What does Plex actually do?

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#2560335 8-Sep-2020 14:44

chevrolux:

Handle9:

If you have one client - nothing. Kodi does more than Plex in this scenario.

And just to add, with a very simple little config file, and an SQL database sitting on your NAS, you can achieve central storage of play/paused info, meta data etc within Kodi if you do add another Kodi player in the future.

Before you jump in and buy a Plex pass it's worth taking a look at Jellyfin as an alternative.
It started as a free, open-source fork of Emby and has really come into it's own with the last couple of releases.

May not be what you are after but definitely worth a look.
I couldn't recommend it more.

If you prefer Kodi on some devices (TV's) you can also sync Kodi clients to a shared Jellyfin/Emby server.

JimmyH

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#2560622 9-Sep-2020 08:59

I use Chromecast Ultras and Rokus as clients. They both work well - inexpensive and direct play most formats.

Tip #1: If you have small children (esp that that sleep in your room) or a partner, consider the Roku Ultra. Bluetooth remote that lets you plug headphones into it for audio instead of using the TV speakers. That means you can watch Plex on the TV without waking them.

Tip #2: Wherever possible, wire the clients rather than using WiFi. That goes for all streaming, not just Plex. Reduces risk of drop-outs and quality loss, esp if multiple people are hitting the WiFi at the same time.

surfisup1000

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#2560628 9-Sep-2020 09:11

pistol:

Before you jump in and buy a Plex pass it's worth taking a look at Jellyfin as an alternative.

I just checked out Jellyfin... doesn't support apple tv from what I can see.

But, when it does, I might switch.

The hardware acceleration is important to me, plex free version doesn't do it.

dafman

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#2560884 9-Sep-2020 12:10

JimmyH:

I use Chromecast Ultras and Rokus as clients. They both work well - inexpensive and direct play most formats.

Can you use a Chromecast Ultra to stream different format video files from a NAS?

davidcole

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#2560904 9-Sep-2020 12:28

dafman:

JimmyH:

I use Chromecast Ultras and Rokus as clients. They both work well - inexpensive and direct play most formats.

Can you use a Chromecast Ultra to stream different format video files from a NAS?

As long as plex understands it then it should transcode to what the chromecast can handle. That's one of Plexs' primary features.

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muppet

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#2561002 9-Sep-2020 13:26

Plex is great for one thing:

Saying to your nerdy friends "I bet your Plex collection isn't that great" and they FALL OVER THEMSELVES to show you how much Media they've collected, giving you a login and telling you to contact them if "There's anything missing you want"

And then you go home and stream it all to your TV.

Plex is basically free Netflix.

Why would you RUN a Plex server? NFI.

gbwelly

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#2561053 9-Sep-2020 14:21

muppet:

Plex is great for one thing:

Saying to your nerdy friends "I bet your Plex collection isn't that great" and they FALL OVER THEMSELVES to show you how much Media they've collected, giving you a login and telling you to contact them if "There's anything missing you want"

And then you go home and stream it all to your TV.

Plex is basically free Netflix.

Why would you RUN a Plex server? NFI.

Seems like you aren't really their friend if that is how you feel about the effort they are putting in for you to use for free.

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surfisup1000

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#2561146 9-Sep-2020 15:25

gbwelly:

muppet:

Plex is great for one thing:

Saying to your nerdy friends "I bet your Plex collection isn't that great" and they FALL OVER THEMSELVES to show you how much Media they've collected, giving you a login and telling you to contact them if "There's anything missing you want"

And then you go home and stream it all to your TV.

Plex is basically free Netflix.

Why would you RUN a Plex server? NFI.

Seems like you aren't really their friend if that is how you feel about the effort they are putting in for you to use for free.

I think it was a joke.

dafman

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#2561188 9-Sep-2020 16:18

davidcole:

As long as plex understands it then it should transcode to what the chromecast can handle. That's one of Plexs' primary features.

Thanks, to clarify - I have to run through Plex, Chromecast ultra won't stream video files natively from a NAS?

davidcole

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#2561278 9-Sep-2020 18:32

dafman:
davidcole:

As long as plex understands it then it should transcode to what the chromecast can handle. That's one of Plexs' primary features.

Thanks, to clarify - I have to run through Plex, Chromecast ultra won't stream video files natively from a NAS?

There’s a big depends there. Plex makes it much easier. Though if Plex is on the nas, and depending on the cpu of the nas, you might Get less benefit from Plex. With some nas CPU’s it can’t offer transcoding to a native format that the chromecast can accept due to lower powered cpus.

gbwelly

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#2561296 9-Sep-2020 19:13

surfisup1000:

I think it was a joke.

Oh I know it was a joke, it just wasn't very funny.

Here is a translation of the joke: "I'm on geekzone, but I don't class myself as a nerd, I know some nerds, they are falling over themselves to impress me with their Plex libraries. They are so keen to impress me they will even get any shows I want. I'm not willing to put in the work to set up my own Plex server, but why would I when I can use theirs for free?"

I've said my piece.

ANglEAUT

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#2561407 9-Sep-2020 22:21

I'd stay with Kodi. My reasons are as follows

Simple to use, very high WAF factor
Can navigate the menu easily with a remote. Plex always felt to me like it required a mouse to select the right screen element

Please keep this GZ community vibrant by contributing in a constructive & respectful manner.

gehenna

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#2561408 9-Sep-2020 22:22

Plex is a fully remote control compatible app. That's not a reason to exclude it.

Handle9

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#2561413 9-Sep-2020 22:37

gehenna: Plex is a fully remote control compatible app. That's not a reason to exclude it.

Completely agree. In comparison Kodis settings menus are the 7th circle of hell with a remote and no keyboard.

davidcole

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#2561414 9-Sep-2020 22:44

Handle9:
gehenna: Plex is a fully remote control compatible app. That's not a reason to exclude it.

Completely agree. In comparison Kodis settings menus are the 7th circle of hell with a remote and no keyboard.

on both an Apple TV and Roku the intrerface is alomost identical, event though the are about 5 years difference in hardware capabilities. Both using remotes. Or you can use an iPad and navigate to your media and tell your plex client to play it.

whst you’re probably thinking of is the web ui. Which you can play on, or manage your server

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