IPTV VS Plex: A Comparable View Between IPTV and Plex

Gone and never to come are those days when people relied on cable or satellite TV only in order to get entertained back at home. As we speak, there are tons of internet-based streaming services that can offer the much-needed entertainment back at home. Some good examples of these services include the IPTV and Plex. Both platforms offer different services to users out there. Thankfully, they are able to offer remote access to your preferred multimedia content. Since IPTV and Plex are different, we shall take a closer look at the various aspects that set them apart, alongside any other related ideas.

Difference Between IPTV and Plex

IPTV and Plex are different platforms. To start with, IPTV stands for Internet-based Protocol Television. Simply put, this platform allows you to watch your preferred TV channel or show via internet instead of satellite or cable. With IPTV, you will have a chance to watch both on-demand and live shows and movies hassle-free from the comfort of your home.

In fact, this eliminates the need of having to keep up with your TV schedules. In case you miss a show, you can always watch it later and have fun. As long as the show was aired, you will have a chance to watch it, rewind it and so forth.

It is imperative to note that IPTV gives you the luxury to watch your preferred content via a privately owned managed network such a WAN or LAN. Better still, you can watch your desired content via an ISP network.

Since IPTV comes with its own bandwidth, be certain that you will watch your favorite shows and movies in HD. However, you must have a good internet connection as IPTV banks on the status of your internet connection.

To watch IPTV, you will need to have a TV, mobile phone, laptop or any other device that has a screen and can connect to the internet. In addition, you will need to subscribe to IPTV and have a good internet connection.

Suppose your TV is not able to connect to the internet, consider investing in a set-up box such as Amazon Firestick or Roku. Your TV can be connected to any of these devices via a VGA cable, RCA or HDMI cable.

On the other hand, Plex is a popular streaming service provider that allows you to get entertained back at home with your loved ones. In fact, it is one of the best streaming solutions that can work well on an array of devices. Some of the devices that work well with Plex include:

Android devices
Android TV
Apple devices
Windows PC
PlayStation
Fire TV
Linux PC
Chromecast
Roku
Xbox

Here, you will have a chance to play music, view pictures, stream your favorite video content and so much more. Unlike other tools, Plex gives you the chance to stream anything you want seamlessly. As long as you have any of the above-mentioned devices, you will be able to access your desired media content from any location and be good to go.

It is important to note that Plex allows its users to watch ad-supported video on demand content in more than 200 states. Unlike other services, this one is free to watch. However, if you want an ad-free content, consider subscribing to Plex. Here, you will have the chance to watch more than 50000 titles on demand. In addition, you can watch live TV and have fun with your loved ones back at home.

Top Features of Plex

Once you subscribe to Plex, you will have the chance to enjoy a myriad of services. Some of the features that you will enjoy free of charge include:

Media share
Media library
Video news
Web shows
Multi-device usage
Podcasts

Besides the above-mentioned free features, you are bound to enjoy the following features:

Live TV
Offline content viewing
Plex Home
Plex Music
Digital Video Recorder(DVR)

As far as Plex Live TV is concerned, it is important to note that you will enjoy over 80 channels from the comfort of your home. Some of the popular channels you can enjoy here include:

AFV Family
RetroCrush
Law & Crime
CONtv
Popstar!TV
Monster Kids
Cheddar Business
Yahoo Finance
Fubo Sports Network
IGN TV
Tastemade
EDGEsport
WeatherSpy
Hollywood Classics
Deal or No Deal
KidsFlix

Process to Install and Utilize Plex

For you to enjoy the various features that come with Plex, you need to install it first in your device. Fortunately, the process of installing it is generally easy and straightforward. All you need to do is to download the server on your device and then download the Plex app on that device.

Although you are less likely to incur charges when downloading Plex, it is advisable that you consider subscribing to this platform fully so that you can enjoy all its features on the go. Whether you are using your TV or laptop to access Plex, be certain that you will be able to download it on any of these devices and get started.

Once you download the app, you will then be required to create an account using your username and password. Anytime you want to access Plex, you will only be clicking the app and then get started.

Plex Work with IPTV in Some Condition

Earlier on, it was possible for you to stream IPTV via Plex. However, this was only possible up to September 2018. After that, Plex announced that it no longer supporting plug-in feature that allowed you to stream IPTV on this platform.

In fact, any other plugins were no longer supported on this digital streaming platform. This means that Plex no longer supports IPTV directly. Therefore, you have to consider using other methods in order to stream IPTV via Plex. A good example is the IPTV tuners. You also need Plex Pass and also a full IPTV subscription so that you can stream live television on Plex.

Better Alternative for IPTV than Plex

Although Plex has been an incredible media server for years, its support for IPTV is still wanting. In this case, there is a need for you to consider another alternative that can help you stream Live TV more conveniently. One of the best alternatives that you should consider is Kodi. Unlike Plex, Kodi is not a media server. Other alternatives include:

Emby- However, you will need to pay a premium subscription for you to stream IPTV on this platform.
Jellyfin-This is another alternative that works magic when it comes to IPTV streaming. However, it is an open-source platform and does not limit you to a certain number of channels that you should watch. Additionally, you will not be subjected to any premium subscription for you to stream IPTV.

With any of the above-mentioned alternative options, you will no longer have to rely on TellyTv OR xTeVe in order to stream IPTV on Plex. Instead, you will rely on EPG and m3u that IPTV service provides directly.

