Plex Previews New TV Interface

[@LonSeidman]

Note - the user reviews are something you can turn off or sort below the professional reviews

[@davedillehunt1807]

@@LonSeidman that’s a good option. Thanks!

[@PearlHarbor138]

I like the old version more… I would rather have them work on their codex

[@Whiskey_Wisdom]

This is the worst update I've ever seen. I've been a lifetime plex pass user for a long time, and use plex every day. This reminds me of Windows thinking they are innovating by just moving stuff around. Plex - just fine tune what you have. Nothing is wrong with the interface. This is a mess.

[@robertt9342]

I am still mad about the change they did a while ago where they shrunk the text down along time ago. Could have just been an option…. But this is a bad decision.

[@davedillehunt1807]

As a Plex user for over a decade, I absolutely hate this new version (except for the live tv section) and only hope that if they force this onto TVs that they also provide an option to use the old (current) or “classic” navigation and menu system. I host four Plex servers and have access to several others from family and friends, and the current navigation system works quite well for me. I would absolutely hate being forced to use this new system. You didn’t mention whether this will impact the navigation on the Plex servers which I assume it will not. And if this will impact the player on the Nvidia shield, then I would hope there is a way to either block it, perhaps turning off updates, or if Plex is smart, they will provide the option to continue using the old (current) navigation. After so many years of improvements, this looks like a seriously backwards and clumsy way to go. Additionally, I have absolutely no interest in reading others reviews. Plex, to me, is not a social experiment, but a way to serve media to myself, my family, and my friends. Your presentation, however, was done quite well and was as thorough as one could be given the time allotted. So once again, thank you for that.

[@OldMan_PJ]

Changing the UI is a great way to get people to switch to your competitors.

[@FlatSix981]

I personally can’t stand the recommended page being the default page. I would just prefer to always see my library. I know you can select that, but every new software update resets it.

[@cr4zyg047]

I'm so excited to have my libraries of content buried under layers of bloated UI!

[@bosfordjd]

Big nope. Fire your UI designers. Don't try to do what everyone else is doing which is done to make room for and feed ads.

[@kicksandscents]

"The Plex team is very eager to hear from you" - ha, no they aren't. Have you ever dealt with one of the Plex employees on their forums? Some of them are so unbelievably condescending and ridiculously arrogant. Also, they arent going to change anything. Full stop. Cosmetically, this is probably already at release ready as far as they are concerned. They may pull a lever here or add a feature there but this is it! The entire redesign revolves around integration of shitty, no-one-wants Crackles of the world along with a complete downgrade of the local streaming experience. FFS they made everything take twice as long. What a UX disaster but Im sure the dwell time increases are just what they want. And those show logos are basura.

[@patrickworsham6300]

As a longtime plex pass user with a large library, I prefer the navigation on the left side. I'm more concerned with speed and playback improvements rather than interface changes. Thanks for the sneak preview, Lon.

[@rsawyer757]

I think, for my use-case at least, this is a direct downgrade with no upside. I have a Plex server and have no interest in their streaming options, except maybe occasionally their "Live TV" if I want some nonsense to run in the background. With the current app, having only the sidebar, I can remove their Live TV, On Demand, etc and never have to see them again. Instead I have my own libraries and my Live TV (Plex DVR connected to an HD Homerun) pinned to the sidebar. With this new version it appears my own content is relegated to multiple layers below their own. Also, as TVs are wider than they are tall, it makes more sense to have the libraries and stuff on the sidebar rather than at the top of the screen. We have more horizontal space to sacrifice than vertical. I know it's unlikely but hopefully you can opt out. I see no value in this new interface as someone who doesn't, and has no inclination to, consume Plex's content.

[@derred723]

OH GOD NO. HORRIBLE LAYOUT. Way better just on the left menu having all my folders. Time to make sure those updates are disabled. Libraries is horrible. Now i can see all my libraries easy on the left margin. That's my default. It's not some cumbersome scroll on the top with like 4 entries. nope. Not a fan. This is an attempt at eye candy but strikes me as not quicker and better.

[@gyunex4889]

I really dislike this redesign. If I cannot opt out of this, I can't bring myself to update.

[@nunyabizns]

The second they force this horrendous update on us, Plex will be in our rearview mirror after years of using it as our primary tv app.

[@trapexit]

To quote Mr. Horse: "No sir, I didn't like it." It seems like they mostly just swapped the vertical left panel and the top horizontal one.

