Quick Look: The Plex system allows users to stream videos, photos, and music from their computer and the Internet to their Roku and many other devices. The heart of this system is the Plex Media Server, which organizes media files from your personal media collection on your computer or cloud storage and streams them to a Plex app on connected devices. You can also add web videos to your Plex library using the Plex It! bookmarklet in your web browser. Plex also includes well over 100 channels (also called plug-ins) from popular content producers that include A&E, CBS, CNN, Comedy Central, Food Network, FOX, HGTV, National Geographic, The New York Times, and many more.
If you're new to Plex, here's how to get going:
- First, you will first need to download the free Plex Media Server (available for both computers and NAS) and install it on your computer.
- Next, create a Plex account.
- Finally, install the Plex channel on your Roku and launch it, then go to plex.tv/pin, log in, and enter the code from the Roku Plex channel on the website.
You can now launch the Plex Web App and set up your media library for streaming to your Roku. Don't forget to install the Plex It! bookmarklet to add web videos to your Plex library - just pull up a page with a video and click the Plex It button in your toolbar.
Those are just the basics! The free Plex app has a lot to offer, and there's even more available with the premium Plex Pass ($4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $149.99 lifetime). Check out a full list of features here. For more information on setting up and running Plex, visit the Plex Quick Start Guide.
NOTE: If you don't like this redesigned Plex channel, the Plex Classic private channel offers the original Roku interface.
-- Information is current as of September 1, 2015
Developer's Channel Description: Plex organizes all of your personal media, wherever you keep it, so you can enjoy it on any device. With Plex, you can easily stream your videos, music, photos and home movies to your Roku using your Plex Media Server (available for free at http://www.plex.tv). Plex allows you to easily share media with friends and family, so you all have more to choose from. You can even sync your media to your mobile device or favorite cloud storage provider, such as Google Drive, Dropbox, Bitcasa or Box, so you can stream to your Roku even when your computer is offline.
CHANNEL STORE CATEGORY: Personal Media
DEVELOPER: Plex, Inc.
FEES: Channel and Plex basic features are free. Premium features require Plex Pass subscription for $4.99/month, $39.99/year, or $149.99 lifetime.
RELATED LINKS:
Plex Website
Plex on Facebook
Plex on Twitter