Plex apps cannot find and use Plex Media Player (or Plex HTPC) as a Player

[thirdgen89gta]

Server Version#: plexmediaserver-plexpass-1.23.4.4712

Mac Player Version#: Version 1.33.0.2444-a220eae4 (Plex for Mac)

Plex HTPC Version# 1.3.1.2347-2bc469d3

Plex Media Player Version: 2.58.0.1076-38e019da

The various “Plex” desktop apps are unable to find and connect to an instance of Plex Media Player (and Plex HTPC). However, the desktop apps are capable of finding an instance of “Plex for Windows” to connect and play through.

Example:

Server is 192.168.0.5

Mac Laptop (192.168.0.11 running Plex for Mac can play content from server 192.168.0.5 without issue.

Windows 10 HTPC (192.168.0.6) running any version of Plex (PMP, PlexHTPC, Plex for Windows) can also connect and play content hosted by server without issue.

The problem is that Plex for Mac is unable to see the HTPC as a “Player” when either PMP or PlexHTPC are running, but CAN see the HTPC when “Plex for Windows” is open.

For PMP, and PlexHTPC the option to enable “Advertise as Player” is not available because the option can only be accessed via the “Desktop” Interface which these apps no longer support.

Being able to advertise itself as a “Player” is a critical feature for any version of Plex, especially HTPC/TV versions of the application. For the same reason Chromecast and AirPlay are so popular.

I access Plex through a SteamShortcut on my HTPC because its also my gaming PC. When I start the app yes I can use a game controller to control the application, but sometimes when searching for content it is so much easier to find it on my laptop, or on my phone and Fling it to the HTPC. This is something that used to work perfectly and universally.

[FordGuy61]

@thirdgen89gta

For PMP, and PlexHTPC the option to enable “Advertise as Player” is not available because the option can only be accessed via the “Desktop” Interface which these apps no longer support.

Plex Media Player still has the desktop interface.

I downloaded (plex.tv/download) & installed PMP 2.58.0.1076 on my Win10 desktop. Desktop mode is still supported. Switched to desktop mode, Settings → Plex Media Player → General (show advanced), checked box for Advertise as Player, switched to TV Mode. I was able to cast to it using the Plex app on my Android phone.

Plex HTPC 1.3.1.2347

I was also able to fling to Plex HTPC on the same Win10 desktop from the same Android phone. I saw no “configure as player” option in the Plex HTPC settings. However, it still appeared on my network and I was able to connect to it.

[thirdgen89gta]

You missed the setup I have.

PMP Windows can fling to Plex App for Windows on the same PC no problem. Can also fling to Plex for Mac.

However, Plex for Windows does not see PMP as a target to fling.

I’m not talking about flinging from my phone, I can fling from iOS without issue. Its the Desktop editions that cannot see PMP as a target.

And Plex for Mac only see’s Plex for Windows as a target, it does not see Plex Media Player, even when both are running on the same system.

Advertise as Player is checked in PMP. Yet, neither Plex for Windows, or Plex for Mac can see it as a target.