[@Whiskey_Wisdom]

I think you mean Mr. Ed, but close though.....

[@trapexit]

@@Whiskey_Wisdom Ren and Stimpy's Mr. Horse.

[@TheChad1980]

Why do companies think they know better than we do how we want to dind our content? Hopefully there are some customization options with the new interface.

[@triplerinse]

So what you're saying is turn off auto updates. Gotcha.

[@tehaiks]

Its great to see Plex is going the Sonos route of app redesign.

[@burrritoprince]

Lifetime Plex Pass holder, the interface looks horrific. Just sent a message to my family to make sure automatic updates are off

[@SeanTaylorT]

Feel like if they just added the custom font titles and switched the play button on the current client everyone would be happy or okay with it. My other criticism is the libraries being on the top, top level should be only a couple of options like recommended, collection etc and the libraries moved back to the left. I’m also concerned that there’s not much customization of the Home Screen

[@robertt9342]

This libraries thing is much worse. Now you need to go up to three menus when it would normally take the top menu. It’s also less attractive and with more dead space. Designwise this is a step backwards, if they were going to update the UI, I was expecting someone modern.

[@cerim8452]

I think that they should take a look at Zidoo what they're doing and maybe implement some of their ideas one of the things I think that they just must change is to cover art needs to be bigger when you're watching on your TV and more information on the movies bit rate and if it has dolby vision or HDR10

[@triplerinse]

I agree, i have found myself using the zidoo more than plex.

[@steveragsdale2358]

I like the old interface, I'll try the new one. Just hope you can choose between the two.

[@StariusPrime]

I wish that there would be a way to keep the existing interface if we are happy with it. But I know that won't happen. 😞 People hate having to navigate with more clicks in the name of "progress" when it was more efficient before. If they want to really innovate their user interface, then give us customizable layouts for our individual needs. The "simplification" one interface for all approach will not win fans. Personally I love that I can order my libraries how I like and can pin some and unpin others, in the current interface.

[@AllenTheWanderer]

Do not like! It's far clunkier, and requires more button presses to get to the things my family uses Plex for. And they are the only reason I have paid for the license, and set up the server in the first place. I would still be using a basic Kodi setup if only I was accessing my library.

[@jjones2582]

So I'm guessing they won't let you unpin the Live TV, On Demand, and Discover tabs across the top? I figured they probably didn't like the idea of people unpinning those in the current interface. Just looking at what you showed here though it seems like their designer is just making up crap for job security. Change for the sake of change. Vertical scrolling is a lot better for long lists than horizontal scrolling so swapping the vertical library list for the discover, browse, collections, and categories on the left seems idiotic. One thing I hope they can unify though is the settings page across platforms. The current circles in the Android TV app are horrible.

[@zagohcap]

I don't think it's bad but I do wish there was some more customization with Plex. Lifetime Pass member here and it's annoying how they're enamored with the "Recently Released" category. It always gets top billing. I do like that it remembers if browse libraries was the last thing you were looking at but I just wish that could be set to default under continue watching. I also think they could do a much better job with the UI of the Library selector. Looks amateurish.

[@Nedski42YT]

I've read the first dozen comments about the "new" Plex interface and they are for the most part negative. I agree with them. Recently many features in Plex are now BROKEN! I've had to resort to using older versions of the player software. I've seen this before. Good software being ruined by a new project leader who believes they have a superior "vision" and will fire anyone who challenges them. Software UI's should be designed to EVOLVE. Ug, I bought a "Lifetime" Plex license but it seems as if someone wants it to "expire" sooner rather than later. 😞 EDIT: I've been reading the Plex forums and many problems are being ignored. The negative comments on this thread are not unique!

[@FurgottenWolf]

Uhmmm... I mean... It's fine I guess, but... I'm sort of failing to see how this is an improvement or is providing any additional compelling functionality. Were plex users asking for a new interface?

[@ChaneyGoldstein]

It's a nice update, but I don't know how much I like the way you navigate between different libraries. I get what they're going for but I can already imagine plenty of eye-rolling from family members used to the current way 😂

[@JohnyTechReview]

eww... give us option to pick between the two. this is a hot mess as everybody have say.

[@BobbieGWhiz]

Except for almost everybody who hates it, I’m sure it’s going to be really welcomed.

