Announcing the new PlexPass feature…
Fall is in the air, and Thanksgiving is just around the corner, at least in the United States. The leaves are turning, and the first snow has already fallen in some parts of the country. I’m personally looking forward to the smell of warm pies baking, turkeys roasting, garlic-infused mashed potatoes with altogether too much butter, and of course spending time with family.
Thanksgiving implies travel for many people. Crowded airports, long drives, lots of time in lines, or pretending to fall asleep next to talkative strangers on planes. In other words, the perfect time for using Plex.
Unfortunately, wireless broadband is far from ubiquitous, and even when it’s available, it’s usually expensive, mostly slow, and sometimes even metered. This sucks, and it sucks even worse if you’re trying to stream high definition video.
Today, we’re doing something about that.
(We’ve actually been working especially hard this last month to finish it up in time for Thanksgiving!)
Ladies and gentlemen, we are incredibly proud to be to introduce PlexSync to you. It’s available today for iOS, and will be available for Android in the next couple of weeks.
Syncing media to the device is probably the most highly requested features since we launched the mobile apps, and rightly so. Using PlexSync, you can flag content from your library (or from certain channels) for download. Once you’ve done that, your server will convert the content you selected to a compatible format, and the mobile client will download the content to your device so you can view it when you’re offline.
PlexSync is a premium feature. It is currently in beta, and as such we’re making it available free of charge to our PlexPass members during the beta period. We’ll collect feedback, fix all the bugs, and make sure it works amazingly well. Let’s explore some key features of PlexSync:
- PlexSync is universal: It doesn’t matter whether you want to sync content from your library or from a channel – PlexSync can handle it all. Personally, I can’t live without my Vimeo Staff Picks, best videos on the Internet, so let’s grab a few to watch. See that little download button in the upper right? Tap it like it’s hot.
- PlexSync is rich: When you’re offline, you get almost exactly the same experience as if you were online. All your metadata is visible, along with posters, background art and theme music, and you can filter your content just as if you were browsing live content from your server. How awesome is that? Here I am in offline mode, can you taste the richness?
- PlexSync is flexible: You decide exactly what you want to sync. PlexSync can sync everything, limit based on duration, or number of items, or filter out episodes you’ve already watched – you name it. Here I am syncing 3 Pixar Movies, because, honestly, nothing keeps my (imaginary) kids quiet for hours like watching a lamp bounce around on a squeaky ball over and over again.
- PlexSync is smart: Your server will automatically convert more content for your device as you watch videos you’ve already synced. And your watched state & view offsets are synced back to your server the next time you connect. The sync details are stored in the cloud, so they can be edited even if your server is offline. Here I’m watching the media conversion take place on the server. My server is converting the file at 7.2x realtime, since it has more CPUs than Angelina Jolie has adopted children.
- PlexSync is considerate: Your server won’t use precious CPU cycles to convert your content if you’re already converting something for watching live. Additionally, you can instruct the app to only display synced content when you’re not on a Wi-Fi network, ensuring Plex doesn’t gobble up your cellular data allowance. Check out this sexy new connectivity setting:
- PlexSync works great with subtitles: We support SRT, SMI, SSA, and – happy days! – PGS and VOBSUB too.
- PlexSync is developer friendly: There is an API, and we expect that people will do cool and creative things with it. There is a flexible profile-based system (similar to the DLNA profiles) which configures how the media conversion is done.
We are very happy to share PlexSync with you today, and along with it all the other great features of Plex 3.0 for iOS. Barkley is happy too, but his contract currently only provides for using his likeness in media server release posts.
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Oh my god, this is a dream come true! Awesome!
Wow, looks great! Can’t wait to try it. Thanks to all the devs for their hard work.
<3 you guys!
So happy to hear this. PlexPass was worth it already, but this just tops it off
Glad to see this update… been waiting a long time for this feature. Good work guys!
Oh happy day! Oh happy day! You made my decade just now!
Wow. In explaining Plex to friends, offline viewing was the only piece I never had an answer for.
Time to take out the credit card. PlexPass purchase eminent!
Good job guys
Is this a server feature, and thusly all connected clients will be able to sync? Or does something need to be purchased by every client?
I hope a windows 8 and windows phone 8 support is in the pipeline.
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!!! KILLER FEATURE!!!! B-R-I-L-L-I-A-N-T!!!!
“PlexSync is a premium feature.” Does that mean you’ll be charging a monthly fee for it?
“My server is converting the file at 7.2x realtime, since it has more CPUs than Angelina Jolie has adopted children.”
LOL.
Seriously though, very nice!
Guys, you are incredible and better than Santa Claus.
Hot damn. If I had the funds to purchase a PlexPass account, I’d be all over this like a cheap suit. Happy to see this feature finally come to fruition.
This is a fantastic feature for mobile devices. Is there anything akin to this for the desktop edition?
I’m thinking of situations with relatively shoddy connection between Media Server and Player where buffering isn’t quite cutting it.
Wow, I picked an excellent day to buy that lifetime PlexPass membership!
Have to ask, is there an ETA for this feature on Android . .. ?
Any timeframe for when this would be available for us Android PlexPass subscribers?
@Jorn: it’s a cloud/server feature, so all your clients will be able to sync.
Who’s subscribing? The one running the server, the myPlex users or all? I don’t want this feature. I dont want my myPlex users being able to que 10 transcoding sessions before they go on vacation. I hope this is something that is limitable on the server side.
OMFG. BEST. THING. EVER.
And first.
Congratulations on the new developments.
Its reasonable to most, given that Plex is a for profit organization, that it should earn a income from it’s fruits of labor and producing a valued product.
However, I think it would help users decide whether to invest in the Plex system if they had more information on how the paid part of your service will work. I don’t think we expect an actual figure, but information on what type of payment scheme and control method would be helpful.
Such questions as :
Will these premium features when released be subscription based or a one time payment with subsequent updates free or paid?
Would it be a standalone application that would not need online authentication? Or will be on a similar system to the current plexpass online authentication system?
Again, thank you for all your hard work! Barkley deserves a big juicy bone for these releases!
Will PlexSync also be available for the WP app?
@RckStr: this is just for you and your owned content. Not for stuff you’ve shared.
@SethD: It seems that way. In the change log of Plex iOS App: “PlexSync will eventually be a premium feature available for a small subscription fee, but we’re making if available free of charge to our PlexPass members until it graduates from its Technology Preview period.”
@Elan: Thx for the info. thats good news!
THIS IS AWESOME GANG!
Question: we’ll be able to cherry-pick individual movies for conversion & sync, that correct? =)
@James: Premium features will generally be subscription based. PlexSync is cloud-based (sync settings and lists are stored on myPlex) so online authentication is required. I appreciate your kind words, Barkley is sleeping right next to me, wondering what I’m doing up so early
(The fact that this is a server feature just made my day! Otherwise is was about to write some not so nice words.)
This is absolutely terrific. Nicely conceived, well implemented! Your work is so awesome!
I played a little with iOS app – it is soooo good too! Huge applause!
I could not activate the Sync feature, though. No options to be seen in the myPlex admin interface, to which I was referred by the app.
@Justin: In the words of the great Chuck Norris, “Anything else would be uncivilized” ~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxUKLQ8x7z0
then its actually a killer feature. Just wish it was pay once and your done rather than subscription.
@MTII: Sign out of myPlex in iOS and PMS, it’ll ensure you get the new feature code we just pushed an hour ago. And thank you for the kind words!!
Was just reading the notes on the App Store. Does this mean that PlexPass members will only get this feature until it is ready to ship, and then will require a monthly fee for this premium feature on top of their PlexPass subscription?
Sounds interesting and I know that it would be useful for some of the family.
I don’t get why this will become a “premium feature” when it’s a sync between my server and my phone apps (which – don’t forget – I’ve already paid for) via my WiFi.
Where does the cost to Plex come in to justify charging an additional fee for this on what is likely to be a monthly/recurring basis?
In my case, I have a server login in on the same MyPlex account as my laptop and iPhone, I forced my kids to use their own MyPlex accounts so they have their own seen/unseen statuses, do we all need to pay up or is it enough that I pay?
(I have 4 teenagers living with their other parent every other week so using the same seen/unseen database is *not* an option)
Elan- Re: “..and as such,…”
Will this feature be included in the PlexPass offering, or is going to be an up-charge once it’s out of beta?
@Johan: for now it’s a single-account feature, but in the future we’ll look into solving your “problem” in a comprehensive way
This is awesome! Am about to leave on a four day vacation with next to no Internet connection, you just saved me a lot of time converting media for iTunes use. WOW!
That sounds amazing, thanks for all your hard work and the fast reply!
speaking of shared libraries… is there a way shared content can be downloaded vs. streamed?
I think it would be smarter to be able to control who of my myPlex friends that can sync from my library.
