I was going to suggest that but I looked around and didn’t see that casting icon
It is there and it works though. I think I need my eyes checked
It may have changed but I did use it a few weeks back ?
I still run PFW on our laptop but the laptop rarely gets used these days.
I have Plex for Windows but it is not keyboard friendly like HTPC right?
Thats what I like about HTPC I can navigate entirely by keyboard.
You have them backwards
Plex HTPC is designed for use with a remote (keyboard has limited use). I use a Harmony 650 (and Flirc USB) and a Logitech K400+
PFW is designed for a keyboard and mouse.
The names of the apps describe their suggested use.
Edit - we used to have Plex Media Player years ago which was a combination of both but it got split into two apps (still works I think). Plex HTPC specifically for the use I mentioned and PFW. Some oldies like myself miss PMP with its ability to operate as both but the reasons for splitting it were logical I guess.
There is a place for Plex HTPC to be controlled by a kb/mouse combination as opposed to a remote in a number of home theatres but Plex made the decision so it is what it is. Flirc helps somewhat as you can map remote buttons to keyboard keys/functions.
See the Plex documentation on Casting, Flinging and Remote Control.
A Plex client can act as a controller or a receiver or as both. Supported Plex Companion Apps lists the supported Plex apps and how each can behave.
Basically, run a Plex Receiver on the PC attached to your AVR, control it using one of the Plex Controllers.
If all you are interested in is music, Plexamp might work as a receiver or as a controller.
1 Like
Needs updating.
A lot has changed since 2019 
No, it doesn’t. It correctly lists the companion roles of each app type.
Oh, was not aware Plex Media Player had made a comeback
Edit - given the confusion about naming just in this thread.
Fair enough. However, the Supported Plex Companion Apps document is current. It was updated on June 20, 2022.
1 Like
While it is true that PMP is no longer, this fact has nothing to do with the above discussion and the OP’s question. Nor does it render all the information in the support pages invalid.
I posted the information about PMP as this thread has demonstrated issues around app naming and description (and indeed usage).
Now the OP has been around for a long time but for a newcomer, reference to an app that no longer exists in a support link introduces more confusion.
It’s a small point but easily fixed with a text edit.
JohnAlex,
Ok I fired up PFW on my computer in the other room used Cast and that is working, so even better I can use it from my tablet or the computer.
I am sometimes dyslexic but no, at least not for me. I can do everything keyboard in HTPC, PFW hardly anything. For example right now I am in PFW, I open a album select a song but I cannot back out with the keyboard back to Library. In HTPC I just hit Escape and it backs me out previous screens all the way to Exit if I want.
Trying to read up on Casting. I have my media server on a pc then my other computer in the other room. Which way is it going, is it Casting from my media server to the pc in the other room?
There is a bug from the web app in browser and desktop where it cannot connect to other Plex players with Plex companion
@Flrun HTPC cannot control other Plex apps. It is a receiver app only for Plex Companion
@JohnAlex i’ll ask the articles get updated to remove mention of PMP, thanks for noticing that.
2 Likes
Sounds like mapping issues your end,
Plex’s own support documents say Plex HTPC is designed for remote control. PFW designed for keyboard/mouse control.
A KB/mouse has some control of HTPC but very limited (and Plex has said future updates will have less control by KB/mouse as it isn’t the focus). I can increase the control of with my K400+ by using key mapping in my Flirc USB receiver.
The Plex HTPC UI is specifically designed for a 10 foot interface and a HTPCV remote. PFW designed for desktop/laptop use and a KB/mouse which people use for Windows.
PFW is exactly that, Plex for Windows which is an OS controlled primarily by KB/mouse. A remote control can control some functions if the remote is set up as a WMC remote.
The Plex HTPC subsection is littered with many many posts by users lamenting the lack of keyboard/mouse control which we used to have with Plex Media Player.
I don’t know if its a mapping issue but it works great in HTPC, it always has. In fact I just installed it on the other computer yesterday and it worked on it just like my media server.
Any ways thanks again for everyone’s help.
1 Like
This is correct
There is no lack of keyboard control using HTPC. The only thing you are limited on is mouse control
I use a flirc with a remote for HTPC, but every button I push on my remote only simulates a keyboard button being pushed
Plex for Windows has almost no keyboard function whatsoever
I’m navigating it with my K400 atm
As for Plex HTPC, most of the time after opening the app, the K400 won’t do anything at all. I have to use my remote and then some keyboard control works.
My KB media keys do nothing in Plex HTPX but work fine in PFW.
The only time I’d use Plex HTPC is actually on a home theatre set up with direct connection to a TV (its purpose). I reserve PFW for desktop/laptop use when I’m up close and personal with the computer
JaysPlex7,
And that is what I do only use keyboard, every once in awhile I will use the mouse but I really don’t need to.
I’ve used HTPC with keyboard on 2 different computers and 3 different keyboards.
And I rather use the keyboard just easier for me.
Sounds like it is my KB that is messed up LOL.
Use what works I guess.
I can’t use Plex HTPC UI on a computer display though, PFW works better for that.
I think if you have a wireless keyboard and also open HTPC on startup there is a focus issue with having to press a key on the remote before the keyboard works
I got around this by programming one of my remote keys with Windows key +1
(HTPC must be in #1 spot in taskbar) or you can change it to Windows key +2 ect… wherever you have it
It minimizes/maximizes Plex and that puts it into focus. I use this anyway when I want to use the computer for something else in the background
Some keyboard commands are more than one key. If there’s something you can’t control with the keyboard, I suspect it may be hiding
And to clarify earlier, there are some keyboard shortcuts in Plex for Windows but those are mostly during playback. I was speaking purely about in the navigation in the UI and being able to scroll or select items
You can pause or FF a video but I don’t use it to watch things and it didn’t seem like Flrun was looking for that
1 Like
