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Alternative ways to run Plex?

Context; So… Just bought a brand new TV and life is good, but I should have done more research before buying it. I primarily want to use PLEX for watching media on the TV. However, due to “smart TV’s” not being smart and being rather slow because most current TV operating systems are either bloated or just riddled with ads.

Question; So Plex is there, but it runs very poorly. What are the best options out there to get this running smoothly? Are the only options AppleTV and Amazon Firestick? Anyone been in this boat before that have any tips-n-tricks to share?

Ps. I hate ads, so the Firestick is of off the charts.

Much appreciated

bigredgiraffe , (edited )

I assume you are talking about the Plex client or the server too? Client wise, the shield is still excellent as other folks have mentioned but I have been using Apple TVs lately, the client is snappy and works well. I have one of the first gen 4k ones and it plays everything I have tried to play. I got tired of the adds on the android devices and the Rokus have even gotten annoying lately so that’s what prompted me to switch.

ETA: in case someone is wondering, I also use the Home Assistant integration with my Apple TVs and it is superb.

kaitco ,

Running Jellyfin through a Roku works wonderfully. Jellyfin is a FOSS alternative to Plex and ran great on Roku, but ran poorly on Firestick, so it might just a Roku vs Firestick thing there.

Something else to consider is just buying a really cheap laptop for less than $200 or something and running Plex/Jellyfin or even just use your home network and play everything through VLC via HDMI on the laptop. You could even get a Chromebook and run Ubuntu on it and find an option for close to $100. A laptop option works well because you get to bypass ads and TVs operating system.

yuunikki ,

deleted_by_author

    •
    kaitco ,

    I didn’t disregard the question. Plex and Jellyfin do the exact same thing and I described how to run them.

    I also mentioned overall alternatives to his issue which is streaming his own content.

    Fjor OP ,

    Having an option where I can later down the line turn over to Jellyfin is only good. I will convert eventually - just not right now :P Thanks for your insights!

    CubitOom ,

    Jellyfin is great

    CubitOom ,

    I will always recommend buying or building a small home theater PC (htpc). Then you get a wireless keyboard with a connected track pad and you are set.

    If you are more tech savvy, you can save money and recycle by simply installing Linux on an old laptop/pc that you are not using and plugging it into your monitor.

    Mythnubb ,

    You could try one of these.

    onn. Google TV 4K Streaming Box (New, 2023), 4K UHD resolution www.walmart.com/ip/2835618394

    Mereo ,

    No thanks: killedbygoogle.com

    Ilovethebomb ,

    Buddy, I’ve still got an original Chromecast I use daily.

    GeekFTW ,
    @GeekFTW@kbin.social avatar

    Ditto. Got the 1st gen usb style, the 2nd gen puck, and the last ultra that came out before they had a full on OS and remote controls and shit. All 3 of em in use daily to this day.

    Mythnubb ,

    $20 for what seems to be a good streaming device ain’t bad, but I can understand where you’re coming from.

    SmashingSquid ,

    These are surprisingly decent. I have the non 4k one from a few years ago and even that is faster than smart tvs I’ve used.

    ExcursionInversion ,
    @ExcursionInversion@lemmy.world avatar

    Have the 4k one, works great light years faster than the TV os for everything

    ytsedude ,

    I use Plex on my PS4. It runs great!

    newthrowaway20 ,

    Google TV with Chromecast seems to work and it’s relatively cheap. I do get occasional stutters every now and then. Honestly, if you want the most flawless solution, running Plex from a computer and plugging that into your TV will outperform everything else.

    Haphazard9479 ,

    Here is a greatbarticle on how to build your own streaming box with Kodi and a raspberry pi. You could also use a playstation or xbox.

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