Yesterday, Plex launched a DVR service to allow users to watch and record their favorite programs. They only need to pair Plex with an HDHomeRun digital tuner and any digital antenna. The DVR is available in beta.
The client-server personal media player system and software were exclusively about customers streaming music, photos, TV and movies from their library. Plex lets users share programs across devices like their desktop, NAS device, or NVIDIA Shield Android TV, or simply to another screen.
However, customers can now use Plex to watching television on any platform. The DVR service works on iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromecast, Fire TV, Android TV devices, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVS, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Users can put on local news or sports as well as see content from major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, CBC, BBC, ITV, Telemundo, and Univision. They can also add more tuners or storage to expand the Plex DVR’s capabilities.
Over-the-Air TV gaining ground
Plex is from last Thursday also a DVR for recording over-the-air television with a digital tuner. So for those who are not ready to leave cable TV behind, Plex also supports non-DRM CableCARD channels on the HDHomeRun PRIME.
The company knows over-the-air programming is closing on cable television and wants to seize the moment big time. According to research firm Nielsen, 86 of the top 100 most-watched shows in the United States this year are available over-the-air for free.
This new functionality makes Plex a better solution for cord cutters in a time where many people are moving away from pay TV subscriptions. They are going for more affordable alternatives such as over-the-air and on-demand services.
Plex executive Jason Williams said that DVR support was the next logical step as the Plex Apps were already essential for cord cutters.
What does Plex DVR bring to the table?
Just like TiVo does with recorded TV content, Plex will also include show descriptions, episode synopses, and season information.
It has a program guide that highlights content as News, Sports, Premieres, and Upcoming Favorites, for easier browsing. Click on Discover and they can also sort shows by type, genre, rating, network or year.
Users can look for content by title, actor, director, and music through the search box. Plex will continually adjust to their viewing preferences and recommend programs in a similar fashion to Netflix.
Plex DVR prices and additional features
The service provides a recording schedule too. It lets customers see their recordings in Agenda or Calendar view, rearrange recording priorities, as well as watch individual season pass recordings.
The Plex DVR will come inside Plex Pass, which costs $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year or $149.99 for a lifetime subscription. It also includes Mobile and Cloud Sync, Premium Music, full access to Plex apps, and parental controls.
Source: TechCrunch