Hubbry Logo
EmbyEmbyMain
Open search
Emby
Community hub
Emby
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Emby
Emby
Emby
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Emby
DeveloperEmby Team
Stable release
4.8.10.0 / 30 September 2024; 13 months ago (2024-09-30)[1]
Preview release
4.9.0.30-beta / 25 August 2024; 14 months ago (2024-08-25)[1]
Repositorygithub.com/MediaBrowser/Emby.Releases
Written inC#
Operating systemCross platform
Platform
Available inMulti Language
TypeMedia server
LicenseProprietary
Websiteemby.media

Emby (formerly Media Browser)[2] is a media server designed to organize, play, and stream audio and video to a variety of devices.[3] Emby's source code was mostly open with some closed-source components as of August 2017.[4] Releases of the software published via the Emby website are however proprietary[5] and cannot be replicated from source due to the build scripts also being proprietary. As of version 3.5.3 Emby has been relicensed and is now closed-source, while open source components will be moved to plugins.[6] Due to this, a free open source fork of Emby was created called Jellyfin.[7] Emby uses a client–server model.

Emby Server has been developed for Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD. Users can connect to the server from a compatible client, available on a wide variety of platforms including HTML5, mobile platforms such as Android and iOS, streaming devices such as Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, and Apple TV, smart TV platforms such as Android TV, LG Smart TV and Samsung Smart TV, and video game consoles including the PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S.[8][9]

Emby Premiere

[edit]

While watching and streaming media with Emby server is free, a number of features of its clients require an active Emby Premiere subscription. As of 23 March 2021, Emby Premiere is $4.99 monthly, $54 yearly, or a $119 "lifetime" license. For example, users can watch content using the HTML5, Roku OS, Apple TV, Android on TV or Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, and LG Smart TV clients without a subscription, but if they wish to do so on any other platform, they must have Emby Premiere or a one-time app unlock purchase available in some apps. Many other features, such as Live TV and DVR functionality, transcoding using hardware, and Smart Home integration, are only included for Premiere users.[10]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Emby

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Emby is a software platform designed to organize, manage, and stream personal media libraries, including home videos, music, photos, and , to a wide range of devices such as smartphones, smart TVs, and computers. Originally developed as an open-source plugin called Media Browser for , Emby evolved into a standalone application with its rebranding in 2014, introducing advanced features like automated metadata scraping, on-the-fly , and multi-device compatibility. In 2018, the project transitioned to a closed-source model to enhance security and development control, while maintaining core functionalities for personal use; this change was controversial and led to the creation of the open-source fork . Key features of Emby include its Emby Server core, which runs on platforms like Windows, , macOS, and Android, and a suite of client apps supporting devices such as , , , , , and web browsers. The platform offers compliance for network sharing, parental controls with scheduling and restrictions, and, with Emby Premiere, integration with live TV tuners for DVR capabilities. Emby Premiere, a subscription service, unlocks premium options like offline mobile sync, cloud backups, advanced , and ad-free apps.

Overview

Description

Emby is a client-server media management system designed for organizing, playing, and streaming personal media collections, including audio, video, music, photos, and live TV, across a variety of devices. It serves as a personal media server platform that centralizes users' home media libraries, enabling seamless access and playback without the need for manual file management. In the client-server model, the Emby Server component runs on a host computer or device, where it handles core tasks such as scanning and organizing media files, fetching metadata from online databases to enrich content with details like posters and descriptions, performing on-the-fly to convert media formats for compatibility, and delivering streams over local networks or the . Client applications, available for numerous platforms including smartphones, smart TVs, and web browsers, connect to the server to browse, search, and play content remotely, supporting synchronized libraries and user-specific profiles for multiple household members. Key use cases for Emby include building and maintaining home media libraries for personal collections, enabling multi-device playback in households where users access the same content from TVs, mobiles, or computers, and automatically converting media to ensure compatibility across diverse playback devices without quality loss where possible. As of November 2025, the current stable release is version 4.9.1.90, released on November 11, 2025, while the latest preview release is 4.9.2.6 beta. Emby offers an optional subscription for unlocking advanced capabilities beyond the core free version.

