XBMC vs Plex

DJ... said:
So I still need a PC of sorts at each machine to use Plex? Well the upside is minimal for me. I use the main media box to scan for metadata and then export the library to individual files. My other client machines then update when I switch on and receive all of the new content. Considering its all wireless in the house at the moment, I like the fact that it stores all the metadata locally as it speeds it up (I'm assuming). The downside of no SuperSport and minimal skin support seals the deal for me though, so I'll stick with XBMC for now. Its also an Openelec machine (the central server) so that speeds things up too...
Click to expand...

Plex clients can run on a few devices, like smart TVs, not only PCs. Check here to see supported devices: http://www.plexapp.com/connected/
 
I don't have any smart TVs though but I see the advantage of that. I like the idea of smart TVs instead of PCs all over the show, although I do have quite a few laptops and PCs lying around the place. I like the idea of laptops running though in case there is a power outage and it gives you full internet access in each room. Maybe I should find a way to install a laptop neatly in each area of the house where I need. Hmmm.

I have three spare laptops at the moment, one HP N40L, a PC, an iMac in the cupboard because I didn't like it and then my Macbook Air and work laptop. I suppose I should start putting some of them to good use. Been considering using one for home automation as well...
 
calypso said:
Or you can just attach a Roku to the tv.
Click to expand...

That is the best Plex client (besides PC) out there.

In my gaming room I have a Roku 2 XS hooked up to an HD projector on a 120" display :) :)
Lounge is a Sammy 46" D550 so no Plex Client. So I have a Sammy bluray D5500 player hooked up to it which supports Plex. Plex menu a bit slow, but Plex experience is hundreds. Otherwise the Plex DLNA serves the TV just fine if you don't care for synopsis, etc..
Upstairs is an LG 42" Cinema 3D TV. No Plex client there at all. We just used the DLNA functionality from Plex.

Kids have laptops and use the Windows Plex Clients on their machines. I tried to get them to use XBMC but they went back to Plex.

Then tablets and cellphones all hook up to the Plex server with no probs (Android based).
 
Mac mini is am even nicer client. But abit expensive to connect to a tv.
 
For me the issue is that Plex doesn't support True Hd, ISO (bluray and DVD), video ts folders. This is a deal breaker for me as xbmc does all this ( now with Frodo)
 
Can you create channels with your own content in Plex like you can in XBMC?
 
calypso said:
Mac mini is am even nicer client. But abit expensive to connect to a tv.
Click to expand...

Thats exactly what i'm planning to do. I'm on the lookout for a 2010 or newer Mac mini but second hand prices are crazy. Some people are asking more than what it would cost brand new. Probably end up buying a new one next month. I'm currently running a Core2Duo based PC that I installed OS X on a while back to test if it would work better for Plex and general multimedia than Windows 7 Media Centre. It does work better which is why a Mac Mini is on the top of my must buy gadget list. :)
 
vinodh said:
Thats exactly what i'm planning to do. I'm on the lookout for a 2010 or newer Mac mini but second hand prices are crazy. Some people are asking more than what it would cost brand new. Probably end up buying a new one next month. I'm currently running a Core2Duo based PC that I installed OS X on a while back to test if it would work better for Plex and general multimedia than Windows 7 Media Centre. It does work better which is why a Mac Mini is on the top of my must buy gadget list. :)
Click to expand...
I'm using a 6 year old Mac mini with XBMC and it works great. Just wish I could integrate Netflix. I believe this might be possible with Plex?
 
Try playing ISO's anyway. Apparently it does work but is not officially supported. I'll test later and see what happens.
 
getafix33 said:
But still no iso and video_ts support.
Click to expand...

Are you meaning the DVD menu?
ISO files play on mine, but if it is a full DVD rip including the menu then it fails cause I cannot navigate the menu.

Does not really bother me though cause I just create an MKV from the ISO using VidCoder.
 
Mike Smit said:
Are you meaning the DVD menu?
ISO files play on mine, but if it is a full DVD rip including the menu then it fails cause I cannot navigate the menu.

Does not really bother me though cause I just create an MKV from the ISO using VidCoder.
Click to expand...

Am not fussed about menus. Will it play both bluray and DVD iOS (without menus) on the client devices?
 
I installed the Netflix plugin for Plex on my Mac. It shows all the movies and tv shows and you can browse through everything. When I try to play something it gives an error about "can't read from video file". Hulu does the same.

It works via Safari and it works on my Apple TV via the native Netflix and Hulu Plus apps. Seems like Plex is the problem.
 
getafix33 said:
Am not fussed about menus. Will it play both bluray and DVD iOS (without menus) on the client devices?
Click to expand...

DVD ISO files seem to be fine. Will rip a bluray and test.

Watched a movie yesterday that was an IMG file and it mounted and played that fine too.
 
Mike Smit said:
DVD ISO files seem to be fine. Will rip a bluray and test.

Watched a movie yesterday that was an IMG file and it mounted and played that fine too.
Click to expand...

Was that on the server machine or on a client?

Playing ISO on both is important in my application. I suppose it would depend on the client (TV, AppleTV, Roku etc) if they can handle ISO's.

Would be great if you could test a BLuray.

THanks
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X