@Plex, just received the notification about the upcoming change in the EPG provider. I was wondering if there was further information available;
Will there be an option of providers? Happy to talk to the PM offline about icetv.
Will there be an option to use webhooks /or other method to connect to another provider?
Has there been any deals done with IceTV for existing Plex customers?
Thank you
Bridjee
I would also like some further information considering the DVR functionality with built in EPG for my HDHomerun was the primary reason for purchasing plex pass. If I now have to pay for a third party EPG provider there is no point renewing it.
Why is Freeview no longer an option in Australia? Kind of feels like a subscription service being forced on already paying plex subscribers… What’s next in the forced subscription space that plex subscribers should know about before they fork out more cash?
The issue i have is we should be able to use free this is a bait and switch tatic plex is using. Why icetv to i’d prefer to just have a default of epg from antenna vs that.
Yes I do not understand why cannot the DVR functionality just use the OTA EPG. It may not be the greatest, but if you don’t need it to be that accurate why not allow it 
Back in the days of MythTV shepherd was born to fill this void. IceTV tried to take advantage of the less savvy linux users back then and kicked off its paid for option. I’ll go back and reinstall shepherd I think, but I am surprised Plex hasn’t taken this path to make this a more seamless experience that moved me from MythTV to Plex to begin with.
I get Plex needs to keep monetising its product. DVR is relatively new and still needs to iron out bugs but it needs to keep its shine for ease of use to keep ahead of the game. DVR is still a novelty on plex for me.
Yes - allow OTA EPG. I only record a show or two a week. Not worth paying for a guide.
yeah i had a look i actually singed up to premium last night after purchasing a hdhomerun so getting the email was beyond annoying. There’s a few free ones available but the issue i have it takes balls to say we recommend this without saying free ones are here. Makes me think if there’s any kickbacks from recommended providers say $1 per person per month from icetv adds up after enough people
One of the main reasons for having Plex Pass. Not much notice either
There’s free options available via XML. I guess Plex are recommending Ice TV for its accuracy? I use Ice TV for both my PVR’s so Plex costs me no extra. If Plex DVR is not your main recorder and accuracy gaps are okay then free options would be the way to go.
It’s still a sketchy DVR IMO and will only limit the uptake if people don’t get a guide out of the box, especially after paying for a Plex Pass! They’ll have to downgrade their sales pitch from ‘DVR’ to ‘DVR capable’. The software is limp without an EPG! Disappointed yet again on choosing the lifetime pass…
OTA guide is good enough for me, that’s all my WMC uses and it’s great - still preferred option over Plex.
Any suggestions on the free XML options? or suggestions on an OTA plugin? Oh wait, they pulled plugin support…
Yes indeed, good old WMC looks like making a comeback for me. It does a good job of grabbing OTA data and scheduling recordings. If one needs to take it to the next level, use MCEBuddy.
I moved away from the above setup once Plex DVR became decent, because I wanted a single, easy to manage, media solution. Now Plex is no longer that for Australians because we have to pay more for a decent DVR (via XML and IceTV), since Plex won’t work without guide data. Free XML is average and it creates more work for the user to set it all up with a result no better than OTA. Hence back to WMC for me.
Bottom line is that Plex needs to support OTA guide data at a minimum. Failing that, just let us set a time and channel to record a TV programme (like the old VCR days).
Really surprised that Plex would do this, feels like a slap in the face as a Lifetime Pass owner and I can only assume the only reason it’s happening is due to the partnership with IceTV. Presumably completely legal and covered in the TOS but still feels like a bait and switch.
Totally agree. Very disappointed with Plex here …
I was using TVHeadend a few years ago, and that could use the OTA EPG. I may have to switch back.
The other options I’ve seen are http://au.freepg.tv and https://www.matthuisman.nz/2017/08/nz-au-iptv-epg-files.html
Tx for the tips I’ll check them out. I’m still using WMC on the HTPC, was waiting for the Plex DVR to mature enough for the switch…
Since Plex Dev’s don’t seem to read these forums I’m putting 1-star votes on the Apple App store about this one.
@markcs Agree the option to use free sources would be a good step forward. The icetv solution aggregates and curates sources so is somewhat better.
Not sure if @Plex are watching the forum, but to add to my questions above, I would also be interested as to what the decision between the recommended hardware epg, hdhomerun and icetv. Why the change?
Hdhomerun is also only $35 a year for 14 day epg, less then half the price or free for 24hrs. ICETV is $7.99 a month, although they have posted a special for plex users that is $2.99/mth. Would be good if there were some terms that said how long that price was good for.
Understand Plex is a business and should make money for the good of all us to keep innovating etc, continually changing direction and not giving options is a bit worrying. Happy to pay for service, but also needs to be disclosed upfront.
There is an option in the DVR setup to add EPG XML sources, will try it for a few of the free ones later and update the forum.
Also feeling the same. Extremely disappointed with Plex to the point of now doing something else. Signed up for a Lifetime Pass which now feels like a joke. Poor form Plex!
ice Tv have supposedly offered a price reduction for plex users
Special Offer for PLEX users
As a special offer for Plex customers we are currently offering a discounted IceTV subscription.
This subscription is only for our PLEX EPG feed
Subscribe to IceTV’s XMLTV EPG Feed
$ 2.99 per month HERE
Where is the price reduction as the XMLTV EPG feed is $2.99 HERE
Just pointing out False, Deceptive and misleading statements such as false discounts or deceptive non existing price reductions are not only misleading but can be breach of Australian Consumer Law
But bridjee they already do monetise us by the Plexpass subscription. I’m still seething about this direction they are proposing especially after reading in this thread about other free options
I guess that since it is a new product ( they can claim it is different to the XMLTV EPG ) the price was never set as a reference, therfore called an intro price discount.
We ( as Australian’s ) all know that IceTv is full of ■■■■ anyway they just pulled to wool over Plex’s management’s eyes.