[@Dr.C2000]

I wonder if for live tv , we can switch channels without having to go back to the guide, I have dizquetv on my plex pc and I love it , it’s a doozy to get set up but boy is it fun to make custom tv channels from content in you library as for the plex ui i like the current one the left side menu that has the library’s this just seems like updating just to update.

[@zg-it]

I don't mind Plex adding its own content obvious reasons, even though I'm a lifetime past member, I understand they need to make money. So giving me a free TV channel and all that stuff is great, but first and foremost I want to see my library, I want to see my content. I want to be able to have friends and family login to Plex and easily be able to access content that I have on my server. If they go on there and all they see is a bunch of recommended crap, then there just never going to go on there and what's the point.

[@durber102]

If they don't have the option to remove the live tv menu, I'll be moving to jellyfin, in the uk if you watch live tv you need to pay for a tv license, which I have not done in a few years, with this menu so active it would cost me £172 per year for a licence

[@andreaciccarello]

You should check what are the rules in UK and what kind of live TV is under the TV license.

[@durber102]

It's any live broadcast from anywhere​@@andreaciccarello

[@bilditup1]

I am still waiting for them to implement full-rate rather than half-rate deinterlacing. Half-rate absolutely kills any 1080i60 sports. My guess is, I’ll keep waiting, while they try on new coats of paint like this, even though doing this is a matter of passing different params to ffmpeg

[@AG-bp3ll]

I can only hope this hideous interface is optional. Why change the interface just to click more to get to the same place? I hate social media and don't want to read reviews from every rando on Plex.

[@fernandoblazin]

Plex users are probably the same people that uses windows

[@revtoyota]

It looks like they are just over complicating the UI. And I don't know anyone that cares about reviews, other than if critics hate it, it will probably be a decent movie.

[@CantankerousDave]

I assume that stuffing in more ads and selling user data is on the list.

[@jaggsta]

don't need account to watch live tv or movies. Same with Pluto and Tubi

[@mavfan1]

🙄

[@samueldavis7020]

I was really excited for this and getting ready to see if I could get the alpha. Nope. This looks worse. Fire the designers, they are awful.

[@justjones004]

I see a trend in opinion. Based on the visual appearance of this beta I would agree. Wasting space in the limited vertical area of a tv screen with large static items is not a wise decision. Seeing more with less remote control use good. Seeing less with extra remote use required bad. The current layout with pop out items on left side of screen is superior I feel. That’s not to say that some feature improvements are welcome. I did not see the trending,activity,find friends,my profile tabs on this new Home Screen. Better. It’s always been something I wish I could have toggled in settings. Just add the logo art to the items details page, and not anywhere while I’m browsing. So keep the current layout with some element updates, features improvements, extra customisation options, and we’re golden.

[@GameSack]

I'm not a Plex user, however what I would really like to see from this or any of the billions of things like this is a simple mode where the screen is much less cluttered. I don't need to see thousands of graphical things. I don't need or want recommendations. I don't need to see actor's faces. I don't need to see movie posters. I don't even need to see thumbnails, I'd prefer a list view as it's sooo much faster to peruse and understand. The only thing I'd want is a section for videos that haven't been finished (optional)... but it would need to know if I've made it to the credits or not. If I've made it to the credits, then consider it finished. All these apps look exactly the same as Netflix.

[@fleetingfacet]

Then you don't need anything like Plex. Files in a folder will do that, and most any free video player will keep track of what you watched.

[@GameSack]

@@fleetingfacet Most free video players are trash. They won't even see the hard drive that's physically connected to an nVidia Shield Pro and there are so many containers and even codecs that they won't play. What is Plex for then? People who like cluttered GUIs? I can't think of any other reason.

[@fleetingfacet]

@@GameSack Well, if you use just a NVIDIA SHIELD, then I expect that will always be limited. I hook a dedicated Windows PC to my TV. That gives me the most options with no limitations that I know of. I have a 30 TB collection. I pay for Netflix but I never use it. I play all local PC games and I have an Xbox. Instead of Plex, I use my own customized/hacked/fixed version of EMDB with a minimalistic black theme. It's the best! I've been using that for over 10 years now. Too bad I can't share it. I tried working with the dev, but he's crazy and likes his ugly GUI. Over plex, I recommend KODI or Jellyfin, which are both 100% free. For my video player, I use MPC-BE, which works great for me on Windows. That said, I too like simple GUIs. With EMDB, I can have a simple list view, or poster view.