Consider this situation:
My son connects to our server via myPlex in an effort to get some sort of parental controls going (he can only access certain sections). He would be an obvious sync’er – before going on long car drives, for example.
With the current approach, he will not be able to sync, right?
@MTII: correct, and like I commented to the other gentleman, we’re planning on solving that “problem” in a nice comprehensive way
Any chance of making this available for the Windows Phone client too please?
Sounds FANTASTIC! Having trouble getting it to work, though. I took this morning’s Media Server update and verified that I’m running 9.7.3.317 and updated the iOS app as well. I see the download arrow, but it is grayed out and when I touch it, nothing happens. I’m signed in to myPlex in iOS and in the settings I see PlexPass and PlexSync both checked. Any suggestions?
@elan This looks great! I can’t wait to try this out. Thanks!
@John: A totally fair question. There are tons of costs here at Plex (like feeding the people – and their dogs – who build it), and we want to be in your lives for the long haul. Building a business is a necessary component. We won’t take away any functionality with premium features, they are the icing on the cake; you can indulge, or scrape it off and just eat the actual cake.
OMG!
Really guys, it’s still like 5w till X-mas! You are spoiling us.
Plex in all its glory is a 1st class role model for the 4-screen concept. Others should watch (in awe) and learn
Now I’m kind of jumping of excitement eager to see what will be under the christmas tree
haha
@ Elan: I was one of the first to immediately sign up for plexpass. I paid yearly and now i see lifetime which i would certainly buy. How do i switch. there doesnt seem to be a way to just switch my yearly to lifetime!!
@Bruce: Luckily it’s a preview release, and I’m sure there might be one or two bugs left
Generally that means that you need to sign into myPlex with the same account on iOS and server; signing out and then in again might help. If you’re still having trouble, please post in the forums, we’ll get it figured out!
Did i pay for PlexPass? yes. Do i have access to the plexpass forums? No. Do i see the update on iOs device? No. =(
@Jason: We’re working on it, had quite a few requests for it
This is what I have been waiting for. I will definitely purchase a PlexPass when the Android client is released. As many others I am concerned on the possibility of recurring monthly fees for this functionality in the future (I try to eliminate as many recurring fees from my life as possible).
but really I am super stoked for PlexSync!
GREAT! Congrats!
Elan, does this work for full sections, or we can pick the movies to sync one by one?
It would be nice to have that ability as I have hundreds of movies per section.
Second thing, any estimation of size per hour (or whatever) on the iPhone? I don’t have too much free space left.
@Osplo: Single movies, sections, filtered sections (e.g. “unwatched action movies”), you name it
Size depends on the quality you pick.
Premium Feature: so we will need to pay for access to our own content? I can’t rationalize paying for that. Disappointing to say the least.
@FunX: Oh noes! Please send me an email (elan at plexapp) with your myPlex username and I’ll check into it right away. Of course, I can’t do anything about the iOS app, that’s between you and Apple servers
That is exactly what I have been dreaming of….but wait, can I buy it out right or are you going to charge a monthly fee? I’m willing to buy it if works like you say it does.
Awesome feature. Almost makes me want to get plexpass except for the fact I’ll have to pay for the premium feature anyways. Happy but sad at the same time… looks like Im going back to XBMC
All in all – it is a great day to be a Plex enthusiast!
I look forward to the comprehensive stuff (and as always I hope that said stuff will be here before too long)…
You are gods among men, just signed up for a lifetime Plex Pass.
Élan,
Can you advise where the transcoding occurs as I have an SSD for applications and OSX.
Have changed my normal plex transcoding to another drive but this doesn’t appear to be used for plex sync?
@Ryan: You have the option of paying, if you’d like access your content in a way that you couldn’t before
@majortom: ~/Library/Caches/PlexMediaServer/Transcode/Sync
I see a check near plexpass and and an x near plexsync on my ipad
Love the improvements to the transcoder. Always good to see lots of fixes and improvements.
However, I don’t see any mention of restored support for subs embedded in MP4/M4Vs. Plex used to be able to play them but no longer. XBMC and VLC do support them. I really, really, really hope this is added soon.
Also, has the 5.1 AAC audio sync bug been fixed? This occurs on iOS devices when streaming MP4s with 5.1 AAC audio from the PMS.
@ Ilfrance: sign out and in again.
D’oh! I realized I posted my comment in the wrong blog entry. It should’ve been posted here: http://elan.plexapp.com/2012/11/19/plex-media-server-v0-9-7-3-with-plexweb/
LOVE IT.
@elan
Can the transcode location not be changed to protect my SSD from excessive writes?
PGS subtitles supported for Plexsync ..fantastic!. Does that mean you guys are closer to being able to transcode PGS subtitles to the web client, mobile clients in real time ?. Thats by far the feature I miss the most, as my entire collection is now uncompressed blu-ray’s.
Keep up the good work!
@elam thanx, it’s syncing the first tvshow Now
One complain about the new ui though… Too many taps to get to the remote now!
I was wondering if i am able to sync only the metadata for shows and movies (cover images, plot summaries etc.), while not converting and syncing any videos? I would love to have “good-looking-overview” of my media offline on my iphone, without my server caring about transcoding videos!
Btw, great job!
Anders
2 questions:
Is there any way to view only the content that is available offline on the particular device? Essentially, on my home screen, it would be nice to have a “Offline” section in “My Library”.
Is there any way to take content offline on a laptop?
I am getting sync error on sync. Signed out and in, both check marks have ticks in iOS. Content on qnap server with latest revision. Any hidden logs to troubleshoot as iOS just says sNYC error. User error?
this is the best birthday gift ever .. thanks guys
Hey.
First there are awesome feautures.
So my questioms:
1. is the sync mode for idevices only wirh the new server or with the old one too?
2. there are Problems with taking the metadata for german movies in the new Server… It search and then i see nothing like cover or metadata…
All words fall short for these amazing and fantastic updates…
YOU GUYS ROCK!!!
It would be nice if the Plex team can clarify what a “premium feature” means?
Will “premium features” be included in the PlexPass subscription? Or are you talking about paying another extra subscription?
Great idea on this. Just upgraded account and tried to sync on ipad, but the download butter is just greyed out. Have logged out and back in on both iOS and on media server. Have also confirmed that their is is a check mark settings for PlexSync. Any ideas?
@ Elan: what Kind of Server are you running getting that high transcoding speed? Sounds awesome…
Delete previous comment. Just had to fully close the iOS app and reopen thanks!
cool!
Great! I love you guys
So first I paid for the Plex app which I never use precisely because it does not have this feature (only bought it to support the platform). Now, when syncing is finally made available, I have to pay a subscription fee for it? You have got to be kidding me.
As I have said before, I am more than happy to support development, and would happily even become a PlexPass member if you would start supporting the ATV development, but this is ridiculous and, quite frankly, a slap in the face. You guys keep disappointing more and more.
Will this download your original file without converting?
My android can play 1080p blu-rays fine, so I don’t want them re-compressed!
Just fantastic!
I just got the subscription and the apps for ipad1 and iphone4.. but no success syncing though. “Error occured during sync” – any ideas?
Also plex claims unknown subscription type despite being a lifetime one.
Really hope the plex sync has sensible pricing. It is something that I would definitely use, but pretty much only ONCE a year (when I go on holiday). Don’t want a monthly subscription for a once a year feature
I didn’t even know you could connect different myplex accounts to the same server?! So that you get separate seen/unseen queues! Is this because of the auto network discovery? Otherwise, I don’t understand since the server logs in to only one myplex account.
@Captain crunch: (1) Only new server (2) Post logs/details in forum?
@Elan: can we change location of sync transcode folder to avoid using system SSD drive?
Any info on how much this will cost and how the billing will work once this exits beta. I see no problem paying a one time fee for offline access on the mobile apps, it’s an upgrade worth paying for.
Unlike the PlexPass program, this doesn’t appear to be a feature that justifies a seperate monthly or yearly subscription. If it were included in the PlexPass program, so that only subscribers would have access, with no additional cost I could see it being a compelling selling point to encourage more subscribers.
I’m encouraged by the progress on a long asked for feature, even if its something I won’t use very often. Fingers crossed we soon see that progress on the Mac.
Is there a post coming about the new iOS app?
If not, could you elaborate a bit about the new Direct Play options (Prioritize Quality/Playability)?
Its a Great idea, but i would like to have an option to only transcode my Videos into an iphone friendly format like there is in the Air Video app.
My only concern is why do we have to Pay for this, its mobile only and i paid 4,49 € for the iphone app which is not cheap. I would pay a one time amount e.g. 3€ but i think its not worth an monthly fee. Airplayit does this for free. I think most People would Pay for it but not on monthly bases.
@qh: we haven’t finalized all the details yet.
