I have used Channels app for years on my AppleTV and it is great for live tv channel surfing and DVR.
Now considering Plex, because of good integration with existing movies and music in my library. Enabling remote streaming etc would be great but there is one big problem.
Is there a way to use Plex TV like an old school channel surf, without the need to go back to main UI if I want change channel? That is the main reason I still cannot transfer, Channels App has nailed that perfectly.
I’m guessing Plex is actually originally derived from XBMC which I have used on my Xbox since it came out way back
Server Version#: Macos
Player Version#: Macos / iphone / ipad
Tuner Make/Model: Hdhomerun
Guide/Lineup name: ?
Using XMLTV?: I guess yes
Channel number/Name: all
On iPhone and iPad (running iOS/iPadOS 16 or later) yes. The “new” Plex app for these devices allows you to start playback in a window at the top of the screen, with the guide still visible. You can navigate through the guide by tapping the desired show and the new channel will be tuned.
On Mac, there are two apps (Plex Desktop for Mac and PlexHTPC). For the desktop app, once you start playback of a channel you need to minimize the player (chevron at the top-left of the screen) to access the guide while the current channel still plays (in a tiny window at the bottom-left). Selecting a new channel tunes it and maximizes the view again. (The web app behaves in the same manner.)
For the HTPC app, while view a channel you can press escape on your keyboard (or whatever remote button is mapped to escape) to access the guide. The currently-playing channel is shown roughly quarter-screen at the top-right. Again, selecting a new channel tunes it and maximizes playback again.
Since you asked about AppleTV, no, the current ATV app offers no way to channel surf.
The only way to change channels is by selecting it in the guide, and then to change channels you go back to the guide and select another.
I am not familiar with the app that’s currently in Beta but most seem to have many issues with it and the iOS app that was just released (the old app is no longer available) makes live tv and the guide much worse.
