how to run bazarr on synology

3 min read 01-10-2024

If you're a media enthusiast, you've likely heard of Bazarr, an open-source tool that complements your media library by automating the process of downloading subtitles. In this article, we'll guide you through the steps to set up and run Bazarr on a Synology NAS, ensuring you have access to subtitles for your favorite shows and movies.

What is Bazarr?

Bazarr is a companion application for Sonarr and Radarr, which are used to manage TV shows and movies, respectively. It can search for and download subtitles from various sources. Its integration with Sonarr and Radarr allows you to maintain a seamless experience in your media library.

Prerequisites

Before we dive into the installation process, ensure you have the following:

A Synology NAS device.
Access to the Synology Package Center.
Docker installed on your Synology NAS (if you're using the Docker method).

Step 1: Install Docker on Synology NAS

If you haven't installed Docker yet, follow these steps:

Open the Package Center from the Synology interface.
Search for "Docker" in the search bar.
Click Install to download and set up Docker.

Note:

Running Docker provides an isolated environment for Bazarr, preventing conflicts with other applications.

Step 2: Set Up Bazarr in Docker

Open Docker from your Synology interface.
Navigate to the Registry tab.
In the search bar, type ghcr.io/linuxserver/bazarr.
Select the appropriate Bazarr image and click Download.
Choose the latest version and click Select.

Practical Example:

Using the command line with Docker, you can also run Bazarr using the following command:

docker run -d \
  --name=bazarr \
  -e PUID=1000 \
  -e PGID=1000 \
  -e TZ=America/New_York \
  -p 6767:6767 \
  -v /path/to/config:/config \
  -v /path/to/media:/media \
  ghcr.io/linuxserver/bazarr

Replace /path/to/config with the actual path you want to use for Bazarr’s configuration files and /path/to/media with your media library directory.

Step 3: Configure Bazarr

Once Bazarr is installed, follow these steps to configure it:

Open a web browser and navigate to http://<YOUR_NAS_IP>:6767.
The initial setup wizard will guide you through the configuration. You’ll need to link it to your Sonarr and Radarr instances by providing their URLs and API keys.

Key Configuration Options:

Language Preferences: Set your preferred subtitle languages.
Search Providers: Choose which subtitle providers you want to use.
Library Management: Let Bazarr know where your media files are stored.

Step 4: Managing Subtitles

With Bazarr configured, it will automatically search for subtitles as you add new media to your library. Here’s how you can manage your subtitles effectively:

Tips for Effective Subtitle Management:

Regular Updates: Ensure that Bazarr is updated regularly to support new subtitle sources and features.
Check Logs: If subtitles aren’t downloading, check the logs within the Bazarr interface to troubleshoot issues.
Adjusting Settings: If Bazarr isn't finding subtitles, try adjusting the search settings or adding more providers.

Advantages of Running Bazarr on Synology

Centralized Management: Easily manage subtitles alongside your media library.
Time-Saving Automation: Reduce the manual effort involved in searching and downloading subtitles.
Community Support: Benefit from the strong community surrounding open-source projects like Bazarr.

Conclusion

Setting up Bazarr on your Synology NAS enhances your media experience by automating subtitle downloads. Whether you're a casual viewer or a serious cinephile, this tool will save you time and provide you with a vast array of subtitle options. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to enjoy a seamless subtitle experience.

Additional Resources

By implementing these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying your media with the perfect subtitles. Happy watching!

Attributions

This article incorporates valuable insights and guidelines from the open-source community on GitHub, particularly the Bazarr project. For further reading and detailed documentation, please refer to the original authors at Bazarr GitHub Repository.