[@trancekingpj]

@@GameSack Just jumping on to your point about the "made it to the credits" comment but there is a setting in Plex that deals with this. You can dictate to Plex to register whether a file is marked as "watched" at several different thresholds. 1) At a selected threshold by percentage (which you can choose) 2) At the final credits marker on the file 3) at first credits marker in the file 4) at the earliest point between the first credits marker and the earlies threshold percentage. So you could, hypothetically, set your threshold to be 95% and if the first credits marker is before this then it will consider it watched as per No4. Personally I just have mine set to No2 but I do think it's helpful for Plex to give users some control for those files that might have lengthy credits sequences. As for your initial point about the screen being less cluttered, well that's a very fair point. In an ideal world Plex might offer a "simple" UI for those who want a cleaner screen and a more detailed UI for those who prefer to see more info. I guess it's a tough choice for them as they're not a massive company and so the Dev team is certainly not able to call on the same level of resources as Netflix could for instance. Hopefully they can build in a dual UI for future versions.

[@ReddRubble]

No posters? Bruh what

[@russelldewitt6742]

They should not change the mobile app, it's simple and the people like simple

[@domramsey]

I recently switched to Jellyfin because Plex has just become bloatware that pushes the features designed to squeeze more money out of users, rather than to provide a good user experience. Jellyin is definitely lacking some features and is slow to implement new ones, but I actually like that a lot. Everything is simpler and designed around my local media, nothing more.

[@beetle456]

Are there any changes to the video player? Other streamers allows you the several episodes that are in the queue and skip to them. Apple TV doesn't have that.

[@Chris78596]

They trying too hard to be hulu and netflix. Just stay true to yourself plex

[@kurtschlick3891]

If you have 3 rooms in the house with 3 TV's or devices does Plex and your off air HDTV work on all your devices? How does the cost compare to Sling, Tablo, Tivo...? Very nice demonstration, thank you

[@Omega-Autoparts]

The only killer feature that would make this update amazing is if they allowed for third party apps to have a “plex apps” area. Apps like sonarr, Lidarr, radars etc could offer an interface accessible through the tv app. Otherwise this update is trash

[@williangarciasantos]

Hey Plex team! Not sure if this is the best place for feedback on the new TV app redesign, but here it goes. First off, I love the direction you’re heading with the design, especially on the iPhone - it’s sleek and modern. That said, for the first time, I’m really not enjoying the update on Apple TV. The new design feels a bit clunky and, honestly, a bit cheap compared to the current version. I know it’s still in beta, but I miss some of the defining characteristics of the Apple TV experience, like the parallax poster effect. Now, it’s replaced by a white circle, which doesn’t have the same charm. The top-centered menu is also problematic: it covers a big part of the background artwork, which was one of the things I loved about the Apple TV app. I get that you’re trying a new design direction, but this layout doesn’t feel functional or visually appealing right now. I do love the addition of TV show and movie logos, great touch there! ❤️ But another issue I’ve noticed (and it’s been around in previous versions too) is with collections. On Apple TV, collections don’t display the specific background artwork for that collection, unlike on Android TV. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in the overall experience. Lastly, the player itself feels off, codecs seem messy, and playback isn’t as smooth. I know you’re working to streamline the design across platforms, but right now, the Apple TV app feels like it’s losing some of the polish that made it special. Hoping you can rethink a few of these decisions and bring back that premium feel! Thanks for your work!

[@LynnDixon]

Long time Plex Pass user here. I DO NOT like this interface. At All.

[@zoiks6631]

I guess they’re trying to get us long time Plex Pass people to migrate to Jellyfin. 😢 I just want to see the content on my own Plex server and the Watchlist. Hopefully Plex allows you to customize and hide the stuff you’re not interested in.

[@Bill-ions]

I switched to channels DVR a few years ago and pay $80 a year extra or whatever it is because it has everything I need. My advice is copy everything they do 😅

[@avonbarksdale2506]

Not a fan of the top bar and sidebar, but i have faith in Plex to get it right. They are a Godsend

[@SlyerFox666]

They really have done away with music an you need to use another app for that crazy !

[@MrDoggerDog]

Nope. This stinks. Don't bury my library like that. And where are the alphabet indexes on the side? Don't push me to Jellyfin, Plex.

[@Andystuff800]

Yet another case of Plex thinking they know better than their users. Not a fan of this, I hope Jellyfin improves fast as a result.

[@richardsmith1161]

Wait, What? You can't integrate OTA and streaming channels in the same guide, like before?

[@legotech101]

It’s pretty bad after using it.

