The Plex is a digital media server that allows you to store your favorite videos, pictures, and music on one computer and stream them to any device that supports it. Unlike other streaming services such as Roku, you may find/provide your content. Plex is commonly used to curate and store local media (i.e., their digital copies of movies, music videos, TV shows, and other content). On the other hand, Plex has a Live TV option that lets you add channels such as Comedy Central, SyFy, Nickelodeon, and others.
You don’t have to curate your content using these channels. Instead, you may stream content from their collections on demand. This post will add you to how to stream content from multiple channels on your Plex platform. We’ll also go through how to troubleshoot any problems you might encounter when adding channels.
Is Plex Live TV A Legal Service?
Plex has grown in popularity since its launch and is now regarded as one of the best streaming platforms, thanks to its content selection function. However, content companies have reacted angrily to it, accusing it of encouraging piracy. But don’t be concerned! Plex is legally legal as long as you follow the rules. This implies you shouldn’t add content on your Plex platform that you don’t own, and you shouldn’t share it with others. Also, be sure that any live channels you add to Plex are legal and that you have a valid subscription if they are paid. Here’s a list of some of the most popular channels you may add.
Requirements
You’ll need a few things to add live channels to Plex. These are some of them:
Plex Media Server
You may use the Plex Media Server to set up your library and streaming platform, from which you can access all of your media. However, you must first download and install the Media Server app on your PC (Windows, Mac, Linux) or Network Attached Storage (NAS) device.
A Plex Pass
Plex Pass is a paid Plex subscription that unlocks access to features not accessible on the free platform. Access to and recording of Live TV channels is one of these features.
A DVR Tuner
Well, a DVR tuner will find the Plex channel you’re looking for and allow you to watch it live or record it for later viewing on your Plex account. You may utilize a variety of Plex compatible DVR tuners, but SiliconDust’s HDHomeRun Quatro is one of the best.
An Antenna
Finally, an OTA (over-the-air) antenna is required to get live broadcasts of local channels in your area. There are a variety of OTA antennas to pick from, and Plex works with the majority of them. The Gesobyte Amplified HD Digital TV Antenna comes highly recommended.
How To Add Channels To Plex
You may now set up your Plex Media platform and add channels once you’ve met these requirements. Here’s how to go about doing it:
1. Download And Install Plex Media Server
Install the Plex Media Server software on the desktop PC (or NAS device) you’ll be working with. Then, launch the app when installed and register with your Plex account.
2. Sign Up For The Plex Pass Subscription
Well, to upgrade your Plex account from free to premium, go to plex.tv/plex-pass and purchase a Plex Pass subscription.
3. Install DVR Tuner And OTA Antenna
Connect the OTA antenna to the DVR tuner’s input port on the rear panel. After that, ensure that the tuner and antenna are in a good reception area near a window. Finally, ensure the DVR tuner is connected to the same local network as your Plex Media Server for automated detection.
4. Launch Plex App And Start Watching Live TV
Well, launch Plex on your PC and log into your account after setting up the DVR and Plex Media Server. You may start streaming content from your library from here.
5. Add More Channels To The Plex Account
You can find additional Plex TV addons that provide access to other content besides Live TV channels. The steps to add them are as follows:
1 – Go to your Plex account and log in.
2 – On the left side of the screen, click the Channels section.
3 – Click the Install Channels button to open the channels directory from the channels screen.
4 – Look through the directory for all available channels.
5 – Click the channel you’d like to install. For the channel, a dialogue button will display.
6 – To add the channel to your account and begin streaming its content, click the install option.
Why Aren’t My Plex Channels Not Working?
You may encounter problems while adding channels to your Plex account. Here are some of the most prevalent problems and how to fix them:
1. Plex Channels Are Missing Not Loading
Do any of your Plex channels list’s installed channels appear to be missing? Or do you find that the channels do not respond when you click on them? There may be an issue with these specific channels. Well, to fix the problem, uninstall the channels that aren’t working, then reinstall and test them.
2. Plex Channel Scan Not Working
If you watch local channels using an OTA antenna and a DVR tuner, you can have an issue with the channel scan. Unfortunately, the problem appears to be a bug that affects many Plex users. One solution is to exit the Plex app, re-launch it, and then try the scan feature again.
Final Thoughts:
Are you fed up with the restricted library offerings from various streaming services? Then plex is exactly what you require. Plex is a bring-your-own media streaming platform that lets you curate your content and stream/share it with any compatible device. You may also add channels to your Plex account to access additional free or on-demand content.