Plex Announces DVR Recording Feature for 'Plex Pass' Subscribers

[MacRumors]

Personal media collection app Plex today announced a new bonus for users subscribed to its "Plex Pass" service, introducing a DVR function that can record shows on free digital broadcast channels. The company calls DVR an expansion of its footprint in streaming media, and hopes it makes the premium tiers more enticing for its customers who might be unsure of upgrading from the free service.

To work properly, Plex DVR requires a digital antenna and an HDHomeRun digital tuner, giving users access to free over-the-air channels with "86 of the 100 most popular shows in the United States in 2016." In addition to major networks like ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, and The CW, users will also be able to tune into and record local stations, news, and sports.

"We've put a lot of time into this release, and the result is a really elegant DVR, which takes advantage of all the power and intelligence of Plex," said Scott Olechowski, Co-founder and Chief Product Officer of Plex.

"Plex rounds out the cord cutting experience with a beautifully organized, easy-to-navigate interface that makes all your content available wherever you go. Now you can view TV in a living room or on your phone, using a streaming stick in a hotel, or even on a plane when you're offline. The addition of DVR allows our customers to make Plex the heart of their media experience. No other solution comes close."

Thanks to Plex's multitude of apps, users will be able to record and watch their shows from any device they have Plex downloaded on, including OS X, iOS, and Apple TV. Plex will continue to populate shows with artwork and plot descriptions, but the new DVR can also gather information on show descriptions, episode synopses, and season information.

Plex DVR also supports offline viewing, upgradable functions with the chance to add more tuners (to record more shows at once) or additional storage, and picture quality that "far surpasses the picture quality of cable and satellite." Over time, the Plex DVR will begin recommending shows for users to watch based on the series they've viewed and recorded most.

Plex Pass can be subscribed to for $4.99 per month, $39.99 per year, or $149.99 for a lifetime subscription. The cost for DVR features comes in addition to the price of the tuner and antenna needed for the service to work properly. Current Plex Pass subscribers can join in on the beta for the DVR feature right now, but the company didn't mention when it will launch to a wider audience.

Article Link: Plex Announces DVR Recording Feature for 'Plex Pass' Subscribers

 

[dr01dy]

Looks like it time to order another cable card, well done Plex, well done.

 

[KylePowers]

I seriously love Plex.

I use my OTA antenna with my Xbox One, but I may have to rig something up to get this DVR going with my iMac Plex server.

Would be cool to have recorded sports events!

 

[2010mini]

Your turn Channels app

 

[CarpalMac]

I love Plex, and then it gets even better.

 

[thisisnotmyname]

Lawsuit incoming (I have no idea, I just saw the headline and assume they'll be sued for this)

Edit: I should have read the full article first, I was thinking cloud based capture. Not likely to inspire a lawsuit.

 

[gr4z]

Any ETA on countries outside of US, such as UK?

 

[0029937]

Meh, don't ever see this being useful. Don't watch cable news or sports. I've always wondered what the monthly $5 subscription comes with. Love Plex, I just started using it couple months ago, wish I had known about it loooooong time ago. Really the perfect way to organize your movie/TV show collection.

 

[newyorkone]

Game changer! Wonder if it will it work with additional cable channels if you're using one of the cablecard capable HDHomeruns? Mainly for USA and AMC, personally.

 

[Zorn]

Game changer! Wonder if it will it work with additional cable channels if you're using one of the cablecard capable HDHomeruns? Mainly for USA and AMC, personally.

Yes - it states that it works with the HDHomeRun Prime with CableCard. Keep in mind you cannot watch live TV, it can only record things for you to watch after.

 

[mwd25]

Had I been able to get Plex to work.......easily.......on my ATV 3, I never would have switched to Roku. Love love love Plex.

 

[stridemat]

Shame it doesn't yet support a device that works with DVB-S in the UK. Hopefully it does in the near future.

Big fan of Plex!
[doublepost=1472763815][/doublepost]

Any ETA on countries outside of US, such as UK?

It works with the supported device....HDHomeRun CONNECT - model HDHR4-2DT, but only Terrestial Freeview at the moment.

 

[newyorkone]

Had I been able to get Plex to work.......easily.......on my ATV 3, I never would have switched to Roku. Love love love Plex.

It works beautifully with ATV 4

 

[UhFive]

Game changer! Wonder if it will it work with additional cable channels if you're using one of the cablecard capable HDHomeruns? Mainly for USA and AMC, personally.

Yes and no...from what I've read, it will work only with unencrypted channels. So basically your free OTA channels you'd normally pick up on an antenna. So use the HDHomeRun Prime and your cable card if you want, but you won't be able to DVR every channel.
If they do update with the ability to DVR everything and watch/pause/rewind live TV, it would be a no brainer for dropping the cable box and their rental fees.