@Paul: Restart media server, maybe re-sign into myPlex.
@Wolfster: Last gen Mac Pro. We’ll see if my Ubuntu ZFS beast is faster
please release Plex WP8 for Lumia 920 pleaseeeeand the new feature Synch….. and by the way you guys ROCK !!!!!!! yeahhhhh plex is world domination
@Tommy: There’s a known issue on Snow Leopard. Otherwise, please head to the PlexSync forum and we’ll get it figured out! As a beta release, we expect a few issues
@Darren: Ah, that’s probably because lifetime didn’t exist at the time
We’ll fix it.
@majortom: yeah, use a symlink to put it wherever you’d like.
@blodsbror: yes.
@Max Engel: (1) settings > connectivity > offline
(2) the desktop client doesn’t support sync.
@Darrin: Plex Media Server.log should have details. The sync list on iOS will have more information as well on specific reason why items failed.
please let me buy the Plexsync feature out right, i feel like junkie if i have to pay monthly. And I’m afraid something goes wrong and my information is lost and bang I pay all over again.
Another vote for a Windows Phone version.
@elan: any chance of making it simple by adding an option in the server settings – not everyone will know how to do proper symlinks.
Forgot to say – great addition to App
)
This is an awesome feature, that I’ve been waiting a long time for, so thank you for implementing it. However, I am not shure that I’m willing to pay for offline sync on a monthly basis.
After all; when is offline syncing necessary? It is when I’m out travelling, for example when I’m going home for the holidays. Plex runs the risk of customers paying for one month of sync, then cancelling the subscription. What I am saying is: I prefer paying some kind of one time “upgrade fee” rather than subscribing to yet another service.
I am looking forward to the final release and finding out what payment plan you land on.
Elan: Re: Tommy: I run plex on a snow leopard machine and get the same error. Are you working on a fix for syncing with a SL/PMS setup?
+1 for Windows Phone version
YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Best. Day. Ever.
Plex is officially now perfect.
Oh I forgot to say, what ever you decide, plex programmers ROCK hugh!
Thanks for the reply @elan.
If you don’t include this feature in the plexpass subscription, you’re going to have some upset users.
Amazing. Thanks so much guys, this has made me subscribe to PlexPass.
Another monthly fee? If we end up using this feature for years to come, just how much is this “really” costing us? As cool a feature as this is, I just don’t think it’s big enough to be perpetually paying for. I get the sinking feeling that any new feature worth having in the future is going to cost us a new monthly fee.
I’d love to jump on board all this excitement but I can’t even update my client to 9.5 until this is resolved: http://forums.plexapp.com/index.php/topic/31648-performance-issues-in-os-x/page__st__20__p__307271#entry307271
and the screen saver is fixed…
Congrats on the results of all your hard work, but how bout fixing a couple of basics along the way… please? I can’t sign up for plex pass until I go to 9.5 and that isn’t happening until it works on my computer
@Johan: yes!
I think offline sync is huge. I am a longtime plex user and supporter. I purchased the yearly plexpass the first day it came out. When I discovered plexsync was going to be a premium feature I was rather upset. I thought I was already paying for “premium” features.
I doubt I will use plexsync very often, maybe once in a blue moon when I take flights. Sucks I would have to pay for it just to use it 4x a year.
@Nick: we’re still working on the final details, so I would encourage you not to be upset about something that hasn’t been described in detail yet. We have no intention of making our users upset
I think you guys should be more clear about the charging for PlexSync. You’re likely getting a load of new plexpass subscriptions from people thinking it will give them sync, but it appears that that’s only the case for a limited time (beta) after which there will be another fee. Please make this clear.
I’m happy to hear PlexSync is being added, but I do not like the subscription model being applied to it. Thank goodness there are plenty of alternatives like ‘Video Stream’ that already offers this feature for a one time free (.99 cents last I checked).
Finally! I thought the day will never come. I have signed up for a lifetime PlexPass. Hopefully the premium subscription will not be too expensive. This is THE feature I have been waiting for.
Kudos to the Plex Team.
You guys are amazing. Signed up for the lifetime pass, largely because I want to support you guys and feel you more than deserve it. Thanks again.
Everbody in our household has a seperate myplex login – only because that was a great way to allow access to sections, keep seperate unwatched status and such. This setup will require us to buy 3-5 plexpasses?
Any chance of a server license?
@elan +1 on Nick’s sentiment. I would even be willing to pay a one time fee but monthly to download our own content seems a bit much.
Side note the new version of the iOS app makes it more cumbersome to launch the remote app. Disappointing because it is the most used feature for me.
Thanks for all the work you guys out into this. Despite some of my reservations About the future, I love the app, give money at every turn, and recommend you to friends.
$5 iOS app
$5 Android app
$30 per year PlexPass
$X per x Premium Pass
I can’t wait to find out what the VIP pass gets me!
Regarding Elans speed and his zfs/ubuntu server that he’ll try out later. I just did a test on my own server, HP DL 380G7 with dual xeon processors (only 4 vpu assign to the vm which runs plex thou), alot of ram and a zfs diskarray connected to this (run in a vm on esxi, but with lots of RAM and SSDs for zlog etc) got 22x decoding speed. Great work with this new feature even if there is alot of babybugs (which I’ll post on forum instead).
@Andyreas: My brother in ZFS, glad you’re enjoying it. We’ll fix all the little annoying things, have no fear!
@Chris: We’ll fix the remote usability thing for sure, sorry about that! And thanks for the kind words
Isn’t this what the old Klexi app did for free, but now costs a recurring fee of who knows how much? Maybe if it was one time I’d be more willing, but as it is, I personally will not be purchasing this feature.
Bummer, no auto-resume fos sync. It syncs from the beginning if your wireless connection breaks while syncing.
Also, the quality setting is confusing (very high? high? medium? low?). If I am using an iPhone 5, should it be very high or high? Maybe it should just automatically choose the best quality for the device we are using. Obviously, if I am syncing I would want the best for the device I am using.
I know this is the place for feedback. So where should I provide feedback?
I as *just* about to bust out my credit card and pay for Plex Pass but now I have concerns over this dual subscription Plex Pass Vs Premium nonsense.
@Gavel: exactly! But Klexi seems to be dropped completely but offline watching is still working for free, if you stored the ipa…
@elan: have a look at the iOS sdk and agreements. If the iOS app will push to subscription website, the app will be kicked out of the AppStore. So plex has to implement an in-app-purchase where you have to pay 30% because of the apple developer cut or just setup a one-time payment connected to our myPlex account.
And sorry but a monthly fee for downloading and offline playing of my own media is some kind of weird and in addition with in-app-purchases a strictly no-go, even if it’s just 99cents a month, because I disallow all in-app-purchases, after these 99$ smurf berries and sega rip-offs, even I would pay once for that feature. Otherwise I will stay to use any media player without the need to convert
Great work…love Plex – absolutely impresses me time and time and time again.
I assume the iOS app must be manually opened to initiate the sync? No automagically syncing in the background?
Really great work – eager to hear the pricing.
I was just thinking that Plexpass was a good feature to encourage people to subscribe to PlexPass….BUT then I read carefully and it appears Plexsync will be a “premium feature” outside of the regular PlexPass subscription.
This is an interesting development. It seems we’re heading in a direction that “premium” new features will keep getting added with their own “subscription” fees. Personally I don’t agree with this move and hope I’m wrong. Fine, have a subscription model but if people have kindly offered to pay to be BETA testers for the early releases (!!) at the very least offer the new features to them, don’t expect them to pay even more!
A subscription should be all encompassing, not create 20 different subscriptions for different features (ala Microsoft Vista licences!).
All that being said I DO APPRECIATE the great work the devs have put into Plex, it is a magnificent program and I would happily pay for it but please don’t alienate your loyal fans by doing a multi subscription money grab.
When is the next podcast? I’d love to hear more about this feature and the UI changes. Awesome job!
@Johnie: We’re totally not planning on alienating our loyal fans. Stay tuned, we haven’t finalized plans
@Paul: correct, an iOS limitation; hopefully fixed in iOS 10.
@Komacrew: As long as you don’t link out to the external subscription website, it’s fine. C.f. Netflix.
@robrob: appreciate your input, we’ve only hinted at, but haven’t finalized or announced details of what’s to come.
@Jonathan: @ auto-resume – I believe we actually do resume media transfers; please open a thread in the PlexSync forum. The quality depends on the screen size, I believe “highest” is “don’t resize at all, and remux if possible” and then “high” = full screen size, “medium” = 3/4 screen size, etc. Ish.
Argh bummer about the PlexSync becoming a Premium feature and not part of the PlexPass subscription. I already whipped out the ol’ plastic card to order the lifetime subscription, now I’m gonna wait out till it becomes clear about all the costs its gonna involve. PlexPass / PlexSync / Plex??? / etc
I can’t pay with a belgian VISA , Something wrong with braintree?
please add paypal
Hey Elan,
I’m probably going to buy a lifetime subscription to PlexPass since I’m building my home entertainment environment solely around Plex.