Way to Watch IPTV in Plex: Step-by-Step Guide

Ever since the above-mentioned changes came into effect, all the existing guides on how to watch IPTV on Plex are no longer viable. Additionally, the how-to guides that are based on M3U and IPTV plugs are not helpful as Plex no longer supports them.

However, this is not the end of the road for those people who would like to watch IPTV on Plex. With TV tuners such as SiliconDust HDHomeRun tuner, you will be able to watch live channels on Plex.

Better still, you can install xTeVe or TellyTV on your computer and then watch IPTV on Plex. First and foremost, TellyTV or xTeVe are simply proxies for the IPTV services. With these proxies in place, you will be able to watch or stream IPTV on different media servers such as Kodi, Plex, Jellyfin and so forth.

To install xTeVe on your computer, you need to visit “github.com/xteve-project/xTeVe” and then download the correct version that will work on your device. Thereafter, run it on your computer. As this proxy gets installed, copy the link that you will find on the ‘Web Interface’ section.

After copying that link, paste it in your browser and then tap on the enter key on your computer. By doing so, you will be redirected to a different page where you will see this proxy’s configuration page. Key in the number of tuners and then tap on the ‘Next’ button.

On the EPG source drop-down options, choose XEPG. By doing so, you will be able to import and even edit external XMLTV files. Click on the ‘Next’ button and then key in the URL of the m3u playlist.

Tap on the ‘Next’ button and the xTeVe will be prompted to take the playlist links from m3u file. Navigate to the XMLTV tab and then key in the URL from the XMLTV file. Once you are done, click on the ‘Save’ button. More importantly, note that the XMLTV file URL and m3u playlist should be available from your IPTV service provider.

Once you are done with xTeVe installation, the next step is to configure Plex IPTV. Here, you should launch Plex and then navigate to Live TV & DVR. Thereafter, tap on the ‘Set up Plex DVR. In most cases, Plex can hardly detect your device’s tuner. In this case, you need to tap on the ‘Enter its network address manually’ and then key in your IP address.

After that, tap on the ‘CONNECT’ button. This action will prompt the xTeVe tuner to appear on your screen. Tap it and then select your country and then check the current channels present. Confirm that they are the correct ones and then tap on the ‘Continue’ button.

Tap on the ‘Don’t use XMLTV? Click here to select your location instead’, and then key in your IP address in the XMLTV guide box that you will see on your screen. After that, click on the ‘Continue; button and you will be able to see all the available channels within your locality.

Check and establish if the channels on your screen match those on the XMTVL guide data. If you are convinced that everything is right, tap on the ‘Continue’ button and you will have managed to complete the Plex IPTV configuration. To start viewing these channels, tap on the ‘View Guide’ button and you will be all set.

Vital Requirements for Plex IPTV

For you to watch IPTV on Plex, there are certain requirements that you must meet. Some of these requirements include:

First and foremost, ensure that you have an IPTV account. For optimal results, ensure that you have paid the full subscription.
Make sure that your Plex media server has the Plex Pass so that you can enjoy the DVR and Live TV feature.
Ensure that you have the XML-TV source. However, it is optional as some IPTV service providers usually offer URL for EPG data
XML TV guide-Most IPTV service providers usually offer this guide in form of a URL. Although these guides work, most of them are not comprehensive. Ideally, you should consider guides from “xtream-editor.com” or “iptv-epg.com”.
Direct m3u file-The good news is that most IPTV service providers offer this feature. With this file in place, you will be able to have a direct link to TS streams.
m3u playlist editor. With this playlist editor, you will be able to create, edit and even sort m3u playlist effortlessly. To learn more about some of the best editors to consider, visit “m3u4u.com” or “xtream-editor.com”.

Benefits of Using Plex for TV Streaming

There are many benefits you might reap once you start using Plex for TV streaming. Some of these benefits include:

It is more affordable
As long as you have an internet connection, you will be able to stream your favorite Live TV channels.
It allows you to watch many programs. In fact, it has many programs than a conventional TV.
It is supported by many devices. From your Android phone to your smart TV, there are tons of devices that can allow you to stream Live TV using Plex.

FAQ

How Much Does Plex Go for?

Unlike other digital streaming platforms, this one is very affordable. Its lifetime subscription goes for £94.99. However, if you choose to subscribe for 12 months, brace yourself to incur £31.99. Finally, if you just want to subscribe to this platform for one month, you will only be required to pay £3.99. Compared to cable TV, this digital streaming platform is cheaper and thus ideal for those who want to get entertained but are operating on a budget.

Is Plex Live TV legal?

Not really. This is because IPTV streaming platform usually package thousands of live TV channels and hardly pay for the content they obtain. Other times, the platform hardly obtain the content legitimately. As a result, this platform might not be legal to use. To be on the safe side, consider using a VPN.

Which devices can IPTV app be installed on?

Some of the devices that support the use of the IPTV app include your Android smartphones or tablets, Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, among others. As long as your device can be connected to the internet, and has a screen, be certain that you will be good to go.

Is the IPTV app free to use?

Yes. As we speak, the IPTV is free to use. As long as you have your Android device, you can now go ahead and download your preferred IPTV app and then start streaming Live TV on your device. Some of the free to use IPTV apps that you can download on your Android device include: