The computer has established itself as a key piece in the modern home due to its versatility., allowing you to work, play, or enjoy multimedia content easily. Thanks to the new possibilities offered by advanced applications, your PC or Smart TV can be transformed into a complete entertainment center. Among the current alternatives, Plex has become one of the essential solutions For those looking to organize, manage, and access videos, movies, TV shows, photos, and music from any device, remotely and centrally.
Plex not only stands out for its versatility and compatibility with multiple platforms, but it allows you to create a completely personalized multimedia experience, integrating your own file library with free channels, live TV, smart features, and the ability to add streaming services. If you're wondering What is Plex and how you can transform it into your multimedia center for Smart TV and the entire house? Here we explain it in depth., bringing together all the secrets, tricks, and advanced features to get the most out of it.
What is Plex and what is it used for?
Plex is a complete multimedia management and playback platform that turns any computer, NAS, or compatible device into a private content server. Its main attraction is that Centralize your entire collection of movies, TV shows, music, photos, and home videos in one place, while allowing you to access them from any authorized device, be it a Smart TV, a mobile phone, a tablet, a video game console, or even from web browsers.
The basic operation is based on two main components:
- Plex Media Server: The software you install on your computer—Mac, Linux, NAS, or even Raspberry Pi—that indexes and organizes your media libraries. This server can run on a local network or be remotely accessible from the internet, provided you configure it correctly.
- Plex Client or App: Available on a huge variety of devices, from smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Android TV, Fire TV, etc.), Android and iOS phones, Windows and Mac computers, to consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
Plex goes far beyond a simple DLNA player or content server.. It offers advanced features to automatically organize your files, download metadata (covers, synopsis, cards, cast, covers, technical information), supports automatic subtitles, allows you to create playlists, add live TV channels, access free streaming movies and shows (with advertising) and even enable plug-ins or extensions to extend its capabilities.
In addition, Plex stands out for its compatibility with a large number of video, audio and image formats., making it a superior alternative to traditional players like VLC when it comes to keeping your entire library organized and accessible, regardless of the file type or content source.
Main advantages of Plex as a media center
- Automatic and intuitive organization: Plex automatically detects the file type and adds, sorts, and categorizes it into the appropriate library: movies, TV shows, music, photos, personal videos, or TV shows.
- Remote and multi-user access: You can connect as many devices as you want to your Plex server, share your libraries with family and friends, and play your files from anywhere in the world, as long as the server is on.
- Cross-platform compatibility: Available on Windows, Mac OS, Linux, FreeBSD, NAS, Smart TVs, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, Android, iOS, PlayStation, Xbox, and virtually any device with a screen.
- Live TV and free channels: Includes access to more than 200 free channels and a catalog of thousands of streaming movies and shows, ad-supported and free of charge.
- Advanced customization: It allows you to create playlists, collections, tags, activate parental controls, modify streaming quality, choose subtitles and audio, and much more.
- Plugins and extensions: You can add add-ons or additional channels that allow you to access online content such as Comedy Central, TED, SoundCloud, and more.
- Watchlist and notifications function: Allows you to save titles to watch later, receive alerts when a series or movie is available, and manage everything from a single interface.
- Automatic updates and constant evolution: Plex updates frequently and automatically, adding new features and fixing bugs without user intervention.
How to install Plex step by step on your PC, Smart TV and other devices
- Download and install Plex Media Server
- Go to the official Plex download page and select your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux, FreeBSD, NAS).
- Run the installer by following the steps. On Windows, for example, simply double-click it and follow the wizard's prompts, selecting the destination folder.
- Create your Plex account (free)
- Once the server is installed, when you open Plex for the first time it will open in your default browser.
- Sign up for free with your email, Google, Facebook, or Apple account. This enables remote access and syncing across devices.
- Name your server and configure remote access
- Give your server a name for easy identification. Enable remote access if you want to enjoy the content while on the go.
- Add your content libraries
- Create and assign libraries for movies, TV shows, music, photos, or other videos. Plex will automatically download cover art, synopsis, technical information, and metadata.
- You can add local folders, external drives, or shared network paths. You can create multiple libraries of the same type (for example, two separate collections of movies or TV shows).
- Install the Plex client on your devices
- Download the free Plex app from the app store on your smart TV, mobile device, console, or PC.
- Sign in with your Plex account to have your server detected and automatically access your library and all additional services.
Initial setup usually takes only a few minutes.Once the server is set up and your folders are added, you can start enjoying your personalized media center throughout your home and on the go.
Adding and organizing content in Plex: How to take advantage of all the options
Plex allows you to add any type of media file to your libraries, organizing them automatically. However, to take full advantage of their potential, you can follow these recommendations:
- Structure your folders: Separate movies, series, music, and photos into separate folders. Within series, group episodes and seasons, following the nomenclature suggested by Plex for optimal identification.
- Metadata and covers: Plex scans your files and downloads additional information, but you can edit cover art, change titles, or correct erroneous data manually from the control panel.
- Subfolders: Create thematic subfolders, by genre, year, or family preferences, making it easier to navigate and search quickly.
- Playlists: You can create personalized playlists of music, movies, or TV shows, adapting them to different occasions (family movie nights, TV marathons, gym time, etc.).
- Sync and download: Plex Pass allows you to sync content for offline viewing on mobile devices.
The organization system is one of Plex's strong points compared to other alternatives, since it is capable of automatically identify movies and series, download their original cards and covers, and offer a visual environment very similar to that of commercial streaming platforms.
Advanced Plex Features and Must-Know Tricks
- Channels and live TV: Plex integrates hundreds of free channels from around the world, on-demand movies, and free live TV (with ads). You can search by category, country, language, or content type.
- Plex Pass: A premium subscription unlocks features like mobile syncing, live TV recording, parental controls, intro and credit skipping, advanced transcoding, downloads for offline viewing, improved audio and video quality, and much more.
- Share server: You can invite friends, family, or colleagues to access your Plex library, even choosing which folders or collections they can view—perfect for securely sharing movies, TV shows, or photos.
- Watchlists: Save any interesting title, whether from your library or online channels, and check its availability later. Receive alerts when a movie or series is available for streaming.
- Integration with streaming services: Plex lets you search, aggregate, and manage content from other platforms (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Pluto TV, etc.), acting as a catalog aggregator so you can compare where to watch each movie or series, mark as watched, add to your watchlist, and jump to the app for the corresponding platform.
- Plug-ins and extras: Although the official plugin store has become less prominent, you can manually install extensions to access more online sources or expand Plex's capabilities.
- Downloads and offline viewing: Plex Pass subscribers can download content to mobile devices for offline viewing.
How to use Plex on Smart TV: setup and recommendations
Plex is available on virtually every brand of smart TV, including LG (webOS), Samsung (Tizen), Android TV, Fire TV, Google TV, Roku, and more. To install Plex on your smart TV:
- Go to the app store on your smart TV and search for “Plex.”
- Download and install the official application.
- Open the Plex app on your TV. An activation code will appear.
- From a browser on your mobile or PC, go to plex.tv/link, log in, enter the code, and the app will automatically link to your account.
- In just a few seconds, your personal library will be available, and you'll be able to enjoy your videos and music on the big screen.
The Plex interface for Smart TV is designed for remote control. And it's extremely intuitive: browse by section, search for new channels, navigate through covers, access your watchlist, and customize the experience to your liking. If your TV doesn't support the official Plex app, you can use devices like Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or even use the DLNA protocol from your Plex server.
Requirements for using Plex and technical recommendations
- server hardware: A moderately powerful computer (Windows, Mac, Linux) or NAS to transcode videos according to the needs of the client devices (the more simultaneous users, the more resources required). A 2-4 core processor and 4-8 GB of RAM are recommended for standard home use.
- Sufficient storage: The size of your media library depends on the amount of disk space available. It's recommended to use fast and reliable hard drives to avoid interruptions or delays when playing large videos.
- Network connection: For home use, a quality Wi-Fi network or, preferably, an Ethernet connection for maximum stability and seamless streaming, especially with 4K or HD files.
- Supported operating systems:
- Windows 7 SP1 and later
- macOS 10.9 Mavericks and later
- Linux: Ubuntu 16.04+, Fedora 27+, Debian 8+, CentOS 7+, SUSE 15+
- FreeBSD 11.2 or later versions
- Smart TV or client device: You just need to have the official Plex app, a web browser, or a compatible player (DLNA, Chromecast, or similar).
If your smart TV supports direct app installation, the experience is optimal. Otherwise, you can always use additional devices like Chromecast, Fire TV, Apple TV, Nvidia Shield, or Android TV boxes to enjoy Plex on the big screen.