Development and licensing

Emby is developed by the Emby Team, a small group of core contributors including visible community members such as Luke, ebr, and Carlo, alongside a team of paid developers who focus primarily on coding without active forum participation. The software's licensing model has evolved from its initial mixed open-source and closed-source components to a fully structure. Starting with version 3.5.3 in September 2018, Emby transitioned to closed-source for the main server build, citing the inclusion of additional modules that could not be open-sourced due to various constraints, while open-source elements were relegated to plugins. This shift to a model was intended to provide greater control over development, enhance , and accelerate feature implementation through sustained investment. The licensing change enabled Emby to prioritize premium features supported by subscriptions but prompted community backlash, resulting in the creation of forks such as . emerged in December 2018 as a free and open-source alternative, forked from Emby's 3.5.2 release in response to the impending closed-source direction for version 4.x and prior concerns over GPL compliance and restricted access to code. Binary releases and updates for Emby are hosted on at the MediaBrowser/Emby.Releases repository, which serves as the official distribution point without providing full access. The project's official , emby.media, handles downloads, support, and Premiere subscriptions essential for accessing advanced functionalities.

History

Origins and early development

Emby traces its roots to Media Browser, an open-source project initiated in 2008 as a plugin for to streamline the management of personal collections. Founded by Luke Pulverenti, who began as a user before becoming a key developer, the project addressed the need for a more intuitive interface to organize and access media files within the Windows ecosystem. Early versions emphasized simplicity, allowing users to catalog videos, music, and photos without requiring complex setups. The core functionality of Media Browser revolved around basic library organization, where users could scan local folders to build structured media libraries sorted by type, genre, or metadata attributes. It integrated metadata scraping from online databases, automatically fetching details such as plot summaries, information, ratings, and cover artwork to enrich the and mimic professional media interfaces. Playback was optimized for Windows environments, supporting direct integration with Media Center for seamless streaming and viewing on connected home theater systems, often via extenders like Xbox 360. This focus made it particularly appealing for hobbyists building dedicated home entertainment setups in the pre-smart-TV era. Development was predominantly community-driven, with a network of volunteer programmers, media enthusiasts, and users collaborating through online forums to refine the plugin and create extensions. These contributions included custom plugins for additional metadata providers, playback enhancements, and compatibility tweaks, fostering a vibrant ecosystem that prioritized user customization over commercial polish. Initially confined to Windows platforms, Media Browser gained traction among early adopters seeking free, extensible tools for personal media servers, laying the groundwork for broader evolution. This plugin foundation later transitioned into a standalone server application, leading to the project's rebranding as Emby in 2014.

Rebranding and growth

In 2014, Media Browser underwent a major to Emby, marking a pivotal shift from a plugin for to a standalone application designed for broader platform compatibility beyond Windows ecosystems. This introduced Emby Server as the core component, enabling centralized , automated metadata scraping from online sources, and real-time to adapt media for diverse playback devices. Key milestones during this growth phase included the launch of a web-based interface that simplified library organization and browsing directly in browsers, eliminating the need for dedicated client software on management devices. Automatic features allowed seamless on-the-fly streaming by converting media formats to match client capabilities, while initial multi-device support extended to early mobile applications for and Android, alongside compatibility with smart TVs and gaming consoles like . These enhancements addressed the rising demand for accessible home media streaming in the , as consumers increasingly sought solutions to organize and distribute personal collections across smartphones, tablets, and connected home devices amid the broader surge in streaming technologies. The expansion was further fueled by improvements in metadata handling, which integrated richer artwork, , and to create more intuitive user interfaces, and by flexible format support that accommodated a wide range of video codecs and containers. In the mid-2010s, the version 3.x series, starting with releases like 3.0.5572 in April 2015, expanded the platform's scope by incorporating dedicated support for and libraries, allowing users to stream image galleries with slideshow features and audio collections with playlist management alongside traditional video content. This evolution solidified Emby's position as a comprehensive media ecosystem, culminating in licensing adjustments around 2018.

