I have an LG 55" Smart-TV (4K). I have an NAS drive loaded with my video collection. The two are connected by a laptop, connected using USB, WiFi, & LAN.
The laptop runs Plex Web/desktop x64.
The TV runs the Plex app from the LG content store.
My question: Is theree enough differences/advantages to HTPC Plex, to install and use on my laptop media server?
Thanks.
The HTPC app will be able to play many more file types natively, the smart TV app is more limited. If you are a tinkerer you can edit the MPV player part of HTPC to do somethings Use `mpv` features which are not exposed in Plex for Windows/Mac/Linux and Plex HTPC
As far as other features mostly the same as they share the interface.
But if the LG app is working fine for you then I see no reason to complicate things connecting laptop directly to TV. Don’t look for solutions to problems you aren’t having.
In general, what BigWheel says is true. The HTPC app itself is more capable.
On the other hand you might be limited by what kind of media the laptop can play because of it’s hardware
A lot of laptops won’t output a 4k 60hz or HDR picture if that’s a consideration for your type of media
Another thing to consider is, the HTPC app doesn’t support mouse control. You will have to come up with a remote-control solution
I use a flirc device with an IR remote. It works well for me but you’re looking at another 40 bucks for something basic. This takes up an extra USB port on the laptop if that’s a factor
Also the power issue. This is not like the TV where you can just turn it on and off by using the remote
You may have to turn the laptop on manually and go into a menu inside HTPC to shut it off
Thanks.
Like someone once told me: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Right. My TV does a lot of the work. My laptop connects to the local network via LAN and 4K passes through to the TV app. HDR will be detected by the TV and self-adjust and I get Surround Sound 5.1. The laptop seems to be almost transparent.
I can use a game keyboard and the LG Magic remote for interface. I don’t own a mouse. I have two laptops with touchpads, the LG remote, and one of those cheap ‘kidney’ shaped game controllers from eBay.
Currently, I exit the app on TV, then goto the laptop and exit the browser, then use taskbar access to exit the desktop app.
However, I can use Remote Desktop, VNC, or similar, which would allow me to do any laptop task but from a different laptop. Not that ambitious though and too many other things to do.
Thank you.
Thanks for the advice and help. I think I’ll stick with my current setup unless I hear of something absolutely irresistable about Plex HTPC.
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