How to use Plex as a streaming and TV service aggregator
Plex has evolved beyond a simple personal media serverToday, the app allows you to unite and display the catalog of different streaming services (Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, Pluto TV, etc.) in a single interface, even adding free TV channels, regardless of the platform.
- Unified watchlist: Allows you to create a global watchlist of titles you want to watch, regardless of whether they're from your library, free Plex channels, or external services. When a title becomes available in one of your subscriptions, Plex will notify you.
- Availability comparator: Find out which platform each movie or series is available on and access the corresponding app installed on your Smart TV or phone with a single click.
- Synchronization between devices: Everything you bookmark, view, or save to your Plex account is automatically synced across all your devices.
- Secure integration: Plex doesn't ask for your Netflix, Prime Video, or similar credentials; it simply redirects you to the appropriate app once you select the content you're looking for.
Plex on mobile devices: full control and playback on the go
The official Plex app is available on both Android like iOSYou can use it as a client to play content, as a remote control for your server, add new files from your phone (photos, videos, music), or even control playback on your Smart TV using your smartphone as a remote.
- Streaming at home and on the go: Enjoy your movies, music, and TV shows wherever you are with secure remote access and syncing with your Plex account.
- Download for offline viewing: Plex Pass subscribers can download content to their mobile devices, ideal for travel or areas with poor coverage.
- Mobile Playlists and Organization: Manage your libraries, share with friends, and update your file information from your mobile.
The free version of the mobile app allows limited playback; to unlock full playback, you'll need to make a one-time payment or subscribe to Plex Pass.
Plex Pass Premium Features and Benefits
Plex Pass is Plex's premium subscription. which is paid monthly, annually or for life (it doesn't change the main free experience, but adds advanced and exclusive features):
- Sync and download for offline viewing
- Live TV Recording with compatible tuner (DVB-T, ATSC, etc.)
- Users and advanced parental controls
- Automatic skipping of intros and credits
- Improved audio (HiFi, MQA) and video (HDR, 4K) quality
- Priority access to new features and betas
- Fully unlock mobile playback
- Hardware accelerated transcoding (if supported by the device)
For most home users, the free version is more than enough. If you're an advanced user or require full control and unlimited playback on any platform, Plex Pass is the most comprehensive and affordable alternative.
Common Plex Problems and How to Fix Them
- Plex does not detect the server: Check that the Plex server is running, that your account is active, and that you don't have a VPN or proxy enabled that could prevent detection. Check your local network connection, disable restrictive firewalls, and make sure both devices (server and client) are on the same network.
- Content unavailable: You may have changed the file name, moved it to another folder, the drive may not be connected, or the system account may not have access permissions. Check the file path and make sure everything is indexed correctly.
- Problems with playback or image quality: Adjust the streaming quality in Plex's settings. If you experience interruptions, reduce the quality. If problems persist, try connecting the server and client via an Ethernet cable.
- Unsupported files: Some smart TVs or mobile devices may have format limitations. Plex attempts to transcode automatically, but if your hardware is limited, this may cause issues. In that case, convert your files to standard formats first or use a more powerful client device.
- Automatic Updates: Plex constantly updates both the server and the apps. If an update fails, you can restore a previous version from the official Plex website.
- Using VPN or external access: If you're using a VPN, make sure you set up port forwarding properly on your router and that the Plex server is assigned the correct public IP address.
Advanced tips and tricks to get the most out of Plex on your Smart TV
- Organize your library with clearly differentiated series, movies, and genres.
- Regularly update your Plex server and apps to enjoy the latest features and fixes.
- Use an Ethernet connection on your TV whenever possible for more stable streaming.
- Take advantage of the shortcuts on your Smart TV remote to quickly access key sections.
- Take advantage of automatic metadata to always have up-to-date covers, listings, and descriptions.
- Share your Plex library with friends or family remotely securely and easily.
- Explore Plex's free channels and built-in live TV, offering movies, TV shows, sports, and news at no cost.
Thanks to its continuous evolution and development, Plex consolidates itself as One of the most powerful and flexible alternatives to transform any Smart TV or device into an advanced entertainment centerWhether you just want to organize your personal files or are looking for an aggregator for all your streaming services and TV channels, we've got you covered. Try it out! Enjoying your entire library has never been so simple and comprehensive.