[@seamusohoulihan8076]

Is there a way to opt out or use the old set up once you've gone to this interface?

[@jasonharvey16018]

Live tv section won’t let me navigate into it on all 3 of my Apple TVs. All different versions of Apple tvs

[@stevewise75]

Terrible update. Clunky. The obvious motivation for this update is for plex to make it impossible to hide on demand and live so they can make more money on rentals

[@paolozago6123]

I don't think the horizontal list for libraries is such a good idea, you can see less libraries at a glance with respect to the vertical sidebar arrangement and it's not like you are saving much space by removing the sidebar on a 16:9 screen.

[@mightydh]

What a horrific design choice. Plex should be embarrassed and I hope this ends the company. Edit: "they are very eager to hear from you". This is a lie. Plex,inc HATES us paying customers.

[@tehaiks]

This is just awful. Everything takes longer. Profiles??? If this goes live with no opt-out feature, I'll stop using plex and move to some other service that priorities self hosted functionalities and good UI.

[@DavidErato]

It feels like an Android app.

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

It looks similar to what Shield shows to me.

[@cr4zyg047]

Sonos App Launch Levels of Cringe

[@sudhirkankal]

India has not brought TV vai hdhomerun

[@NainGeantMiniature]

WHY?!? This is terrible.

[@grayfool]

Really not a fan of this. The existing UI looks and works perfectly fine. Have you heard the saying "If it ain't broke, don't fix if". This is a perfect example of that.

[@GerardWandada]

Your videos are always so informative and interesting! Thank you for that! 🐱💞

[@kiwichick888]

Awful! Just awful. I don't want to but, if this is where the final design is heading, I can see me switching to another media server.

[@x1ao414]

I don't like it!

[@K1NGDB]

Wicked is not out yet on physical media but he has it checked mark in his library……. Does lon have pirated movies….. hmmmmm lol I don’t really care just thought it was funny 😂

[@eddiee99]

I enjoy using plex for my torrents on the tv.

[@JarrettMercer]

Looks good to me. Plus this is beta and will obviously change. I like the library layouts and getting to the ones I use will be quick and painless. Keep up the good work plex!

[@Champabay]

People need to understand that this is a company that needs to make money. Obviously they're going to put the stuff they're selling first.

[@MushToast_]

I actually don’t mind it, sure it’s a little clunky but I suspect they’ll iron the kinks out. People just hate change.

[@shawnorjiakor]

This is solid for a interface refresh. What I'm anticipating is a Plexamp App for Android / Google TV. Since Plex is seperating their sections into different apps.

[@trapexit]

It is bizarre to me that they have had Plexamp for Linux before Android TV.

[@geofreypejsa54]

good plex coverage! very helpful insights Thanks

[@BobbieGWhiz]

I don’t really know what Plex is. Not being an old timer, I see it is as just one of those streaming channels that plays a lot of old TV shows and movies. I guess the old timers use it to store their video libraries?

[@evilcoleslaw]

You can use it to stream your video library to devices either in your network or remotely if you want. Unfortunately Plex keeps pushing that core experience to the side for essentially being an aggregator for cheap/free streaming services, rentals, etc

[@jorgeriveragamernation1476]

Plex need a free DVR free streaming channels

[@ericB3444]

Nobody knows what PLEX is. There is no known way for a non-nerd to retain what this product is. Netflix and prime exist and have mostly garbage. So definitely i dont need another thing. You tube is the best platform at all times.

[@andreaciccarello]

"Need something to watch? We’re on it. Plex combines free movies & TV with the best free streaming services, so there’s always more to discover."

[@AllenTheWanderer]

Why are you watching the video, on a channel that has had the plex sponsorship forever now, doing these plex update videos? You just here to gripe about your own ignorance? My whole family knows what Plex is, and I'm the only tech geek. They love it, because unlike those other platforms you mentioned I can put exactly what any of them want to see on it, and they can watch it from anywhere, on nearly any platform. No junk, just jams.

[@ericB3444]

@@AllenTheWanderer do not watch a nerd thing.

[@allenrb2]

@@ericB3444 what a lame attempt at trolling. Go back to plebbit. It's a much better feeding ground.

[@ericB3444]

@ how am i trolling by stating the obvious about the PLEX product. Nobody even knows what it is. Grow up please.

[@HứaThịHiềnền]

Se le nostre notti fossero divertenti come questo video, non ci addormenteremmo mai😛