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If you're not using the streaming apps, there's not much reason to use the software running on the TV in the first place. There are plenty of cheap devices tha
by Gormo 2y ago
If you're not using the streaming apps, there's not much reason to use the software running on the TV in the first place.
There are plenty of cheap devices that offer set-top-box experiences, if that's your thing. A cheap Raspberry Pi running Kodi usually provides a superior experience to the TV's native software even for the streaming services -- I'm paying for Netflix, Disney+, and Paramount Plus and still prefer watching them through Kodi over using the TV's apps.
For local content, you don't need anything like Plex. Just plug mass storage directly into the TV, or a RasPi, or just host it on a local server with SMB or NFS. Synology has a Media Server application that can run on your NAS at no extra cost and exposes your media library via DLNA/UPnP, and there are many other such solutions floating around.
There are huge number of options here.
- randunel 2y agoMy wife doesn't want to have to use 2 remote controls, and I've got friends with similar wants. Plex is the only software which works with the TV's remote, on the TV.
- Gormo 2y ago> Plex is the only software which works with the TV's remote, on the TV. This is not accurate. The protocol that supports using the TV remote to operate software running on external devices is called HDMI-CEC, and it has widespread hardware and software support. Kodi running on a Raspberry Pi supports HDMI-CEC and can be operated through the TV remote.
- randunel 2y agoThanks, I wasn't aware of HDMI-CEC prior to your comment. It appears that my TV supports it, so it's time to build my own box. I believe my point about Plex still stands, not a lot of people can do what developers do.
- Gormo 2y agoYour point about Plex ignores the rich ecosystem of hardware and software that offers equivalent or better functionality to Plex.
- randunel 2y ago"Better" is relative. As I've found out from other comments, "better" requires rooting your TV, so it's actually worse from a usability perspective, in no case is rooting your TV and sideloading apps any better than simply installing an app from the TV vendor's app library.
- Gormo 2y ago> As I've found out from other comments, "better" requires rooting your TV, This is not accurate. Most alternatives, in fact, do not require rooting your TV. Look, if you like Plex, you like Plex -- you don't have to justify your preference by confidently posting incorrect information about everything else.