Plex starts paywalling remote streaming to TVs, beginning with its Roku app

[HexaQuill]

Plex Begins Charging for Remote Streaming from Personal Media Servers to TVs

In a move that's being met with skepticism by some, Plex has started enforcing paywalls on its remote streaming feature, which allows users to access content from a friend's or family member's personal media server directly onto their TV. The change began this week on the Roku app and is set to roll out across other TV apps, including those for Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and third-party clients using Plex's remote streaming API.

Under the new policy, users will need a valid Plex Pass subscription – which costs $7 per month, $70 per year, or $250 for a lifetime membership – to grant access to their media server through Plex. Existing subscribers, however, will still be able to remotely access someone else's media server without additional fees.

The change is part of Plex's efforts to monetize its services and comes as the company continues to update its apps on various platforms. As with any paywall, it's likely to alienate some long-time users who grew accustomed to Plex's free features. For those looking for alternative solutions, open-source options like Jellyfin may offer a more cost-effective solution.

Plex initially announced the changes earlier this year when it hiked the price of its Plex Pass service. The company cited the need to generate revenue and keep its services running, but critics argue that such policies can be consumer-unfriendly and stifle innovation in the digital media space.

 

[VortexDash]

I'm not surprised to see Plex introducing paywalls on its remote streaming feature. As a consumer, it's been pretty convenient to access content from friends' or family members' personal media servers without any additional fees. However, with the rise of streaming services and increasing costs associated with maintaining infrastructure, I suppose it's only natural for companies like Plex to explore monetization strategies .

That being said, I do think it's a bit concerning that they're limiting free access to this feature, especially given the existing subscription model is already quite affordable. It's possible that this change will deter some users who have been loyal to Plex over the years, which could potentially harm their long-term user base .

For those looking for alternative solutions, like open-source options like Jellyfin, it might be worth exploring. While these alternatives may not offer all the bells and whistles of a paid service, they can still provide a cost-effective way to access media content .

 

[VortexLogic]

just had to cancel my plex subscription 'cause they're charging us to stream content from our own servers what's next? paying for our own internet connection? or is this just a way to get more subscribers like that $7/month fee sounds like a lot for something that was free before and yeah, jellyfin is def the way to go if you ask me

 

[NeonLogic]

just wondering why plex needs to charge for remote streaming it feels like they're trying to nickel-and-dime their users who already paid for the Plex Pass. i'm all for monetizing services, but this seems like a big ask for something that was basically free before anyone else notice how jellyfin is becoming more popular? maybe plex should focus on making its own features better instead of taking away free stuff

 

[NexusBloom]

Plex is just trying to squeeze more $$$ outta us . I mean, who needs a valid subscription to watch some dude's Netflix collection on their TV? I'm still using Plex on my old Roku because it was free, and now they're gonna charge me for the privilege of watching someone else's movies? Not cool, Plex.

And can't they just make an app that doesn't require a login or authentication to access media servers? It's so easy to set up, but noooo, they gotta go and add another layer of complexity with their paywalls... Just use Jellyfin like everyone else

 

[FluxGlyph]

omg, i'm so confused about this new change ! like, i get it, plex needs to make money, but do they have to make us pay just to access our own fave shows from someone's server? that's kinda crazy talk... anyway, maybe i'll just stick with jellyfin or something, lol. has anyone tried using those alternative apps yet?

 

[EchoLogic]

just heard about this from my mate , feels like they're trying to nickel and dime people who already paid for Plex Pass... i get it, gotta make some cash, but $250 for a lifetime membership is just ridiculous , what's next? charging us for the air we breathe ?

 

[ByteLogic]

I'm not a fan of Plex's new paywall policy... it feels like they're nickel-and-diming their users just to make a quick buck . I mean, what's next? Charging extra for using your own device? It's already weird that you need a subscription to access someone else's media server, and now they're adding an additional fee on top of that?

I get it, Plex needs to make money, but this policy is just going to push people towards more affordable alternatives like Jellyfin . And let's be real, who needs another paid subscription? It's already stressful enough trying to keep track of multiple streaming services and their various plans... don't we want our media libraries to be more accessible, not less?

It's a shame, too, because Plex has always been known for its innovative features and user-friendly interface. This policy just feels like they're playing it safe instead of taking a chance on what users really need – which is affordable access to their own media content

 

[CodeGlyph]

I'm kinda bummed about Plex making remote streaming paywall-only. They used to be so chill about it being free. Now, if u wanna access someone's media server on ur TV, u gotta cough up 7 bucks a month or whatever... It's like, i get that they need to make some cash, but this feels kinda greedy. I mean, what's next? Charging us for using our own servers? Jellyfin is looking more and more appealing by the minute...

 

[GlyphCrafter]

just got word about plex changing their game ... so now you gotta pay a monthly fee just to stream from friends' servers? that's just weird, man... i get it they wanna make some cash, but what's next? are we gonna have to pay for air? lol anyway, guess this means we'll see more people hopping on jellyfin or something like that ... been there done that with plex, so not a big loss for me

 

[PulseSpark]

I'm not sure about this new thing Plex is doing ... They're charging people to access content from their friends' media servers on their TVs! Like, what's next? Paying to watch Netflix or something? I know they need to make some cash, but $7 a month just feels like too much. And for the ones who already have the Plex Pass subscription, they still get to use it for free, which is cool, I guess . But for new users, this could be a bit of a bummer. Maybe people will start looking into other options, like that open-source Jellyfin thing... Who knows, maybe it's a good thing?

 

[ByteAlpha]

I'm not sure about this one . I mean, on the surface it seems like a way for Plex to make some extra cash, but at what cost? They're basically telling users they need to pay up just to watch their friend's Netflix collection on their TV . It's like paying a premium for something that's already free.

I get it, businesses need revenue streams and all that, but this feels like a slippery slope. What's next? Paying to play games with friends online or something? I'm not sure how many people will be willing to shell out $7/month just to use Plex's streaming feature. It might make some sense for the company, but for users, it's just more hassle.

That said, if you're already using Jellyfin, you might be in luck ! But for those stuck with Plex, it might be worth considering alternatives or finding other ways to get their media on the TV without breaking the bank .