Not at all. Any content, converted to mp4 can be streamed on the Apple TV.
There's the cavet - it has to be MP4. Yet there is no logical reason why - its not a limitation on the AppleTV. Plex removes that limitation by transcoding ANY media format. iTunes streaming cant do that.
You don't have to mess with adding descriptions, cover art, etc. on the Apple TV either. I don't understand why Plex is better.
Of course you do. If you rip a DVD iTunes doesnt always pick up the details automatically - plex does.
I can go out and rip the entire Prison Break DVD boxset, drag all the episodes into iTunes, and use a free tool to create all the descriptions, cast lists, art work, etc. It's exactly the same thing. I do this type of thing all the time. I've got a huge library in my iTunes on my server. And this content can be viewed from any of my Apple TVs.
Thats good - however you shouldnt need that free tool. You shouldnt need iTunes running on a Mac or PC for a home entertainment system.
Dont forget either, Plex can stream to non-Apple devices, in most cases iTunes can not. And again, it cant transcode.
1) It seems like you mentioned that it can 'grab content from other sources'. Does this mean, that I could use Plex by entering a URL of a video stream and then see that on my Apple TV? And save that URL as a 'bookmark' or 'app'?
Yes. I've only ever used existing apps myself but as far as I'm aware it is possible. You might have to wrap it in a small app though, but these can be as simple as a text file with a few lines pointing to the source. To be honest I'm not 100% on this.
2) Plex can dynamically access content from multiple servers? Apple TV is one at a time, but it can be changed, just not as quick as accessing content from multiple servers sounds in Plex.
Yes, it can - it keeps the connection open between them. On the mobile apps I think it even combines the content into one sorted list.
I'm VERY happy with my Apple TV, and my workflow. I don't see a lot that is offered that is that much different through Plex right now. I'm trying to understand the differences.
In a nutshell:
- A massive amount of streaming options with transcoding
- No messing around converting files
- Can run the server on a $30 Raspberry Pi with an external drive attaches (so don't have to leave the mac on all the time)
- Can stream content to outside your home network
- Can control what 'apps' are installed
- Can create your own apps with ease
- Fully opensource = very easy to personalise
- Very fast (noticeably faster than the AppleTV UI)
- Ties in with a bunch of movie and tv show databases to ensure all the details about shows are accurate
- Can have profiles for each user, and add shows to your own favorites areas
- Plex Server has a web interface too, so you can watch on any device.
One thing I do recommend - download the Mac version of the server, import a couple of movies and stream it on your iPhone - you'll quickly see how good it is