Google TV devices: Good all-rounders that support a wide range of apps and work well as Plex clients when properly configured.
  • Recent Roku / Fire TV 4K models: Solid budget options that work fine for most 1080p and many 4K Plex streams when paired with good network connectivity.

Quality & Transcoding Strategy:

  • Start with a direct connection on a capable device and set streaming quality to "Original" so media Direct Plays without server transcoding whenever the format is supported.
  • If you experience buffering, step down to a slightly lower fixed quality (for example, 20 Mbps to 12 Mbps, then 8 Mbps) to let the server transcode to a bitrate your connection can handle.
  • For remote/over-internet viewing, consider enabling "Automatic" quality after testing, so Plex can transcode down as needed based on your actual bandwidth while still preferring Direct Play when possible.