Licensing changes

In 2018, Emby transitioned from a mixed open-source model to a fully one, beginning with the release of version 3.5.3, which closed the source code for the core server to protect and enable funding. This shift was motivated by the need for reliable through subscriptions like Emby , which supported features such as DVR and cloud sync, while allowing investment in paid developers and third-party modules under nondisclosure agreements. Additionally, closing the core provided greater control over the codebase to improve by reducing exposure to vulnerabilities and enabling quicker patching without public scrutiny. It also facilitated faster iteration on new features, avoiding the fragmentation and slower decision-making often associated with fully open-source projects. The change sparked significant backlash, with users expressing disappointment over the loss of transparency and free access to the full , leading some to seek alternatives. This discontent culminated in the forking of Emby's open-source components from version 3.5.2, resulting in the launch of in early December 2018 as a completely free and open-source project. Following the transition, Emby maintained open-source elements in its plugins and client applications to encourage contributions, while the remained closed-source to sustain ongoing enhancements.

Continued development

Following the 2018 licensing changes, Emby continued its evolution with the introduction of the 4.x series around 2020, focusing on performance improvements, enhanced for 4K and HDR content, and expanded platform support. Key advancements included the release of a developer SDK in 2024 to facilitate third-party integrations, along with updated client applications for devices such as (version 1.7.0 in 2024) and LG (version 1.0.37 in 2024). As of November 2025, Emby Server reached version 4.9.1.90, incorporating features like improved library scanning, live TV guide refreshes, and database optimizations. The project remains actively developed by Emby LLC, maintaining its focus on personal media management while expanding compatibility with modern devices and formats.

Features

Core features

Emby's core features center on its robust library management system, which automatically scans and indexes media files from designated folders on the host machine. This process enables users to organize content into distinct collections, including movies, TV shows, music libraries, and photos, relying on a straightforward folder-based structure that mirrors the physical organization of files. The server supports various media types and automatically detects and categorizes them during initial setup or subsequent scans, ensuring efficient and presentation of personal media collections. A key aspect of library enhancement is metadata gathering, where Emby integrates with external providers such as The Movie Database (TMDb) for movies and for television series. These integrations automatically retrieve detailed information, including posters, synopses, cast details, ratings, and subtitle files, populating the with rich, contextual data to improve discoverability and . Users can configure provider preferences within library settings to prioritize accuracy and completeness in metadata downloads. Emby supports live TV and digital video recording (DVR) through integration with compatible tuners such as , Hauppauge, and playlists. Users can set up guide data providers for electronic program guides (EPG), map channels, and schedule recordings, enabling streaming of and playback of recorded content across devices. DVR settings allow customization of recording quality, retention policies, and commercial skipping. The platform is (Digital Living Network Alliance) compliant, allowing the Emby server to share media with DLNA-certified devices on the local network. This enables playback on compatible renderers like smart TVs and media players, with support for and device detection. For playback, Emby provides basic streaming capabilities that prioritize direct play for compatible media formats, allowing files to be delivered as-is to supported clients without alteration, thereby minimizing CPU and resource usage on the server. When direct play is not feasible due to device or format incompatibilities, the server performs on-the-fly to convert audio, video, or container formats in real-time, ensuring broad compatibility across playback devices. Emby Premiere extends these options with advanced and higher-quality profiles. User management is integral to Emby's multi-user support, enabling administrators to create individual profiles with customizable access controls, such as restrictions and playback permissions. Basic allow setting maximum allowed ratings (e.g., MPAA or TV guidelines), blocking content by tags or schedules, and enforcing PIN-based access, making it suitable for households with shared devices and varying age groups. These features ensure personalized experiences while maintaining security and content appropriateness. Emby Connect facilitates seamless remote access and media sharing by leveraging cloud-based , allowing users to sign in from external networks without manual or IP configuration. This service simplifies connectivity for family members or invited guests, enabling playback of the home library on the go while adhering to user-specific permissions and restrictions.

