This new option means you can load up those files on an SD card, or just sync them over to your device, then use Plex’s Android app to watch them while on the go. However, many Plex users already have a robust video library with TV shows and movies from a variety of sources ( cough, torrents) – some of which may be more difficult to play on mobile. It recently rolled out options to record live TV using a DVR-like function, as well as watching local channels by connecting Plex with an antenna. The expanded support arrives at a time when Plex is trying to reinvent itself as a DIY alternative to streaming TV services. The new feature is entering a public beta today, and will support local playback of a number of file types, says Plex, including MKV, MP4, AVI, and WMV. The move will enable it to better challenge VLC, an app users have historically turned to in order play a wider variety of video file formats. Once it appears, you can customize it to your liking or hide it altogether.Personal media player software maker Plex says it’s now easier for mobile users on Android to play any video file saved on their device within its app. Plex says that updates for the app on Apple TV, iOS devices, Roku, Amazon Fire, Android mobile, Android TV, and on desktop to add live TV functionality are rolling out now, while updates for smart TVs and gaming consoles are coming shortly. Here’s the full list of Plex apps that support the live TV feature as of Thursday, July 23rd: Of course, Plex still has to pay for this, and in order to make a free live TV service possible, you will have to sit through the occasional commercial breal. This is not going to replace your Sling or YouTube TV subscription, but it’s hard to argue with the price tag. In addition to these traditional channels with a variety of content, there are also channels dedicated to a single show or idea, such as The Bob Ross Channel and the Deal or No Deal channel.

Plex local channels