Getting started with Silux Media

Step 1 — Install the server

1. 1Download the server for your computer or NAS from the Download page (Windows, macOS, Ubuntu/Debian, Docker).
2. 2Start it. On Windows run start-silux-media.bat (or install-service.ps1 to start it with Windows); on Linux install the .deb and it starts as a service; on macOS open the app.
3. 3Open http://localhost:8097 in a browser on that computer.

Full instructions per system: Install the Silux Media server.

Step 2 — Create the admin account

The first page asks you to create the owner account: a name and a password of 8 or more characters. The first account on a server is always its admin. Keep the password safe; it's the key to the server.

Step 3 — Add your media

1. 1Open ⚙ Settings → Server → Media folders and add one folder per line (for example D:\Films and D:\TV).
2. 2Save. The scan starts at once and the library fills in as it goes; posters and details follow.
3. 3Name files the usual way for the best matches: Film Name (2019).mkv and Show Name/Season 01/Show Name S01E02.mkv.

See Add your films, TV, music and photos, and Manage your library to fix a wrong match.

Step 4 — Link the server to your account (recommended)

Now the apps find your server when you sign in with your email and password.

1. 1Create a free account on the Silux Media website (Sign up).
2. 2On the website go to Account → Servers → Generate link code.
3. 3In the server's web app open ⚙ Settings → Silux Media account and enter the code.

Step 5 — Install the apps and sign in

1. 1Phone or tablet: install Silux Media, tap Sign in with Silux Media and use your account. No account? Tap Connect to a server directly and enter the server's address and your server name and password.
2. 2Computer: install the app for Mac, Windows or Linux, or just use the web app in any browser.
3. 3TV: open Silux Media on the TV; it shows a code. On your phone open Account → Link a TV and enter the code.

See Sign in on your apps and Link a TV.

Step 6 — Add your family

1. 1⚙ Settings → People → Add a person: name, password and role (User to browse and watch, Admin to also manage).
2. 2For children set a content limit (for example up to PG) and protect grown-up folders with a Parental Control PIN.
3. 3Or share the whole server with someone who has their own Silux Media account from Account → Servers → Family access on the website.

Step 7 — Watch away from home

Turn on ⚙ Settings → Direct connections so the router opens an encrypted port; apps then reach the server from anywhere. If your router can't do that, the relay on paid plans covers it. See Watch away from home.

Step 8 — Make it yours

• Mark intros and credits so Skip Intro appears (most are found automatically from chapters).
• Add Live TV from your TV aerial tuner or your TV provider, and record programmes.
• Create playlists, download films for a trip, or start a watch party.