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Magpie

Documentation Installation

Installation

Install the server, add a library, and play something on your own devices.

Before you start

Choose the computer that holds your media and can stay on while you watch. Have a folder of movies, shows, music or home videos ready.

01Install Magpie Server

  1. Download the server package.

    Choose your operating system and processor on Downloads.

  2. Install and open it.

    Windows: run the installer. macOS: open the DMG and copy the app to Applications. Linux: install the DEB or make the AppImage executable and open it.

  3. Set up the server.

    If setup does not open, choose Set Up or Reset Passcode from the Magpie icon in the menu bar or system tray. Name your household network, then choose a username and a passcode of at least 15 characters.

Check

The administration console opens and you can continue to Add Your First Library.

02Add your media

  1. Open Libraries and choose Add Library.

    Select what the library contains, then name it.

  2. Choose Add Folder.

    Browse to a media folder on the server. Add every folder that belongs in this library, then review the options and save.

  3. Check the scan.

    The library card shows its progress. If no scan was queued, choose Scan Now. Wait for a familiar title to appear.

Check

Your library lists a title you recognize. If it does not, check the folder path and scan result before connecting a TV.

03Connect a player

Open Magpie on your computer, phone or TV and connect to your home’s server. Keep both devices on the same network.

If the player asks for approval, open Broadcasting → Devices in the console. Enter the code shown on the TV and choose Approve, or approve its request under Waiting to Be Approved.

Approve only the device whose request you recognize.

04Play a title

Open On Demand, choose a title from your library, then start playback.

Check

The title plays with picture and sound. Pause and resume it, then return to the library.

Continue with your first watch or TV setup.

If something does not work

The library is empty
Check that the folder is on the server, its drive is mounted and the scan completed. Read the library card’s error before retrying.
A TV cannot find the server
Check both devices are on the same network and the server is running. On the TV, choose Enter Home Address and type the server computer’s network address, such as 192.168.1.20.
The TV is waiting
Check Broadcasting → Devices for the matching request or pairing code.
A title opens but will not play
Try a second title and record the device, title and playback error for support.