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The other streaming platforms use this same information to make recommendations to you—their recommendations just aren’t as good as those that Google TV offers right now—so this is an issue affecting every device. Some streaming boxes also offer the ability to play games, though advanced gamers are likely to prefer a gaming console. Studio McGeeA sizable TV combined with an in-wall/ceiling surround sound system turns this basement family room by Studio McGee into the most popular spot in the home. The cable box and other media devices are hidden in the custom cabinetry.
An intrepid Mac or PC user could set Plex to launch on boot-up, and the app has built-in options to reboot or power down the computer. More importantly, the open nature of desktop computing could give Plex more control over what happens when you launch a streaming video through the app. If you know that you will mostly want to play your files on a single TV at home, buying a more powerful client device that can handle lots of file types on its own — without needing the server to transcode — is a great alternative to a more expensive server machine. The Nvidia Shield TV and Shield TV Pro can play virtually every media file type, effectively eliminating the need for the Plex server to perform transcoding.
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We’ve been able to play 4K HDR files with Dolby Atmos on a Shield TV from a Plex server running on a WD My Cloud Mirror Gen 2 — a NAS with less computing power than even the cheapest PC. The new Plex HTPC application looks and works almost exactly like Plex’s other TV apps. That means many newer features that weren’t backported to the old HTPC app are available for the first time, like the free library of movies and shows, skip intro support, and Live TV. Search all your favorite streaming services—not just Plex—plus upcoming theatrical releases, without leaving the comfort of your own Plex.
Another great feature of the Plex is that you can continue the video file from where you left off on any device. In this section, you will learn in practice the steps you need to take to keep your data safe with Windows storage spaces. The exact same movies played through the Media Player Preview are playing perfectly - no need to make any adjustments to anything. Not only is it not choppy, but the quality itself looks perfect.
Our pick: Google Chromecast with Google TV
This media streamer supports 4K HDR video (in the HDR10, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG formats) and passes through Dolby Atmos audio, and it has an external antenna to potentially provide better Wi-Fi reception. The inclusion of AirPlay 2 makes it a good choice for streaming music and movies from Mac and iOS devices. This is an HDMI stick that plugs directly into an HDMI input and can draw power from a compatible USB port, so you can easily add it to a variety of TVs and other home entertainment systems. The Google Chromecast with Google TV is the best media streaming device because it supports a lot of streaming services and presents your choices in a more modern, unified interface that lets you find what you want quickly.
Plex HTPC, which officially launched last week, lets you access Plex’s over-the-air DVR service, your personal media library, and Plex’s own free content catalog through a slick app for Windows, Mac, or Linux. It offers the same full-screen interface as Plex’s existing apps for smart TVs and streaming players, and you can navigate with a keyboard or game controller instead of a mouse. One of the most powerful features of Plex is the ability to configure the Plex server for remote access. The gaming console, Blu-ray player, or smart TV you already own probably streams Netflix and plays some local files, too.
The best media streaming device
Moreover, this TOS does not grant any right to modify the PMS Software or provide a right or license in or to any third-party executable module or accessible content beyond the limited and express grant herein. Tune in to Live TV on Plex anytime, on almost any device—no hardware required. With action, comedy, movies, news, and more streaming 24/7, there’s a channel for everyone. The Streaming Stick 4K can deliver Dolby Atmos audio, but only pass it through from services that send Dolby Atmos. It cannot do any processing of Dolby Atmos audio itself, so there is no Dolby Atmos logo on the box, but from services with Atmos support like Netflix and Disney+ it will pass that Atmos audio to your TV.
You also need a 64-bit operating system, which might exclude some older HTPCs. Plex is also working on a Flatpak version of the Linux port, for people who don’t like dealing with Snap packages. Failure to insist on strict performance of any of the terms and conditions of this TOS will not operate as a waiver of any subsequent default or failure of performance. No waiver by Plex of any right under this TOS will be deemed to be either a waiver of any other right or provision or a waiver of that same right or provision at any other time.
You can rate a show to improve your recommendations or add it to your watchlist so you can come back to it later. Since this functionality works across all the different streaming services, it delivers a more consistent experience. If you use only one or two streaming services—say, Disney+ and Netflix—you probably don’t need a separate media streaming box. Almost all current TVs have built-in support for the most popular streaming services, as do many cable and satellite boxes, gaming consoles, and Blu-ray players.
As you browse the music on your server, Plex automatically finds matches from Tidal to show you tracks or albums you might be missing and related artists and genres. As a standalone experience, you can stream Plex Free Movies and TV from the web using just your browser and a free Plex account. But if you’re a Plex Media Server user, you can access it through the same interface as your private library of content — there’s no separate app to download or install. And if that isn't enough, Plex also operates its own ad-supported, free streaming video service known as Plex Free Movies and TV, which can be accessed alongside your personal media, as well as live TV and DVR features you can access with the Plex Pass subscription.
The convenient stick design plugs directly into your TV’s HDMI input and can receive power via your TV’s USB port. The RF remote has dedicated power and volume controls for your TV, works through walls and cabinetry, and lets you search with voice. For $20 more, you can get the Streaming Stick 4K+ that adds a rechargeable remote with an optional always-on voice assistant. Roku’s app, for iOS or Android, lets you watch shows and movies with headphones to avoid disturbing others, and the inclusion of AirPlay 2 lets you stream easily from iOS devices. But Roku’s interface feels dated and doesn’t integrate all your recently watched and preferred content into one menu the way the Chromecast does. The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is a great choice if you want the widest selection of services presented in a simple, albeit somewhat dated, user interface.
The free streaming service is knocking 25% off the price of a lifetime Plex Pass, as well as offering a huge giveaway for one lucky buyer. Plex provides numerous perks and minimal restrictions to help you manage and centralize your media library. It’s a versatile application that includes free streaming content, syncs across your devices with a simple login, and has relatively few limitations, like the shortlist of incompatible file types. Therefore, we recommend Plex for those of you who want to organize and retrieve your media. If the file you’re trying to play doesn’t correspond to one of those file types, the Plex server will need to transcode it into one of the formats that the Apple TV 4K understands. Depending on the file type you’re playing and the formats supported by your client, this can take a lot of power on the server’s side.
This TOS has been made in and will be construed and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of California as applied to agreements entered into and completely performed in the State of California. You access and use the Plex Solution on your own volition and are responsible for compliance with all applicable laws with respect to your access and use of the Plex Solution. Additionally, Plex’s headquarters are located in the United States. Please be aware that information you provide to Plex, or that Plex obtains as a result of your use of the Plex Solution, may be processed and transferred to the United States and be subject to United States law. Neither you nor Plex will participate in a class action or class-wide arbitration for any claims covered by this TOS. You also agree not to participate in claims brought in a private attorney general or representative capacity, or consolidated claims involving another person’s account, if Plex is a party to the proceeding.
I’ve reviewed TVs, Blu-ray players, and home theater equipment since 2008. I’m ISF-trained for evaluating image quality, and I’m up to date on all of the current and future HDR standards and what to look for when evaluating that content on media players. I’ve been testing media streaming devices for Wirecutter since 2012, and I own all the current platforms for comparison. The now-discontinued Plex Media Player featured a TV Mode, which effectively gave PC users a way to interact with their content from a couch, using a compatible remote control. The new desktop app has been stripped of this user interface, making it hard — if not impossible — to use a single device as both a Plex Media Server and a Plex client. The exception to this remains the Nvidia Shield TV, an Android TV set-top box that can still serve both functions.
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