Plex users - look in

[Waylander]

Now admit it. You thought I'd emigrated due to lack of server questions

I've got xpenology set up, Sabs, sick,couch and transmission (mostly) working (#fml)

I've installed plex server. I've downloaded the client on my Xbox and phone (and imminently onto iPad)

There isn't a client for the panny but I've realised it works as. Dnla server too.

So

1) what is difference between watching videos directly via Dnla (on panny) vs via the client (on Xbox connected to panny, or on Samsung to)?

2) other than uploading pix from phones, is there any other reason/need to buy the plex pass?

[CarMad]

You don't need to by a plex pass to use Plex at all. It gives you advantages which you may or many not need or want. I personally haven't needed it yet.

The Plex software has a great UI that puts Apple TV to shame in many respects. It has loads of functionality and will be far slicker than accessing it via DLNA. When you create the free Plex Account it will then give you the ability to access all of your media on your phone / tablet away from the home as well.

You can also give access to someone else to view content via another account, so my parents can see mine for when the kids go round to their house for instance.

It can do lots more besides but don't get a Plex Pass just yet.

[Waylander]

When you create the free Plex Account it will then give you the ability to access all of your media on your phone / tablet away from the home as well.

How? I've downloaded to iPad and xbox so far and to actually use it its asking for £4 a pop to "unlock" the client

[CarMad]

Oh I didn't realise that you paid for the client, mind you in saying that I think I paid for the iOS app as well. 

 

£4 is well worth it for the functionality, ditto a win or Android. 

 

My Samsung has a free client haven't needed to do anything on that. 

[Waylander]

I haven't installed on the Samsung tv yet.

I think it charged my ms account automatically on the Xbox

While I'm playing with the setup Installed vlc on the iPad and it immediately picked up the server.

The android version was more basic so installed Kodi and wow it was like I was in front of my old Xbox with xbmc again. It was more fiddly but again the video folders were available.

Plex on the Xbox is pretty

[NewNiceMrMe]

Plex on Samsung TV's is very good but a bit slow.  I find it frustrating at times and prefer to stream via Apple TV from an iPad.

 

The recent interface change has made Plex so much better though.  I'm not sure it is better than the latest Apple TV interface though (that is very slick and fast).  It has more features, undoubtedly, but then again it isn't having to tie in as many different resources as Apple does.

[CarMad]

I think it depends on the TV as Plex on mine is super fast I think on the new models speeds has improved dramatically.

[NewNiceMrMe]

It is entirely useable.  Just not as ultra-slick as on an iPad.  I shouldn't criticise it really because it will never be as fast on a Smart TV as it would be on something like an iPad Air, but when you go from one to the other, you notice it. 

 

In many ways I don't think it is the speed - it is the interface control.  Tap, tap with a finger on an iPad is always going to beat using a remote control on a TV.  I'm probably being very unfair to the TV app because of that.

[Waylander]

It is entirely useable. Just not as ultra-slick as on an iPad. I shouldn't criticise it really because it will never be as fast on a Smart TV as it would be on something like an iPad Air, but when you go from one to the other, you notice it.

In many ways I don't think it is the speed - it is the interface control. Tap, tap with a finger on an iPad is always going to beat using a remote control on a TV. I'm probably being very unfair to the TV app because of that.

I thought it was fine on the telly having loaded it yesterday but that slight delay you experience - that is exactly my irritation with the iPad air (to put it into context). Fine but slightly pausey