I think it would be a nice feature to have public obscure links generated to share out a server, individual libraries, or even individual media. Security by Obscurity.
There would need to be a place to keep up with shared links and an easy way to delete the links and re-generate new ones. And an easy way to email the link and an option for a password and optional expiration date would be great too.
For example click on a server, library, or movie on a button that says "Share via link". Then a link is automatically generated such as:
Obviously no customized dashboard would be needed.
This would be great to just share out one home video to friends or family, or photo gallery, etc. and they could just click on the link, easy peasy. I could see it as using the web client only, not available on Roku, IOS app, etc. But it would work on IOS, Android, etc, anything with browser support.
Security would be provided by obscurity, only people you share the link with will have access.
The URL could have hashed parameter that can only be be decrypted by the plex server. The hash would point to 'shared' content (which then points to the media). and the 'share' could be removed at a later time. (ie it not permanent or fixed URL)
It would be nice if you could also set the obscure link to also require a password to add the user to the server. Ei you are given a link and a password, once you put in the password you are added to the shared list and you don't need to enter in the password again after that first time.
Some thoughts I would like to see if it is explored...
Have options for the things listed above (password, expiration time) but also have option to bind the link to one IP address, lets say the person you sen it to, once opened once, can only be viewed from their IP. I guess to avoid the link being temporary public (if I am not monitoring it, I dont want a fried to share the video in a group email by accident and destroy my bandwidth limit for the month).
And also to clarify, this would need no plex account, just a link.
or how about links that are time sensitive? If you want to allow someone to watch a movie without the need to login, just have a link generated for a few hours
I honestly couldn't see something like this added to Plex without it requiring a Plex Client to ultimately use the shared file. Why would Plex take the time, and spend the man hours to create something that doesn't require their product to use it? It basically circumnavigates what they've worked hard to create.
I like the idea, but it should absolutely require a Plex Client to make use of the shared file, in my opinion.
I honestly couldn't see something like this added to Plex without it requiring a Plex Client to ultimately use the shared file. Why would Plex take the time, and spend the man hours to create something that doesn't require their product to use it? It basically circumnavigates what they've worked hard to create.
I like the idea, but it should absolutely require a Plex Client to make use of the shared file, in my opinion.
I wasn't meaning with sharing files, I meant with the system they added to share access with other people. Using something similar to what Sync added to share access to plex servers.
I honestly couldn't see something like this added to Plex without it requiring a Plex Client to ultimately use the shared file. Why would Plex take the time, and spend the man hours to create something that doesn't require their product to use it? It basically circumnavigates what they've worked hard to create.
I like the idea, but it should absolutely require a Plex Client to make use of the shared file, in my opinion.
I see it as quite the opposite, introducing Plex to those that doesn't know what Plex is, and surely haven't purchased the IOS/Android client. Who is going to purchase the client to watch 1 video share? I wouldn't.
As I mentioned in the OP, It would require only the web client, not "no" client. If you give those that doesn't know what Plex is some immediate features without the trouble of creating an account, it makes them curious. Hey, what is this Plex thingy? Maybe as someone that has never seen Plex, I click on a share link and notice a link after I watch the video that says, What is Plex? Find out more. Then I am directed to their website to find out more information. Once they find out the capabilities of Plex, and the benefits from the other clients and a plex pass, they will be more likely to make a purchase. It could be used as a marketing to some extent. But of course that has nothing to do with this feature request.
This becomes quite obvious when you share your server wih someone that has never heard of Plex. For some it's like pulling teeth getting them to create an account, accept the share, and all that jazz. You have to hold their hand, especially if they are non-technical.
I see it as quite the opposite, introducing Plex to those that doesn't know what Plex is, and surely haven't purchased the IOS/Android client. Who is going to purchase the client to watch 1 video share? I wouldn't.
As I mentioned in the OP, It would require only the web client, not "no" client. If you give those that doesn't know what Plex is some immediate features without the trouble of creating an account, it makes them curious. Hey, what is this Plex thingy? Maybe as someone that has never seen Plex, I click on a share link and notice a link after I watch the video that says, What is Plex? Find out more. Then I am directed to their website to find out more information. Once they find out the capabilities of Plex, and the benefits from the other clients and a plex pass, they will be more likely to make a purchase. It could be used as a marketing to some extent. But of course that has nothing to do with this feature request.
This becomes quite obvious when you share your server wih someone that has never heard of Plex. For some it's like pulling teeth getting them to create an account, accept the share, and all that jazz. You have to hold their hand, especially if they are non-technical.
I see it from this point as well.
Scenario: A friend asks me to record an even for them, so I do. I started editing the movie and send them a draft link to show the direction I am going and ask for thoughts. They open the link, it loads the Plex website, with a Plex logo or banner at the top and plays directly from my computer. I can update the file and all they need to do is refresh the screen to see the updates as I go along. Then, they are curious what this "Plex" thing is, and I share another file to show off what it can do. Maybe this time a movie. This spawns more questions, like how I converted my physical library to an instantly accessible database from any device in my house or really anywhere I am...Next thing I know, they are calling me asking what software I used to convert my library and what recommendations I have to get them started...
Here’s an example using ownCloud, which I utilize as a compliment to my Plex Media Server for non-copyrighted raw file sharing, but it would be awesome for Plex to have similar features for streaming only access (not raw file downloads) to a single media file or even a library from the Web client without a plex.tv account. Please like the original post to vote for this feature!
Search first if the request has already been posted before. The goal is to collect the votes for a particular feature in one thread - not to scatter them around.
