Plex is an amazing tool designed to access your media content on all your devices. This beginner's guide will get you up and running in no time.
Plex is one of those services that has been around for some time but many of us might have passed over for some reason. be it a lack of understanding of what it actually does, thinking it couldn't possibly be useful to you or something else entirely. Truth is, Plex could be just what you're looking for to help you manage your media collection.
Setting up a media server sounds daunting, but Plex makes it super simple — and dare we say, enjoyable. You just need to know where to begin, which is where we come in. Read on for our quick Plex beginner's guide.
What is Plex?
The official Plex website describes it quite well:
One window into all your personal media. No matter where you are.
All the media you own, everything you have on your computer, accessible everywhere. On your mobile devices, through the web, even on some smart TVs and set-top boxes.
Setting up Plex
Before you can use Plex to access your media on your other devices, you first need to set up your home server. This isn't nearly as daunting as it sounds and involves downloading the Plex Media Server app to your computer. It comes in flavors for Mac, Windows and Linux, as well as in a form designed for NAS drives, so it covers lots of bases.
Once installed, getting set up is a simple matter of following instructions in the web client — all your Plex-ing on your computer will be done in a browser — to tell it where to look for various media content. You'll be hosting the content yourself, so you'll need to make sure you can get to it at all times if you want to be streaming away from home. That means storing it all on a laptop you take with you probably isn't the best idea.
If you've got a supported NAS drive, a standalone desktop computer or even a spare Windows Box, these will be the best options. Ideally, you want something you can leave turned on, connected to the web and most importantly, something you don't throw in a rucksack and take on the road with you.
When you're telling Plex where to find your media it's important to make sure that the files are named in a way the software will understand, and that they're stored in a folder structure, in the case of TV shows. Plex has some handy hints on how to best prepare your media for your server.
Plex channels
Beyond just your own content, Plex has a bunch of different built-in content channels for you to use within the various Plex apps across the platforms.
Like everything, though, channels will be region dependent. So if you can't get BBC iPlayer on the web where you're located, Plex won't be able to help. There's a good selection of stuff from global providers, though. The great thing about channels is that they're all available to watch in the mobile apps, too, for on-the-go enjoyment.
However, you don't want to get too carried away; Plex's selection of channels isn't as large as other services, such as Kodi. However, if you check out what there is you'll probably find something you like.
Plex Pass
If you find that you like Plex and want to get the most out of it, Plex Pass is something you should consider. It's an add-on that you're given the option of paying for monthly, yearly or unlocking a lifetime subscription.
Here's what it does, direct from the Plex support pages:
- Early access to new Plex features.
- Access to preview release versions of the Plex Media Server and other apps before they're released generally.
- The latest Plex apps for Android and Roku are yours free.
- Premium features like Plex Sync, Cloud Sync and Camera Upload.
- Access to dedicated Plex Pass forums where you can ask the Plex Ninjas questions as well as vote up new feature requests.
- A way to show your direct support for Plex.
We're not short on photo-backup services, but with Plex you'll be combining it with the rest of your media collection, and as such can access it on any device with a Plex app. It's also particularly worth paying for if you ever want to offline your media and take it with you.
Price wise, you'll pay $4.99 a month, $39.99 a year or $149.99 for a lifetime subscription.
Plex apps
Fans of Windows 10 aren't left out in the cold when it comes to app support with Plex. Neither are fans of pretty much any other platform. Plex is one of the most widely available applications on mobile, desktop and gaming consoles, with access on the Xbox One and Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS4, various smart TVs and set-top boxes such as Roku and NVIDIA Shield.
It doesn't end there, either, with Plex branching out into Kodi support, too. If you're looking to create a home theater PC as well as a server, there's the free Plex Media Player app for your home theater available on Mac, Windows and even Raspberry Pi.
When it comes to your media, the device you choose shouldn't hinder to your enjoyment. Plex is one service that can claim to eliminate that almost entirely.
Download Plex from the Windows Store
Got Plex tips?
If you're a Plex master and have handy hints or general advice for those looking to jump into it for the first time, drop us a line in the comments below and share the wealth of your knowledge!