Reverendender, 1 year ago (edited 1 year ago)

OK, so, I attempted to bring some clarity to this discussion that seems like it’s all over the place in terms of methodology and difficulty. Here is a breakdown as well as some instructions that should hopefully help OP out.

1. Running VPN on Router (suggested by ruplicant):

   • Veracity: Valid. Running a VPN on the router secures all devices on the network.
   • Complexity: High for a beginner. Requires a compatible router and understanding of router firmware.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Not ideal due to the technical complexity.

2. Setting Up Media Server on Raspberry Pi (suggested by ruplicant):

   • Veracity: Valid. Raspberry Pi can effectively run media servers like Plex or Jellyfin.
   • Complexity: Moderate. It requires some technical know-how for setup and maintenance.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Moderate. Good for those with some technical background.

3. Standard Computer Setup with Torrent Client and VLC (suggested by send_me_your_ink):

   • Veracity: Valid. This is a common method for downloading and viewing content.
   • Complexity: Low. Easy to set up and use.
   • Suitability for Beginners: High. Straightforward and less technically demanding.

4. Using Plex Over Jellyfin (suggested by Reverendender):

   • Veracity: Subjective. Both are valid, but Plex is often seen as more user-friendly.
   • Complexity: Low for Plex, moderate for Jellyfin.
   • Suitability for Beginners: Plex is more suitable due to its ease of use.

Based on this analysis, for a beginner user, the most straightforward and effective approach would be to use a standard computer setup with a VPN, a torrent client, and VLC media player for streaming. This setup minimizes technical complexity while providing a good balance of privacy and ease of use.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Beginners:

1. Set Up a VPN on Your Computer:

• Choose a reputable VPN service (like Mullvad or ProtonVPN).
• Download and install the VPN software on your computer.
• Follow the software’s instructions to connect to a VPN server.

2. Install a Torrent Client:

• Download a user-friendly torrent client (e.g., qBittorrent, uTorrent).
• Install the torrent client on your computer.
• Configure the settings for privacy (like enabling a kill switch, if available).

3. Download and Install VLC Media Player:

• Download VLC from its official website.
• Install VLC, following the setup wizard.

4. Download Content:

• Use the torrent client to find and download content.
• Ensure your VPN is active whenever you are downloading.

5. Stream Content to Your TV:

• If your TV supports casting (like with Chromecast), use VLC’s streaming feature to cast content to your TV.
• Alternatively, connect your computer to the TV via HDMI for direct playback.

6. Practice Good Security Habits:

• Always keep your VPN active when downloading or streaming content.
• Regularly update your software (VPN, torrent client, VLC) for security.

7. Optional: Explore Advanced Configurations Later:

• As you become more comfortable, you might explore setting up a media server like Plex for a more integrated experience.