Welcome to the deep dive the show where we dig into your sources and unearth the
really fascinating stuff. That's right
Today we're diving into something that gives you back control of your digital media.
It's called jellyfin
Okay, and before we get started a big thanks to our supporter safe server
Yes, safe server provides hosting for this type of software and champions your
digital sovereignty
You got it. You can learn more about them at
www.safeserver.de. All right, so you sent us information about jellyfin. Yeah, you
described it as a
free software media system
For those who are just starting out that might sound well pretty technical. It can
be a little bit
So our mission today is to break it down
We want to understand what jellyfin is why you might want to use it and how it
works on a basic level
That's right. And of course, we're basing all of this on the information you shared
exactly
So to get started we have information here from the jellyfin github page
Yes
And also their main website these sources give us a good overview of what jellyfin
is trying to achieve and how it operates exactly
Okay, so let's unpack this what exactly is jellyfin in simple terms
So in essence jellyfin is a software system that allows you to manage and stream
your personal media collection
Okay, this can include your movies TV shows music photos and even books
So I'm picturing like all those digital files. I have scattered across different
hard drives exactly jellyfin brings it all together
Yes, it does. It's like creating your own personal Netflix or Spotify, but with
your own content. That's interesting
So instead of relying on a streaming services library, I'm in control of what's
available precisely you curate your own media experience
No, that's pretty appealing. It is the sources emphasize that it puts you in
control of your media
That's right, and it describes itself as an alternative to proprietary systems like
MB and Plex
Yes, and while those systems also offer media management
Jellyfin distinguishes itself as free software now we hear free software a lot
Mm-hmm. What does that really mean for someone who just wants to use jellyfin?
Well the jellyfin website highlights that being free software means it's licensed
under the GNU GPL
Okay, this license gives you the freedom to use study modify and share the software
freely. So it's not just about cost
It's about control and flexibility exactly. It's about empowering users. Now the github
page mentioned something that sounds pretty technical
right, it says that jellyfin was descended from MB 3.5.2 release and
Imported to the dotnet core framework to enable full cross-platform support, right?
So for someone new to this, what does that even mean? What's the takeaway?
Well, the key takeaway is cross-platform support. Okay, this means jellyfin can run
on various operating systems
So it's not limited to just Windows or just Mac exactly the github page
Specifically notes that it supports all major operating systems with the exception
of free BSD
So I have a lot of choices and where I set up my media server you do the dotnet
core framework is
The technical detail that allows for this wide compatibility
I say so it's like a universal language that different computer systems can
understand precisely now
This is interesting the jellyfin website also states that there are no premium
licenses or features and no hidden agendas
Yes, that's a core principle of the project in today's world. That's refreshing
It is so many apps try to push you toward paid features or collect your data
Right, and it seems like jellyfin is consciously going in a different direction
Absolutely, they're committed to building something better collaboratively without
paywalls or data tracking
In fact, they explicitly state jellyfin has no tracking phone home or central
servers collecting your data
So if I'm concerned about privacy, this is a big plus. It is a big plus
Okay, so let me see if I understand this correctly sure if I have a bunch of
digital movies shows music photos
All these files scattered on different hard drives. Yes, jellyfin can help me bring
all of that together in one place
Yeah, and then I can access it from all my different devices. That's exactly right
The website actually lists a wide array of supported clients clients. Yes. These
are the apps you use to access your media
They have clients for web browsers desktops Android Apple devices Amazon Fire TV
Roku
Kodi and more so I could be watching a movie on my TV in the living room
And then switch to my tablet in the kitchen all seamlessly
That's right and all streaming from your own jellyfin server. Now you mentioned the
server
The github page refers to a server backend an API
Yes
Can you explain what the server part of this is sure the server is the core
software that runs on a computer you choose?
It could be your home computer a dedicated server or even something like a
Raspberry Pi
This server is what organizes your media files and makes them accessible. Okay, so
it doesn't necessarily require specialized hardware
Not at all. You can start with what you already have and what about the API the API
is a technical interface
That allows different apps those clients we talked about to communicate with the
server
It's how your phone for example knows how to request a movie from your jellyfin
server
So the server is the brain and the API is the communication system. Exactly. It's
the messenger
Now if someone wants to get started with jellyfin, where do they go?
Well, the jellyfin website points to a getting started guide and a downloads page
Okay, the github page also mentions an installation guide and for those who are
more technically inclined
There's even the option to build from source. So they offer different paths
depending on your comfort level with technology
That's right. For most people the pre-built downloads are the simplest way to get
going. What about adding my media to jellyfin?
Well, the process is fairly straightforward
You essentially point the jellyfin server to the folders on your computer where
your media files are stored
So I don't have to upload everything to some cloud service. No, not at all. Your
media stays local
That's good to know and then what happens jellyfin then scans those files
Identifies them and fetches metadata like movie posters descriptions and cast
information to make your library visually appealing
So it does all the organizing work for me. It does it's designed to be as user-friendly
as possible
Now the website also highlights some really interesting features like automatically
sorting TV shows by season
Displaying artwork for movies playing music playlists and even live TV and DVR
functionality if you have the right hardware
Yes, and they also mentioned sing play for watching media remotely with others
It sounds like they're trying to replicate a lot of the features of commercial
streaming platform
Exactly, but with the added benefit of using your own content and having complete
control and finally the github page mentions
Opening an issue. Yes, what does that mean?
This is where users can report problems or suggest improvements being an open
source project community feedback is crucial for jellyfin's development
So it's a collaborative effort very much. So users are encouraged to contribute
their ideas and help make the software better for everyone
Okay, so to sum it all up. Mm-hmm jellyfin gives you a way to create your own media
streaming system using your own files
That's right. It gives you control privacy and access across multiple devices. Yes.
It's free
It's open source and it's supported by a community of volunteers. It really is
quite remarkable
Now this brings up a question for you the listener. Okay, what would it look like
to have all your movies music photos?
All your digital media organized and accessible in one personal streaming hub. Hmm
That's a great question. Could jellyfin be the answer for taking control of your
digital life, perhaps
It's certainly something to think about it is and of course
We want to thank safe server again for their support of digital sovereignty
Absolutely, you can find more information about their hosting services at www.safeserver.de
Definitely worth checking out. Thanks for joining us for another deep dive my
pleasure