However, what I don’t understand is that PlexSync is going to be a premium feature requiring a monthly payment. myPlex i can understand, it costs you money to maintain the servers etc. but PlexSync is something between a home-server and a client, only the connection is made via myPlex (which will probably have a different monthly cost).
Could you elaborate on your decision and/or provide some insight in how you’re planning the cost structure. At this rate someone will be paying you $10,- a month for a media server
How do I chose between streamed and locally synced content? Without using the Connectivity setting that is.
It seems when there is a choice, it will always stream if it can.
In Belgium when you pay with visa (or any card) you get referred to a site and you to enter a code created by a digicard reader (you put your visacard in it and it creates a security code)
I tried paying with my visa but i just get transaction refused?????
@elan: Thx for reply.
i had try to reinstall the old version of Plex (on Synology DS 712+) but it delete all film infos.
now i reinstall the new version and all infos are available again…strange..!
How can i do a log? (Newbie:))
When i stop the Manager and delete it and all the Files, is it a new installation or is it all old Version?
I found a Agent Menu in Hidden Settings, what is the Original Settings there?
Yikes!
I love Plex, and the new sync feature sounds nifty, but I’m not sure I like where this is headed. I’ve expected Plex to monetize itself ever since I discovered it, but a subscription per feature is Not what I expected at all. PlexSync for example, while nice, isn’t something I believe the overwhelming majority here would consider paying for perpetually. After all, VLC based apps already let you drag and drop any file you have onto your device for playback with no transcoding required, and are free to boot.
Integration into my favorite app is nice, and frankly I’d pay for the work put into it, but I can’t see paying monthly for something I’d use on the odd vacation drive just so I can keep metadata and the odd YouTube video over what is currently available on the platform sans any charges at all.
And I reay hate to pile on, because I can’t adequately express my fondness for your wonderful software overall in a post, but why are you guys focusing development time on neat but niche features like this when my daughter can STILL crash PMC simply by hitting the back or enter button while waiting for a queued show to start? If Plex is going to become commercial software, it’s going to have to become a little more resilient to normal behavior… Like impatient six year olds.
Hello Plex Team,
you just rock and I thank you for your hard work. Happy to pay my plexpass if it can help sustain durably your efforts.
I’m about subscriptioned to death. I’m using my computer, my content, my ipad. Sell the feature. How do you subscribe to a software feature. Lets hope that when I’m old I don’t have to SUBSCRIBE to pacemaker services. Don’t go from being FREE to “let me see how many features I can charge extra fees for”. Tell me the price and let me just buy it.
I’m not a fan of subscriptions but don’t mind paying for something I use daily (Roboform Everywhere for example). PlexSync is a great feature, but it would be used very occasionally. I could justify one-off purchase (and charging for major upgraded is fine), but I’m afraid it’s not something I would be prepared to pay another subscription for.
Elan, when will you have all the facts and pricing of PlexPass and the separately priced PlexSync prominently displayed on the website? I see in this blog posting where people are mentioning PlexPass subscriptions, including Lifetime, yet the Plex website doesn’t have any easy to find information about PlexPass and pricing options. This needs to be corrected.
Sure you should get paid, but you should be increasing the price of the iOS app for starters. Paying a recurring subscription fee to sync my own content is a NONSTARTER. If I can’t make a reasonable and ONE TIME payment via PayPal for PlexSync, then I’m dumping Plex. There’s no way I will pay a subscription fee to use ANY Plex feature, so your new business model will simply cause me to dump Plex in a heartbeat.
I don’t require remote Internet access to my media. The use of Plex exclusively on my LAN should not require a cloud/web account. As such, requiring a Plex cloud/web account to access or sync my own content from my LAN is also a NONSTARTER. Will this issue be rectified?
Cheers.
I absoluuutly love PlexSync.
Just synced a season of Pingu cartoons to my iPhone (I have kids, and there are times when a cartoon on your iPhone will save the day). Before, if I wanted offline viewing, I had to convert the files with Handbrake and transfer them to the phone using iTunes. Such a drag that I often would never get to it.
So for me PlexSync is a great enhancement and I am constantly amazed about the quality of the Plex software in general. There is, in my humble opinion, no better alternative (if you’ve got the right hardware). I do not doubt that the development of such fine software takes loads of time and effort, so (to address the payment/no payment thingy) to me it is very understandable that the Plex guys make a move towards getting some financial edge. I’ll rather pay for (or live without) some Plex features, than see the motivation of the developers and the time invested on development decrease. Because that is what I believe could eventually happen if money was left out of the equation. After all, as I understand it, no features will be removed from the free Plex applications that I already likes sooo much
I had the grayed-out download arrow problem too. I signed out and in of both the client app and my server (Mac), and that didn’t help either. I force rebooted my iPad, and the next time I opened the Plex app, the download arrow was active (white). FYI for those of you with similar problems.
Possible bug:
Synced a season of Pingu cartoons to my iPhone. Set mobile Plex on the phone to only show synced content when not on a wifi. But there is no poster art when in offline mode. Know it is only beta and so far everything else works great.
Been using Plex fro about 3 years at a cost of $0, so is PlexPass at $75 value for money? Bit of a no brainer I’d say. I’ve been a bit of a Plex bore over the last few years, I don’t see that changing. Thanks for all the excellent work.
Elan, great work on the PlexSync feature, I gave it a try last night to transcode and synced it up to my iPhone 5.
I definitely support Plex and have donated multiple times in the past and recently purchased the lifetime Plexpass membership. I much prefer you to be sustainable and provide quick updates and new features. The alternative to closing shop, bad support or potentially getting sold off to another company like Apple or Google would be horrible.
It’s hard to put things back in the bottle but drop the price of mobile apps to free, charge for all myPlex under the PlexPass including remote outside the local network features like web client access, PlexSync and use of all mobile apps … or maybe just charge for watching in HD? Technical folks will be able to work around the myPlex features anyways and there’s lots of alternative tools but I’m sure there’s a lot of people who want to pay for the ease of use and premium features. Provide cloud support for transcoded content and charge for extra space, not everyone wants to keep their computer on all the time or have a reasonable internet upload speed.
The alternative is you fork Plex in to the free/lite version and freeze all support. Change the name of the software to Plex Plus for the premium version and charge for the subscription.
As soon as DLC for videogames hit. This kinda stuff became acceptable. I dont mind supporting plex its a great product. But I think if a general plan/map is not shared with user base people are going to continue to be upset. Define what a premium feature is and why its consided to be a premium feature. Think Xbox Live Gold vs Silver. The difference between the two is well layed out.
-Thanks
@Bill: can’t agree more!
So PlexSync is a premium feature, probably based on a subscription model. This really s*cks. This should be a basic feature of the program, not worth charging extra for.
I do understand that you have a dev team to “feed” but this move appears greedy to me. Have you properly weighed the cons of moving to a subscription based model for such a basic feature? Upsetting your loyal fans (I was one of them) will decrease the word-of-mouth, thus making it harder for you to sign-up new customers paying for the iOS app.
For me, this is a sign that Plex is heading downhill.
I will continue to use Plex client on the iPhone (yes, I think that it is an amazing app), and view my Plex media offline using the free AcePlayer app as a workaround. Not as good as an integrated PlexSync feature, but does the trick… especially when I need to view offline content once every other month at best.
How about having an in-app purchase for Sync instead of a subscription? Like many others, I’d love the feature but it wouldn’t get daily use – only when travelling, etc.
I also agree with the comment about about households that have multiple PlexPass accounts to enable better control over streaming, etc.
So many people creating home theatre setups around Plex now. It is no wonder too with the wide device support and flexibility. You guys should have an official Plex box lol. I’d love that. It’d take a piece out of the equation when I consider a new device: “Does it have a Plex app?”
Amazing, amazing, AMAZING!
Thanks!!!
@pppx: before you totally make up your mind, please wait until we announce the specifics, and then you can decide
It might be the angle at which I’m seeing things, but I feel like we’re heading uphill. In the snow. Both ways.
WoW ! Very Nice !! good job !!
What I find a bit strange is that All is more stable … after I suscribed to PlexApp. Browse into the features and Guys I have to say I am impressed! Glad to have suscribed to a Lifetime PlexPass subscription. Very glad!! Keep up the good work. It seems I can’t say enough, I am impressed
Just subscribed to the FlexPass for a month to try out, and it is a very nice feature. I would definitely consider buying if it was a one-off fee, but probably not on a subscription model. Like others, I would only use this occasionally, and if I had to pay a monthly fee I would use Subler/Handbrake to convert for those occasions I might want to watch offline. I notice conversion to iphone5 for one of the tv episodes transcoded even though I could remux the same file with Subler (converting audio to AAC) and play it back on the AVPlayer and FlexPlayer fine (and took a lot less time to convert and video quality was much better even though I’d selected Highest video setting in FlexSync).