Client applications

Emby provides a range of client applications designed to deliver media content from the Emby Server to various devices, emphasizing seamless playback and user-friendly interfaces across platforms. These clients enable users to browse libraries, search for content, and or play media locally or remotely, with support for and synchronization features. The Emby Web Client serves as an HTML5-based interface accessible through modern web browsers, offering a for , content searching, and direct media playback without requiring additional software installation. It supports features like personalized recommendations and remote access, making it suitable for desktops, laptops, and even some smart TVs via browser. Mobile applications include native apps for Android and devices, optimized for touch-based interaction with intuitive , background audio and video playback, and remote server control capabilities. These apps allow users to content on the go, media for offline viewing, and cast to compatible devices like . The Android app, available via , and the app, from the , share core functionalities for consistent experiences across smartphones and tablets. For television and streaming devices, Emby offers dedicated apps on platforms such as , , , , and , along with native support for smart TVs from manufacturers like and . These clients facilitate 4K playback, casting from mobile devices, and integration with TV remotes for setups, enabling direct streaming from the TV's without additional hardware in many cases. Desktop and console clients include the Emby app for Windows (which replaced Emby Theater as of December 2024) and Emby Theater for macOS, providing theater-like interfaces for high-quality playback, as well as support for gaming consoles like , Xbox Series X/S, and through app stores or web access. The Emby app for Windows is free to browse media, while playback requires an Emby Premiere subscription. These clients emphasize immersive viewing with remote-friendly controls and for smooth performance on connected TVs. Across all clients, universal features include resume playback to continue watching from the last position, watch history tracking for personalized recommendations, and multi-user session support allowing simultaneous access by household members with individual profiles. These capabilities ensure continuity and customization, with server-side enabling format compatibility for diverse devices.

Emby Premiere

Subscription options

Emby Premiere operates as a paid subscription add-on to the core Emby , enabling access to advanced features across the platform. It offers three primary tiers: a recurring monthly plan, an annual plan, and a lifetime plan, all priced per server rather than per user or device. As of November 2025, the monthly subscription costs $4.99 and auto-renews each month, the annual subscription is $54 for one year with optional auto-renewal, and the lifetime subscription is a one-time fee of $119, providing perpetual access as long as the service is offered. Purchases are processed exclusively through the official Emby website at emby.media, where users select their preferred tier and complete payment via or . Immediately following a successful transaction—typically within minutes—an activation key is delivered to the associated with the buyer's Emby Connect account. Activation requires pasting the key into the Emby Server Dashboard's Emby Premiere section, linking the subscription server-side without requiring individual activations for clients. Subscriptions are managed through the Emby Connect account used for purchase, supporting renewals for recurring plans and upgrades (such as from monthly to lifetime) by initiating a new purchase with the same account credentials. These plans support multiple users accessing a single server without per-device fees, subject to a standard limit of unique devices per key; extended options are available for higher limits. Terms stipulate that payments are non-refundable after key delivery, with access persisting until the end of the current term for canceled recurring subscriptions.

