We have a cabin in a remote location without Internet.
I’ve read about (and experienced) the issues related to running Plex without an Internet connection.
So rather than buying and testing all of them myself, which client device/software will function reliably without an Internet connection?
So what issues have you seen once this is setup? Have you seen this:
https://www.howtogeek.com/303282/how-to-use-plex-media-server-without-internet-access/
IMHO — bummer Plex doesn’t test and document this OOTB. That said, Plex has a hard job to come up with something that meets 90%+ of all requirements. I agree they should focus on what keeps them in business and a leader otherwise they may not be around when we need them.
VLC and a File Explorer.
I use Kodi on a Fire Stick. My media is on a 500 Gb SSD.
Kodi shows metadata if you set everything up while connected to the Internet. Plex would require the same.
Fire Stick wants an Internet connection but you can start Kodi or VLC without it.
Use a setup that does not need a network.
Put the movies on a USB drive.
If the TV has a USB port, attach the drive and use the TV’s built in video player to watch the movies. Note some TVs cannot power a mobile USB drive. You may need a drive with its own power (wall wart).
As @JuiceWSA mentions, watch on a PC with VLC. If you want it on a larger screen, connect the TV via HDMI as a second/external display.
That’s why I use an SSD. They take less power than a spinning drive.
You could also cast from a phone/tablet to a Smart TV.
kodi/vlc for pure off line use
an nvidia shield pro + external drive (or the older 500 gig model) can function as a semi-offline self contained client/server solution, with the applicable settings as posted in the link earlier in the thread.
Appreciate all of the alternative solution suggestions but I was asking about the best PLEX client device/app to use offline. i.e. has anyone had consistent successful with any particular client?
I should have mentioned that I already have a small QNAP NAS which runs the Plex server. It gets updated when at home with Internet and then taken to the cabin for use.
There doesn’t appear to be a Kodi app available for QNAP without installing a third party repository.
There is no full offline only plex.
Full stop.
You can get a fair amount of temporary offline use from the link already provided above.
Kodi/Vlc are not so much client/server streaming solutions, the are thick clients you would need to install on the local offline device, and you would need to bring your media with you. Like on a usb drive or stick.
Plex for windows/Mac could be used on a laptop and use the “download “ function to keep chosen media on the laptop for offline use, but it would still need internet to setup and do the syncing.
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