Why is it so hard for people to understand that if you want Plex to get better over time, the developers need to be paid somehow? The team could have very simply decided to charge for the base application but they don’t. They’re giving you a choice to pay if you want to. If you don’t you can still enjoy streaming all your movies wherever you want.
Nothing is free in this world. If you want quality, be prepared to pay some money.
Anyway, Elan and team, I’m extremely impressed with the work you have done with this application. I can’t wait to see what you have up your sleeve next.
What an awesome feature.
Hoping more than ever now that we see some love for WP8 and Windows 8 RT. I would kill for a Plex App on my Surface
Hey.
I have only Problems with the New Webplex.
First it dont search for Metadata (New Install, Reinstall, Old install and others dont help).
Then the App dont find the Server on my Synology Ds 712+.
And then the Movies that i have found after hours of trying, fill in the info with the english and not my favourite german language…so i decide to delete the app on my ds and use the DS Videostation, which runs perfectly.
Sorry, maybe i look forward, when i see the Problems resolve….
@Pascal & @ Elan: People aren’t averse to paying for great software. When Carbon Copy Cloner stopped being freeware earlier this year, I had no problem paying the $39.95 to upgrade to version 3.5. I do however draw the line at a monthly recurring subscription. I need another monthly bill like I need cancer.
Stop giving away Plex for free and charge more for the iOS app. Come up with a simple and properly priced perpetual licensing model where you don’t require indefinite access to my wallet every month. It’s that simple. Premium vs. non-premium features is a really dumb idea, and this plan will backfire.
Seriously, feature for a monthly fee? Not only does it suck, it’s just not how it’s done. You subscribe for content, not for features. Features for free or a one-time sum while content is paid per month.
Seriously, what is like MS did that regarding their software products – “You know, we must eat. There ARE costs involving when developing this product, so you have to subscript to use certain parts of Windows. Notepad is for free, but the ability to save the file is a premium feature”
No, one subscribe for content, not for features. Or even better, one subscribe for premium content, still not for features. A la Netflix, Spotify and the likes.
@Elan: Plex is too amazing to be given away for free and should no longer be freeware. Barkley needs a new DE-LUXE collar and leash!
Forget about the nonsensical subscription model and silly premium vs. non-premium features. Stick with a model people are used to, for example:
1) The current version of Plex Server with PlexSync and PlexWeb should have been a PAID $29.99 or $39.99 upgrade. That’s a missed opportunity unless you yank it ASAP.
2) Plex Server should be available only for a free 14-day trial run.
2) The Plex iOS app should be $9.99.
3) PlexPass should be for exclusive beta version access.
4) Major revisions to Plex Server should be paid upgrades.
Plex is well worth it. People will pay for Plex if they try it. We all love Plex and you should get paid for your hard work. Take a leap of faith. Bombich Software did it with Carbon Copy Cloner. Plex should not be free.
@peter. Ypu expect continuous improvements yet think a one time charge entitles you to perpetual support and improvements? The subscription model is far better than having to purchase the new version every year . The trick is to balance the price. The current pricing is reasonable. We shall see what they decide to charge for sync later. If they get greedy, then the experiment will fail. I love Plex and want to support the developers and their efforts hope this continues.
Anyone that can tell me how to change to a life time plex pass from the regular plex pass?
pls let me know
It would be great to have this feature on the desktop to. I have a Time Capsule where I store all my movies and TV-shows. When Im going to travel with my girlfriend I’ll rather use my macbook air than my iPad Mini. Mabye have the option to sync when you press the C button?
I can’t stop getting a feeling of ungratefulness when I read thru some of the above comments. Some consist of constructive criticism which is great but some are just plain unnecessary.
I really hope the team behind Plex doesn’t get to affected by it. My suggestion to the main problem would be one free and one premium plan. You pay extra for certain addons/new features but then all addons is included in that premium plan. To pay a low fee for premium features is getting more and more common and something I am practicing in my own companies (just look at where Microsoft is going, Office365).
I’m looking forward to the finalized plan they are working on and considering that they always impressed us with most things before I say give them a chance first.
First, congratulations on this brilliant piece of work. Plex is awesome and is bound to get better and better from what you’re announcing!
Still, I would have to agree with some that considering a monthly fee for a specific in-app feature might not be the smoothest path.
While the PlexPass service righfully belong to this approach as you get access to the Plex backstage as long as you would like to get some premium support/advanced peaks; this is truthfully a great idea.
In one’s mind, a monthly is some new content that is pushed to you on a monthly basis or which grants you some service/infrastructure delivered by the provider.
Besides myPlex, you are not at any time providing any kind of service but more likely, providing an excellent piece of software which enable people, based on their own infrastructure to do so for their own good.
In the past few months, you have introduced many changes at a fast pace including your business model shift and people’s reaction tends to tell you that you are right to claim some rewards on your hard work but it’s too aggressive. Full Plex experience had always been free (except for the mobile app) and now, withing months, you are telling people to pay for an optional advanced Plex experience; so giving them a choice; but anyway if they want the new features, they’ll have to pay eventually the same way they choose not to accept your advanced Plex experience. And people might ask themselves.. So what’s next ? What are you going to charge for next?
Moreover, in the case of a premium feature you are asking people to pay for a feature – not a service, that he might or not use on a recurring basis while he uses your app on a daily basis for free! No wonder why people are ticking on this!
If the whole point of this is getting a deserved reward for something that is asking for some investment in your daily life and paying for all the myPlex infrastructure, then I think you chose the wrong way to present your offer:
Make Plex not free and ask for a reasonable monthly price or at least make a regular free Plex offer and a premium offer which includes all of the advanced features so that one does not have to worry about paying more in the future for some very specific features or make inapp payment.
Ultimately, it’s the same because your pricing should adapt to the way you are going to market your feature/product… However, the way your audience perceives it: can make a huge deal.
That being said, keep up the good work and thanks.
@Reality: Take a Learning Annex night class in English. My last post stated clearly that major updates should not be free. People should pay for major updates, as common in the software industry.
Plex is great, thank you for developing such a good piece of software.
Not sure if anyone has mentioned this but I noticed today that when selecting a synced film it tried to stream, I had to go into the iPhone settings and turn off the cellular data. This was a bit of a pain and it would be excellent if Plex detects a synced film either just plays it or asks if you want to stream from server version. I had a connection at the time but it was so poor it would never had played.
Or if I have missed a button or setting, please let me know. Thanks
@Reality, a perpetual license does not entitle users to the current version of software AND all future versions. Perpetual means that the user has a fully paid up license to a particular version of the software. Having users pay for major updates forces the developer to continuously improve the product and not rest on their laurels, so to speak.
The software licensing model for Plex that is on the table is rather schizophrenic and stupid. They still plan on giving away their Crown Jewels (Plex Server), undercharge for the iOS app, and then hope enough people will sign up for a subscription service to gain access to “premium” features. That’s not going to cut it. Most people will not warm to a subscription model with yet another hand reaching into their wallet.
The Plex team rightfully should earn revenue. They need to wake up and realize how truly valuable their software is and profit from it. None of it should be given away for free.
@Peter Axworthy: Thanks
We’ve heard of other reports with streaming vs playing synced copy, we’re looking into it for 3.0.1!
What’s the problem, the money is in Ads these days. No brainer, free version of the Server and the iOS App have ads and when you pay a reasonable price, the Ads go away. That way you can test as long as you want before you buy and the Plex team earn money from all those people who want the free version.
Just my two cents worth.
First of all, congratulations for the new version. I think PlexSync is amazing. This is what I’ve been waiting for, finally I’ll be able to watch my movies in the bus and on the train, yeah !! When I saw that PlexSync was for PlexPass subscribers only, I took the lifetime plan in a few clicks, more than happy to support you guys. But my enthusiasm vanished when I discovered that it would stop at some point in the future and that you planned to make it a subscription based feature. Elan, this is just plain wrong, I think you can’t stack up like this monthly-based fees for what you call sugar topping. This is part of the core functionality of Plex’ especially when you have a mobile device ! You already asked money for being a PlexPass member, I can imagine that a lot of people subscribed because we’re fans, but don’t cross the red line on this one.
A Plex Fan
Count me in the crowd that will pay for PlexPass (yearly or lifetime) as soon as you sort out what you’re going to charge (in addition to PlexPass) for PlexSync. PlexSync sounds great, and its inclusion in the iOS app is what led me to the website to check out developments. I’m willing to pay something along the lines of the PlexPass fees, but I would expect that to *include* premium features, not offer *discounts* on them. A private forum and the opportunity to be a beta-tester is not something I’m going to pay for.
Recently checked the Plex website after couple of months away. Pleasantly surprised by both Plex/Web and PlexPass. One of my big concerns about Plex has been that the project would go away due to lack of funding, and $4/month seems a reasonable price for a software subscription. I already do this for a bunch of hosted services that depend on their subscription revenue to both develop and deliver their software as a service.
Then I read the text again and find out that the subscription is really-sorta-mostly for beta-and-developer-access and that premium features will require a per-feature subscription on top of this.
The whole deal really breaks down for me here on a number of different levels.
1) My other premium SaaS subscriptions are ‘all features for one constant simple price’. Even though they keep adding stuff that requires storage and processing power, improvements in internal efficiency, and the Moore’s law, means they keep the offering at the same price.
2) An argument could be made that those who do not use ‘cloud’ features, should not pay for those who do. In that case see 1) and make a two-tiered subscription system where the PlexPass+Cloud option is priced to support continuous operation.
3) Seems to me there is a risk of features becoming cloud-dependent to justify their premium status based on the ‘it costs money to run the servers’ argument. In the PlexSync case, the scenarios where it makes sense to sync via the cloud between two devices before they can sync with the server seems pretty unlikely (for my use cases at least). For me it would be a lot more important that the system works in a disconnected peer-to-peer scenario for long periods of time, including the case where the Plex services are no longer around.
I hope you will soon address how you see the whole subscription/payment model develop over the coming months and years.
My $.2
1. Why are people are paying to bugtest beta features for plex? This seems very backasswards. Usually Beta products are free until final release because, you know, they are beta and typically suck. Shouldn’t devoted beta plex users be rewarded for their diligence in working with plex developers?
2. I’m pretty sure Plex is not working for free. LG? Samsung?
3. $9.99 iOS app. done
4. Plexsync premium monthly subscription? C’mon $1.99 addon done.
5. $29.99 PlexServer. Done.
6. Why are you charging monthly subscription for premium addons? Are you providing a service that is utilizing your servers? The load of plexserver is already placed on user and user already has to fork out money for their server and client hardware. Only reason to charge monthly subscription would be towards myPlex. Even then Plex servers are not handling any of the load. Could be another premium addon for $1.99
@Fahrenheit: We haven’t announced any specifics yet, so I ask that you reserve judgement until we do
We have no desire to alienate/annoy anyone.
I have contacted Plexapp.com several times in order to figue out how to get this app to work. I get no help or information in order to fix this problem. AM I THE ONLY ONE OUT THERE THAT’S HAVING THIS PROBLEM???? NOT IMPRESSED ,,,,
Sync seems to work very well. I would like to see an option in the quality settings to bypass conversion if the source file is already device compatible. Plus if say audio is ac3 and not compatible only converting the audio.
This would save a lot of time on reconverting stuff.
@Jonathan: Glad you’re enjoying it. The profiles for the device (which are fairly rich, but probably need tweaking) already categorize the “Direct Play” situations (e.g. an MP4 file). The also cover remuxing cases where only audio needs to be transcoded, for example. However, these relate to quality too; if you have a 1080p MP4, but select low quality, it likely won’t be copied over.
If you’re seeing it not do the right thing, we’d like to hear about it
am i a part of this forum?
i mean how do i get my pic on here and feel i am actually signed up for this forum? Is it only for people who pay for the PlexPass?
After using Plex for many years I’m very happy to have purchased the lifetime membership. Plexsync is great and also an excellent excuse to buy that new iPad 64Gb on black friday. Thanks Elan and the team and keep up the good work.
What about advertisement? like a free version with an ad once in a while or you buy the software and you have no ad…at least that can guaranty the plex team some revenues so they can continue improving it.
(you can find many solution, like 1 ad or 2 when you start the free client or (not and) an ad once every 5 movie started or a banner when browsing the content….and if you do not want that buy the software….The ad shall not be too intrusive
First of all, thank you! Most importantly, you guys are keeping innovative and interesting ideas flowing into your baby, and it’s paying off. Bravo! However…
If you make this a separate subscription feature, I will not subscribe, simple as that. And everyone, you have that choice, too. The core features still work without PlexSync. Amazing new feature, but will probably not use it, nothing personal
If I ever watch Plex content, it’s typically in my home, or on the road. I’m always connected to a network, so streaming is not a big issue.
On that note, I used it once just for testing purposes, and I must say it is working great! Content was syncing very quickly, and the majority of content was synced in minutes. I deleted everything after, because I didn’t want to clutter my iPad drive. But, it looks like it’s already working great, fantastic job!
I will add that this may not be the feature to start charging a separate subscription. I am all for supporting Plex, and there may be other ways to do this. You guys should get yourself some ad partners, and implement small advertisements for those that do not want to pay for features? BTW, the only “charge” we should ever incur are either a lifetime license for the server, and for mobile clients. That’s it! Charging for a feature that’s only available for a client (iOS), which also costs money, is ridiculous. Plex has been open source since its inception (including the media server), and if too many charges appear for different features, it may isolate a loyal fan base, and cause people to stop telling friends and family about Plex. By the way, I subscribed the day PlexPass was made available. And I would do it again. But, we are beta-testers, and spend more time in the forums than probably necessary, troubleshooting, helping others, contributing ideas for features and bugs, etc., and we are now starting to see the Plex objectives and goals very clearly, for the first time, thus the little uproar from so many dedicated users. I’ve personally been a beta tester sine 2009. I’m all for a revenue plan…it’s necessary for you guys to keep working. But perhaps this particular subscription model could be considered thouroughly, and reflect our concerns.
Thanks for listening!
@unisonruss: we’re always listening, and we definitely appreciate everything our users are saying! look for an update before too long which should clarify some of this.
Thanks elan, you rock!!
Being able to see trailer of my movies will be great,
also new trailer as an ad or revenue source
@elan: That is the way it works if I watch a (device compatible) show streamed from the Plex server on the iOS app. However even if I select “Highest” from the quality settings when I setup a sync it still re-encodes the file again which I’d prefer it not to do as it’s a lot faster to just copy the file as is. It would be useful if for already compatible files there was a “Original Quality” option and it just copied the file over.
Thanks
Please, make it also available on Windows Phone 8! Looking forward to signing up for plexpass when that happens.
Hey, just an idea, when you guys decide, why don’t you do a short 20 min. podcast and
explain it all. Just a thought.
Does PMS store a cache of pre-transcoded files so downloads happen faster (unlike Klexi)?
@OctagonPhd: yes, it does.
Bought one month of PlexPass to test the PlexSync feature, and it works pretty well. Still testing to see if items in the conversion queue will convert items even after I exit the app, and then download when I open the app again and start my sync.
Next step is to view the amount of storage consumed, mark an offline show as “watched” and then sync and view the storage again to make sure the app releases the data.
I see that each device has it’s own sync profile, is the converted file then tied to a unique device or to a unique device type? So if I sync (=convert) a file for my iPad, does that mean my second iPad has to convert and sync its own copy of the same file, or do all devices that filter out the same file for sync able to access the converted file cache? Just interested in the nitty gritty to better adjust my workflow
2 thoughts:
1) Make the conversation settings more descriptive; many of us are actually interested in resolution and things like that, so maybe the app can be aware of the device it is currently running on and provide some sort of information on what “High”, “Medium” etc means on that particular device?
2) Please don’t make syncing our own content a premium feature, adding new features shouldn’t be seen as a way to get more money out of your existing customer base who already paid for the app, it should be seen as a way to get more people to buy the app by increasing it’s value to a larger circle. Or make it an add-on that people can purchase as a one-off purchase (like an in-app purchase).
I’m guessing the PlexPass “beta-tester program” is a way to get around Apples requirement that subscriptions need to go through the AppStore so they can get their taste, and I have a feeling that the Premium subscription is to comply with Apples countermove to not allow this revenue stream outside of the AppStore. Please try and find a way around it…
@GoodGuy: each device will get its own transcode at this point, there’s no sharing (yet). Apropos your first thought, we’ll try to make that a bit more informative. Apropos your second thought, we’ll update with more details before long.
Plex can be a substitute for a cable TV subscription, just to have to subscribe to something else is repulsive, in reading, many agree with me. Have a simple poll on the plex forms to see what people use Plex for. What ever happened to asking users what they want to give you money for? How about paying for votes and you can put your votes towards new features, that way Windows phone users can see the 5000 votes they’d need for a developer to make a client and the 4900 votes they are short, if someone wants to pay $4900 for a Windows phone client they can. Like Kickstarting each feature.
Most software has major paid releases, please adopt the standard. I know given the competition the freemium model seems the way to go- it isn’t. The whole idea of Plex is to have a huge library that you own.
Let me spell it out for you, Plex doesn’t support DRM material, if we wanted we’d buy everything and have access to stream or download whenever we wanted, we don’t, and use Plex. Now asking us to subscribe to something, it is not going to happen for the huge majority of your users. Approach earning money another way, and I at least will gladly pay.
Plex is encroaching on Readibility territory, you can read up on how accepting reader fees for content went for them, except this time the content is our own.
[for the record I have donated to Plex development in the past more than once]
Elan, your claim in this blog post is not correct:
“It doesn’t matter whether you want to sync content from your library or from a channel – PlexSync can handle it all.”
I’ve yet to find a single channel that PlexSync can handle. Why overstate so completely what PlexSync is capable of? All it seems capable of is sync’ing my local library. The local libary sync to my iOS devices is far more time consuming and error prone, than a simple iTunes sync.
@MSM: Making a modern channel sync-able is quite easy, and we’re gradually updating well-tested channels to have the “sync flag” enabled, but yes, we weren’t able to update all of them before launch. Here’s a short list of channels that are currently enabled: 5by5, AMT, Devour, Earth Touch, National Geographic, The Onion, Pitchfork, Revision3, Stuff.tv, Team Coco, TED Talks, TWiT, Vimeo, Zie. I wasn’t aware that iTunes could convert media to the right format, burn subtitles, and various other things that PlexSync does
My entire library is in iTunes compatible format.
@MSM: Then iTunes might just be the right choice for you
Elan,
Just read through this entire post and the original blog, and all I can say us WOW… Such ungrateful ignorant leaches who have been benefiting from your teams sweat, innovation and dedication and you kept your cool in every reply! I apploud you sir! You and the entire plex team!!
I have been enjoying plex for 3 years now and am so excited to become a lifetime PlexPass member and support you guys further… Bring on the extra charges for premium features too! I bought plex app for iOS day 1, and guess what everyone? $4.99 for app = regular and innovative updates! Duh…we benefit from the features and Barkley gets to enjoy an occasional new bone!
Can’t wait to see what you guys do next
Best regards,
Mg
I’m hopefully not a leach. I really believe in supporting developers for great software, which Plex is. Problem is I can’t donate anymore without a feeling of not getting the full Plex experience, and I was about to buy a lifetime Plex pass but I stopped short when I realized it didn’t get me sync- just for now. I’d understand if they needed servers to do it but it uses my computing power. I’m a fan of being able to pay if I knew that I could get something in return. As it stands right now Plex does not have something I can buy that perminantly gives me access to all its current features. That I have a problem with. It is a taste for $75 and then have to get a subscription. If I can get a lifetime Plex pass for $75 and lifetime sync for $X- done. I’m not cool with being a junkie. When Plex has new awesome features, I’m fine paying for those too. They need to decide how popular the monthly/yearly Plex pass is in comparison to the lifetime one, Mg got the lifetime, I would too, if sales are 3:1 for lifetime it really needs to be announced that you can do a lifetime Plex pass and lifetime sync. I was about to buy a Plex pass when it was first announced but lifetime wasn’t an option then, so I’m glad I waited.
Please give us a product and a price. I won’t feel entitled to a bug free Plex experience, you’ve done so much already. That isn’t an outlandish request. Barkley needs bones, and everyone needs to eat. You keep making it better I keep paying for features, much like the software model that has been popular for decades.
I ask that everyone who posts here that they list the reasons why they went with a monthly/yearly Plex pass, over the lifetime one. Everyone who went with lifetime, reinforces my point. Thanks.
Signed up just now for a lifetime. I’ve been using plex for while now and my whole family is hooked on it. This is a great solution and excellent work that needs rewarding. Awesome job guys – keep up the good work !!
@Matt G,
I think you are missing the point of everyone’s disappointment of the announcement of Plex Sync. We too, like you, have happily paid for the iOS app and many have also happily subscribed as Plex Pass users. These are not “ungrateful ignorant leaches” as you like to put it; they are paying users who are just disappointed to see Plex moving to a subscription model like this. They want to charge for Plex Sync, fine. Give a one time fee to pay and I will be one of the first to sign up. But, I am not going to pay on a recurring basis for a FEATURE that is used only periodically and does not require Plex to do anything once I start using it (i.e. it is not working off their servers, so they do not have an on-going cost to cover).
I agree Plex needs to make money & I understand your desire to cheer on the Plex team for their great work. I do as well (except for their refusal to officially support the ATV client). But, supporting Plex does not mean that we are obligated to agree with every monetization model they come up with. I personally feel charging a subscription for a feature like this is not the way it should be handled and is, quite frankly, a bit of a slap in the face of the users.
@JRP: Please have patience, when we announce the PlexSync details you’ll be happy.
iOS version does not work. loops randomly or simply stops showing video (sound continues to play). would happily support you, but has been broken for weeks and still no fix. please update the iOS app!
I’m + 1 for loving plex, happy to pay for the server and the iOS software again for this feature but, as its software that I want to be running all on my own hardware (I don’t want or need the cloud just offline media I own on my iPad) subscription makes no sense to me.
Thanks and looking forward to buying this feature once its released.
I’m to old for all these changes..Was just fine the way it was. How the f do I delete a “show” from the library??? Don’t like the new server, and don’t like all the new subscription yadayada, don’t want to spend my time reading through blog posts..
sorry, rough morning – I appreciate all the new good features. But still can’t figure out how to remove stuff from library
Hi Guys,
I’m a plex pass member and thanks for the hard work you put in to this Awesome app!! One thought I’ve had is… Is it possible when plexsync has been select on a iphone or ipad etc could plex be intelligent to spread the processing power over different local plex servers on the network, similar to a clustered server environment. Just a random thought of the day!!. Cheers J
@johnojohno: It would definitely be possible, but probably not very easy
Leaches? Perhaps that comment was directed at me among others.
I’m not a leach. I donated in to three figures before there was PlexPass, or iOS apps. I’m a lifetime PlexPass member.
What I dislike, and tried to point out in my post, is the mischaracterization of PlexSync capabilities. PlexSync for local library content is a good idea, and a nice feature for many. A universal PlexSync that would allow sync’ing of content from any plugin/channel would be amazing. Unfortunately, the realities of content rights will keep the Plex team from ever enabling many plugins/channels.
I think describing PlexSync as “universal” and “able to handle it all” is marketing slime that I’d prefer not to see from excellent dev teams like Plex.
I like Plex. I’ll continue to support it, and evangelize it to those looking for a media solution that Plex can address.
@MSM: we certainly weren’t intending to sling any marketing slime. The technology is universal, and able to handle it all, and the platform is open. We might not be able to enable all 200+ channels for PlexSync, especially immediately, but that doesn’t mean our community won’t come through as it has for years
I really hope Elan and Plex team will listen to all the feedback provided. I(as many others) would certainly buy this feature, but last thing I need is another subscription fee.
Do I have to update to Snow Leopard to have access to PlexSync???
I am really excited about this feature. I would buy the PlexPass right now and would pay for the premium feature when it’s released to the public if there was a time frame (estimate of course as I’m a designer/developer and I get it, it takes time) on when the Android app would be released. Any input on that would be greatly appreciated. You guys are doing an amazing job and I’ve completely transferred my entire library from iTunes to Plex. Thanks for the freedom
.
Please consider adding for various subtitle encodings in iOS App/stream thourgh webbrowser.
Elan, could you please explain why I need a cloud account to sync my own media on my LAN? I’ve read that the sync info is kept on your servers. What business is it of yours to know/keep the sync info on your servers? You’re just creating more costs for yourself to force the cloud architecture on users. This whole PlexSync feature is turning out to be a huge turnoff. Please keep it simple make it an in-app purchase and forget about forcing your cloud down our throats. I have zero intention of signing up for your cloud service just to sync locally. You should get paid, but based upon the info provided and confusion created so far, you’re probably just going to drive people away instead of coming up with a simple way to pay you. To pay you monthly to sync my own content is the height of arrogance, and is also ridiculous.
Dan
So – had to buy Windows 8 to test is in Vmware and yes – its awesome.
BUT – since we all came a long way from Plex being the XBMC for Mac – can we now please work on a modern skin for my Media Center so i can get rid of XBMC ?
Just got to play with the new Samsung TV 2012 Plex app. Works great, DTS, DD came through perfectly using optical cable to my home theater receiver. Great job Plex team, glad I am a lifetime member.
Cool feature, but two main questions is..
1) What about Windows RT and WP7/8 client. I would like to get it there.
2) What about final cost in future? Will you charge additional payment for it or it will be part of PlexPass forever?
I’m considering now to migrate my home infrastructure to Plex and syncing is very important feature.
If you able, give me answers for my questions. Now it is not clear for me when it will available and what about price.
Thank you.
Agree with most that it shouldn’t be a subscription fee for sync. I can do it easily with my Android devices plugging it in quick or using a SMB app. I would love to to it via Plex but is 30 bucks a year worth it? Probably not. In app of 2-5, sure.
This is a feature I been waiting for on my iPad and iPhone. And when it is out, I hesitated to sign up for Plex Pass because from what I understand it is only temporary until I need to pay again for this. Doubt any answer will come soon. I better start converting my media to my devices now before my long flight home for XMAS.
@Andrew: you’ll get what you’re looking for in the next few days
I just wish Apple would pull their finger out and let this feature out!
@Elan, we’re still waiting anxiously, any news before I pull the trigger on what to get regarding plexpass?
@Jos: there will be news this week.
Looks like you really can’t decide on this guys.
I’m waiting anxiously as well, but for me decision will be very simple – if it’s a one-off purchase at reasonable price I’ll pull out my credit card immediately. If it’s another subscription, sorry not interested…
@Aras: check the new blog post
@elan
I’m a bit confused, is offline sync going to free after it’s out of beta or will be an charge after it’s out of testing. It’s been two months since this feature has been released, so please give a well defined outline of what is going to happen.
@Tino: PlexSync is a premium feature. It will always be a part of PlexPass.
This is what I’m talking about! Life time PlexPass purchased!
$75 is not cheap, but I’m happy to support great product and looking forward to forthcoming new features.
Why do I have to pay €5 for the app & then an additional subscription fee ?
I’m willing to support the product but considering the €5 per device that the app cost is MORE than enough. There are so many other free apps that does the syncing completely free.
You need to provide added value if you want people to pay a lot of money. Not just “Sync using your own infrastructure, but pay us for it..”.
@Jonas Olsson: You don’t “have” to do anything. If you have other apps which sync for free, and they meet your needs, please continue to use them
@Elan: thank you for the advice, I will most certainly do so
I just think it’s such a shame, I would love to support Plex. In Swedish we have a saying “Den som gapar efter mycket mister ofta hela stycket…”
I sure would like an ETA on PlexSync for Android.
hi plex. great app! Can’t wait to try out the sync but when is it coming out for android? According to the original posting it should have been out a while ago. Thanks!
Not sure if you’re still keeping up with these comments, but I must agree with several posters’ comments here. Plex is a quality product and I’m happy to support the effort through a PlexPass, but I have a strong allergic reaction to paying a monthly fee for access to my content.
At a minimum, please make such “Premium” features available for a one-time fixed fee. Perhaps this could be an benefit reserved for Lifetime (or annual) PlexPass holders.
I would like to understand your direction on this before I invest (both time and money) into the Plex platform.
@Elan:
Please disregard my previous comment. I had this blog post bookmarked but missed your reference above to an updated blog post on PlexPass. It may go without saying, but I’ll say it anyway: I’m very pleased with the direction you have chosen and I will be placing my order for a lifetime PlexPass after this comment.
Thank you again for your efforts and your customer-friendly approach to premium features. I’m a happy user/supporter!
@Ric.M ~ Thanks so much! We’re always listening
Any news / estimate on the release of the plexsync for android version?
Please make it available to Windows Phone users, were people too.
I’ve been installing Plex, MyPlex and the lifetime Pass for all of my high-end clients big ass homes. Hardware….. Mac Mini’s, iMacs, Slingbox, Xbox, Rokus & Apple TVs. All hard wired for no LAN network congestion. Word of mouth is amazing. I can’t keep up. Life is good!
Patiently waiting for plexsync for android. This would be the icing on the cake, and would make my 70 min train commute to work painless.
Any news?
improvement suggestion for Sync. please enable GPU transcoding. looks like CPU is a major bottleneck during transcoding. i’ve got dual Nvidia 580s and it would be great to take advantage of one or both of them during during transcoding/processing of the items to sync to ipad. i suspect it would significantly improve the time. right now, i literally have to sit there with ipad and watch the wheel spin for half hour to sync 3-4 movies.
after syncing the movies to ipad, i click to play the movie but it says unable to play the content for a movie that was already synced. anyway i can gather more information for debugging on the client/server side and pass it on.
Make us a FreeBSD server and i’ll buy PlexPass in a heartbeat
I really wish the new Media Manager layout was application-based and not through the use of an internet browser.
As best I can tell this only syncs your library to your mobile device. Any chance there’s an extension in the works that would let me sync movies from someone elses remote library into my local windows client (or linux plex server)? Sharing works great but often movies need to be transcoded to watch in real time without buffering problems. A media share sync extension would allow me to queue up (cache) a full bitrate video from a remote server to my local plex server (or client) and watch it later on my TV (I would be OK with it expiring after being viewed).
..Another vote for Windows Phone client. Sure will subscribe if you implement this feature. Thanks.
When will Sync be available for Android (Kindle Fire HD)?
@Ian: It should work today with the new beta – http://elan.plexapp.com/2013/02/15/the-new-plex-for-android-released/
I’m a new user and so far love your service. Can you tell me what if any benefits there are to buying lifetime plexpass other than the discount? Sync or any other features baked into the cost?
Thanks!
How do you take a synced Movie off your device (iPhone) once you are done watching it so it does not eat up space?
As soon as I can sync a movie from my server to another computer with a slow connection I’ll sign up to Plex Pass. Example, I have a server on a Gigabit connection but my home computer is in say India where the connection is bad but the computer is almost always on and ready to auto download from the server.
Wish you had a support line rather than a bunch of forums and chats. Anyway. I have a Mac mini connected to a drobo pro fs. It works great for streaming content locally and remotely. The sync feature is killer as I can still watch movies when AT&T is throttling me to crap. Just sync up a movie over night at the hotel and watch the following morning. The problem is that the sync never works. It will error or act as tho it synced when it didn’t it even shows it used hdd space but when ofline no sync content. I also noticed if I have synced content Am online it won’t play at all. Please help I need this feature. Ps. Both devices were published and loged into plex pass.
By the way I am on iPhone 5 and ipad mini
Another vote for windows phone support
As with others….patiently awaiting PlexSync for Android…i think that’s the icing on the cake. The only reason the wife and I bought Galaxy Note II’s was for the big ass screen and using Plex (two boys under 3). Anyway, once it is available, i’ll sign up for a lifetime subscription, as this is a next level.
thank you….
@LillyWhites – check the subsequent blog posts
I was wondering if it’s going to be a premium service even for PlexPASS users or if it will be free for them even when it goes out of Beta
@TheClown ~ PlexSync will always be a premium feature for PlexPass members.
Any chance this is on its way to the windows rt / windows 8 / windows phone ecosystem?
So, instead of converting the file as part of the syncing process, can the file as it stands be copied to my iPad? CinexPlayer plays pretty much anything you throw at it without any conversion required. The only limitation is your iPad – HD videos won’t play on the first generation iPad – yes I still have one
@Elan
Is there a way on the android app to set storage to the sd for the offline sync content?
@RpR: yes!
Hi all,
I did have a Plexpass when it was introduced, as a mean of showing gratitude but canceled it after 2 months.
I just found out about the PlexSync feature and got a lifetime PlexPass right away.
I then discovered the controversy about the Premium feature but when I found out the solution Elan is offering the trust was restored.
I will consider donating every now and then just to make sure the dog is well fed
Thx again for everyone and especially to Barkley
@Ollivier: Barkley is indeed well fed, thanks so much
Are there any plans for Windows RT or Windows Phone 8?
I purchased both Plex Clients and they ROCK!
Once available on Windows RT or Windows Phone 8 I will become a PlexPass member.
I’ve got a plexpass and the android app. Can you please tell me where the transcoded/cached files are saved on the device? It takes up space on my phone but I can’t find them anywhere – and uncaching the files in the app doesn’t free up the space on the device. It’s very strange.
@Gir ~ synced files are stored by default in /data/data/com.plexapp.plex/app_sync, iirc. If you’re having issues, please post in the PlexPass forum for the Kepler app and we’ll look into it!
“Tap it like it’s hot?” “Sexy plexpass forum badge?”
Who writes this stuff? 14-year-old boys who’ve never had sex? Sad.
@behihoo: thanks for the nice comment, “14 year old virgin” was *exactly* what I was going for!
Being as this was originally posted some time ago. Is there an update on how it sits within your subscription model.
As I currently understand it I will need to pay for the app and a monthly subscription to plexpass plus then a further subscription to continue to enjoy the app?
Seems a bit much – even if it would solve my issue.
can we download video’s onto out iphone using this service?
At the end of the day, plex sync is interesting for some but not a great reason to subscribe (seems more a one of feature).
Frankly, I feel terrible saying that. Cause this is a great product. I WANT to spend some cash here. But Sync and beta testing isn’t worth it at this point…
Having said all that pleased as PUNCH with plex, telling everyone I know! Great work guys!