Media Servers & Self-Hosting

What It Is

Self-hosted media and services running at home. Partly because it’s useful, partly because it’s interesting.

The Stack

Media

• Jellyfin - Open-source media server (like Plex but without the account requirement)
• Various *arr applications for media management
• Storage on a NAS with proper redundancy

Other Services

• Various Docker containers for different purposes
• Reverse proxy for clean access
• Backup systems

Why Bother

Streaming services are fragmented and expensive. Content disappears. Quality varies. And you’re renting access, not owning anything.

Self-hosting media means:

• It’s always available
• Quality is consistent
• No monthly fees (after initial setup)
• No content suddenly disappearing

But honestly, a big part of it is just enjoying running infrastructure. There’s satisfaction in having systems that work the way you want them to.

The Learning Value

Running this stuff teaches you:

• Docker and containerisation
• Networking and reverse proxies
• Storage and backups
• Linux administration
• Troubleshooting when things break at 11pm on a Sunday

Skills that transfer to professional work, learned while doing something enjoyable.

The Honesty

Is this the most efficient use of time? Probably not. Could I just pay for streaming services? Sure. But where’s the fun in that?

Sometimes you do things because they’re interesting, not because they’re optimal.