Exclusive features

Emby Premiere unlocks several advanced capabilities that enhance media management and playback, setting it apart from the core free version. One key feature is Live TV and DVR integration, which allows users to connect compatible tuners such as or SiliconDust devices to access broadcast television channels. This setup supports recording scheduled programs, series-based automated recordings, and manual captures, all managed through an intuitive interface with (EPG) data for channel listings and timings. Hardware-accelerated transcoding is another exclusive benefit, leveraging GPU resources for efficient video processing on supported hardware. It utilizes technologies like NVIDIA NVENC for encoding and Intel Quick Sync for decoding, enabling smooth handling of high-demand formats including , HDR tone mapping, and Dolby Atmos audio without overburdening the CPU. This results in lower latency and reduced server load during remote streaming or format conversions. Offline media and sync provide seamless access to content without an connection, allowing users to download videos, music, or photos to mobile devices or desktops at customizable resolutions and bitrates. Auto-sync automates the process for entire libraries or specific playlists on , Android, and Windows platforms, ensuring content is readily available for travel or areas with poor connectivity. Folder sync extends this to external drives or for backups, supporting multiple resolutions for archival purposes. Additional tools further elevate the user experience with . Cinema intros replicate a theater atmosphere by automatically playing trailers—either local files or fetched from online sources—and custom video clips before the main content begins. Integration with Apple CarPlay and enables effortless media playback in vehicles, supporting audio streaming and basic navigation through compatible head units. Emby Theater serves as a premium desktop and TV application, offering full playback capabilities across macOS, , PlayStation, and web browsers like Chrome and Edge, with browsing free but video decoding requiring the subscription. As of December 2024, on Windows and Xbox, Emby Theater has been replaced by the new Emby app, which is free to browse media but requires an Emby Premiere subscription for full playback capabilities, including video decoding. These unlocks also provide ad-free access to all official Emby apps, eliminating in-app prompts and limitations for uninterrupted use on Android, iOS, Fire TV, and consoles. Note that as of December 2024, basic playback is available for free on up to 5 TV devices per server, but extends this to up to 30 devices with full ad-free access and advanced features. Cloud features enhance remote accessibility and data protection. Emby Connect simplifies external connections by using a single username and for secure without manual IP configuration, supporting up to 30 devices per household license. Cloud sync options integrate with services like or to automatically back up libraries, metadata, and configurations, ensuring recovery options and multi-device synchronization.

Technical details

System architecture

Emby operates on a , where a central server handles all media organization, processing, and delivery, while client applications connect to it for accessing content either locally or remotely. The server acts as the core hub, scanning media files, managing metadata, and serving streams to clients that request playback or library information. This design allows multiple clients, such as web browsers, mobile apps, or smart TVs, to interact with the same media library without duplicating storage or processing resources. Key components of the system include the media library database, which uses to store metadata such as file paths, episode details, and user preferences in a file named library.db. The transcoding engine integrates FFmpeg to convert media formats on-the-fly, enabling compatibility with diverse client devices by adjusting video codecs, resolutions, or bitrates as needed. Additionally, the plugin system provides extensibility, allowing third-party developers to add features like custom metadata providers or integration with external services through .NET-based modules managed via the server dashboard. In terms of data flow, a client's HTTP or request to the server's —accessed via endpoints like /emby/{apipath}—triggers actions such as library scans for new media, fetches of metadata from online sources, or initiation of playback streams. The server responds with or XML data, including direct file streams for compatible formats or transcoded output for , which dynamically adjusts quality based on client capabilities and network conditions. Emby also supports and UPnP protocols, enabling discovery and playback on compatible devices through standardized network announcements and content sharing. Security features emphasize enforcement for all remote connections to encrypt data transmission and prevent interception. User occurs via Emby Connect, a centralized service that allows credential management across servers, or local accounts, with support for role-based access controls that define permissions for library visibility, playback restrictions, and administrative functions per user or group. Administrators can configure device access limits and folder-based restrictions to further granularize control.

Supported platforms and formats

Emby Server runs on multiple operating systems, including SP1 and later, macOS 10.14 and later, and various Linux distributions like , , , , and SUSE, which can be installed using .deb or .rpm packages. It also supports and deployment via Docker containers on compatible hosts, enabling flexible installation on NAS devices and virtual environments. Client applications extend compatibility to diverse devices and interfaces. These include HTML5 web browsers on desktops and laptops running Windows, macOS, or Linux; mobile operating systems such as Android and iOS; streaming hardware like Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV; smart televisions with platforms including Samsung Tizen and LG webOS; and gaming consoles such as Xbox and PlayStation. The server processes a variety of media formats through its integration with FFmpeg, accommodating common video containers like MKV, MP4, and AVI with codecs such as H.264 (AVC), HEVC (H.265), and VP9. Audio support covers formats including MP3, FLAC, and AAC, while images are handled in JPEG, PNG, GIF, and TBN extensions. Subtitles are compatible with SRT and ASS files, among others. Minimum system requirements for the Emby Server include an 2 Duo processor at 1.6 GHz or equivalent, at least 1 GB of RAM for Windows or macOS installations, and 512 MB for . For optimal performance, especially with , an i3 or better CPU, 2 GB or more RAM, and an SSD for media libraries are recommended, along with a compatible GPU for . While native ARM support is available for server installations, Windows ARM64 requires emulation or Docker for full functionality, and certain advanced formats may need FFmpeg extensions or updates.

