Plex alternatives

Si. · 23 Aug 2015 at 06:31

Hi,

I've been using Plex for about 5 years now but recently it's been giving me a lot of issues with my new Smart TV, the TV Plex app is just rubbish unfortunately (despite paying for it). Anyone use any alternatives? I've tried using Kodi as a client but can't get the Plexbmc add-on working properly. The Video app that comes on the TV works well with the DNLA support, but you don't get tracking or the fancy graphics. Thought about shifting to Emby but wondered if anyone had any experience of it.

wjfcomputers · 23 Aug 2015 at 12:44

Have you considered using Chromecast with Plex? It's a much better experience than the Plex apps on TVs.

I know it doesn't really answer your question, but for 30 quid it might be worth giving it a go.

Si. · 23 Aug 2015 at 12:50

Not really keen on spending £30 on something else.

Today I installed Emby which is a lot smoother and works much nicer, but looks like the player is just a 14 day trial and I have to buy a yearly subscription for it, after being stung for the PlexApp I'm not willing to spend more on another app that might have the same issues.

wellibob · 23 Aug 2015 at 13:46

Plex works fine. However client end is critical. Unless the client app is built by plex themselves it's going to be subpar (samsung I'm looking at you) Plex on roku is the best imho (assuming you're using roku 3 or similar)

oll3h · 23 Aug 2015 at 13:52

I use Plex on a Samsung smart tv on a daily basis. Initialy i had issues with audio being out of sync but since changing the play back option from direct play to direct streaming ive had no problems at all with it.

Si. · 23 Aug 2015 at 13:52

The App is the proper Plex app but it sucks!. the Plex Home Theatre app is miles better.

Si. · 23 Aug 2015 at 13:54

I get out of sync sound also so will try that setting, I also get some files that just freeze and others with no sound at all.. but they play fine with other apps.

Also, the UI is shockingly slow.. It seems to drag down the image every time rather than caching them locally. IMHO that's bad design.

Columbo · 23 Aug 2015 at 16:43

Si. said:
I get out of sync sound also so will try that setting, I also get some files that just freeze and others with no sound at all.. but they play fine with other apps.

Also, the UI is shockingly slow.. It seems to drag down the image every time rather than caching them locally. IMHO that's bad design.

Well given your TV probably doesn't have any storage chances are there's no other way.

oll3h · 23 Aug 2015 at 16:47

I've not suffered the no sound thing but did have the odd avi and mp4 cause it to throw a wobbly. 99% of mkvs work no problem at all and look great.

I find the UI a little clunky but its not terribad.

manius · 1 Sep 2015 at 20:28

i use servilio just to watch from pc to tv

valve90210 · 2 Sep 2015 at 09:52

I use plex on simple now tv boxes (both first and second gen) and find it to be great, ok the interface is not that great at the moment as we're still waiting for someone to produce a new sideloadable version of the new roku app but it works nice and quickly and plays pretty much everything thrown at it"

alx · 2 Sep 2015 at 10:38

Another vote for Plex + Chromecast. I know you don't want to spend anymore money but this is a pretty tried and tested setup that works pretty flawlessly for most people.

D3K · 2 Sep 2015 at 10:51

How do you browse chromecast? it needs a phone/tablet etc doesn't it?

alx · 2 Sep 2015 at 11:22

D3K said:
How do you browse chromecast? it needs a phone/tablet etc doesn't it?

Yeah, a chromecast is just a device that allows you to 'cast'/stream media from a phone/tablet/computer via wifi.

With plex for example there is an icon in the top right corner of the app that you press to cast/stream the media to a chromecast. You then control the media from the phone using plex.

Confused · 2 Sep 2015 at 19:07

There are any number of Android based boxes which will run Plex, and will be a million times faster than your TV.

That will be by far the best option - you get to continue something that you know works, and you know, but on a faster bit of hardware - which appears to be your only gripe with it currently.

insane200 · 2 Sep 2015 at 20:36

Plex and fire stick works great, has a great layout and can be controlled by the remote.

not hand any issues with it yet.

dbmzk1 · 2 Sep 2015 at 22:11

The Samusng Plex app is indeed pretty poor. I'd just go with a Fire TV Stick or Roku device, they are so useful - even with a HTPC I still find myself using mine sometimes. I never use my Smart TV features though.

joelk2 · 3 Sep 2015 at 11:50

if your using kodi you wouldnt need plexmbc? kodi can just see and play your files without any transcoding.

wellibob · 3 Sep 2015 at 14:07

I agree the Samsung Plex app is really garbage. Why they don't let Plex themselves make the app rather than let a production worker who likes to tinker build it. I use my roku 3 plex (best imho)

EddScott · 3 Sep 2015 at 14:25

oll3h said:
I use Plex on a Samsung smart tv on a daily basis. Initialy i had issues with audio being out of sync but since changing the play back option from direct play to direct streaming ive had no problems at all with it.

I have the Plex App on a Samsung Smart TV but I can only seem to see films I've recently watched and the last X number of films loaded to the server. I can't seem to work out how to be able to view them all - like you would with the stand alone app for windows.