References

  1. https://emby.media/
  2. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/576-the-history-and-evolution-of-emby/
  3. https://jellyfin.org/about/
  4. https://emby.media/support/articles/Premiere-Feature-Matrix.html
  5. https://emby.media/premiere.html
  6. https://emby.media/about.html
  7. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/573-unlock-the-power-of-hardware-transcoding-with-emby-media-server/
  8. https://github.com/MediaBrowser/Emby.Releases/releases
  9. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/89570-emby-team/
  10. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/64825-with-3530-emby-is-no-longer-open-source/
  11. https://jellyfin.org/docs/general/about/
  12. https://github.com/MediaBrowser/Emby.Releases
  13. https://www.linux.com/news/exclusive-interview-emby-founder-luke-pulverenti/
  14. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/795-welcome-to-the-new-media-browser-forums33/
  15. https://emby.media/emby-server-3-0-5572-released.html
  16. https://emby.media/blog.html
  17. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/21348-emby-latest-versions/
  18. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/565-emby-qa-answers-part-one/
  19. https://emby.media/support/articles/Library-Setup.html
  20. https://emby.media/support/articles/Metadata-manager.html
  21. https://emby.media/support/articles/Live-TV.html
  22. https://emby.media/support/articles/DVR-Settings.html
  23. https://emby.media/support/articles/DirectPlay-Stream-Transcoding.html
  24. https://emby.media/support/articles/Users.html
  25. https://emby.media/support/articles/Parental-Controls.html
  26. https://emby.media/connect.html
  27. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/575-discover-all-the-devices-you-can-use-with-emby/
  28. https://emby.media/emby-web-client.html
  29. https://emby.media/emby-for-android.html
  30. https://emby.media/download.html
  31. https://emby.media/emby-for-windows.html
  32. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/578-the-new-emby-app-for-windows-xbox/
  33. https://emby.media/emby-theater-macos.html
  34. https://emby.media/support/articles/Emby-Premiere.html
  35. https://emby.media/premiereterms.html
  36. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/90654-emby-premiere-subscription-options/
  37. https://emby.media/support/articles/Premiere-Purchase.html
  38. https://emby.media/support/articles/Premiere-Key-Delivery.html
  39. https://emby.media/support/articles/Premiere-Upgrade.html
  40. https://emby.media/support/articles/Premiere-Limits.html
  41. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/116214-hardware-accelerated-transcoding-with-quicksync/
  42. https://emby.media/support/articles/Sync-Introduction.html
  43. https://emby.media/support/articles/Folder-Sync.html
  44. https://emby.media/support/articles/Cinema-Intros.html
  45. https://emby.media/emby-theater-web.html
  46. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/blogs/entry/582-new-free-playback-and-increased-device-limits/
  47. https://emby.media/support/articles/Emby-Connect.html
  48. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/86649-cloud-sync-how-to-get-started/
  49. https://emby.media/support/articles/Home.html
  50. https://www.rapidseedbox.com/blog/emby-guide
  51. https://emby.media/support/articles/Corrupt-Database.html
  52. https://emby.media/support/articles/Plugins.html
  53. https://dev.emby.media/doc/plugins/dev/index.html
  54. https://dev.emby.media/doc/restapi/index.html
  55. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/28574-emby-as-upnp-receiver/
  56. https://emby.media/support/articles/Secure-Your-Server.html
  57. https://emby.media/windows-server.html
  58. https://emby.media/mac-server.html
  59. https://emby.media/support/articles/System-Requirements.html
  60. https://emby.media/support/articles/Installation.html
  61. https://emby.media/support/articles/Hardware-Acceleration-on-Android.html
  62. https://emby.media/support/articles/Movie-Naming.html
  63. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/117054-what-file-formats-are-supported/
  64. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/43166-arm-devices-official-instructions/
  65. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/134758-emby-for-windows-arm64-support/
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.