The only feature of Plex Pass I currently need is Livetv-DVR. We run the free/paid plex servers on our own PC’s/networks so there is no involvement outside of that. Guide data is also provided but that can be found elsewhere.
So, in the unfortunate event that Plex shuts down, for those that have sprung for the lifetime pass, would they still have DVR functionality (aside from Plex supplied guide data)? Would hate to have blown $120. Thanks.
thanks for the reply. I can gather that much as I am already using my own guide data from an xml file. so the lack of plex guide data wouldn’t be a huge loss. my main concern would be to, in essence, be purchasing standalone dvr software (run on my own server) that would only operate so long as plex is in business.
The way I see it I’ve already had my lifetime longer than paying the monthly subscription so I’m already ahead of break even. Would still suck but I would loose nothing compared to subscription. Too much of life depends on the cloud now. All my Alexa, Smartthings, Bulbs, Locks, Cameras, etc… the wasted money in hardware would be quite hefty. This stuff needs to have a local only option. It’s bad enough loosing control on internet outages!
The subject of this thread is ridiculous.
Server - Preferred
Clients - Fallback to insecure on local only
Internet fails often around here.
Plex keeps working for local without issue.
Great points. That’s exactly what I’ve been thinking. For instance guide data. Using schedules direct would cost around $25 annually. So after roughly 5 years I would have it paid for along with more than just simply a guide, so long as DVR would still function.
You have to expect that services like Plex go out of business at some point. It happend in the past and it will happen in the future. The question is when but neither you nor me can answer that. If you think your anger about sunk costs would be too high, go for the monthly scheme. If you expect Plex to stay in business for >2 years and you plan to stay with it that long, go for lifetime (which you did I assume).
When they go out of business you can worry about what you can use then. Now, you can enjoy what you have 
I pay monthly because:
I have 5 bucks a month to spare
It gives me something to withdraw in a fit of rage - and that’s worth $5 a month.
Agreed. That’s why I’m trying to assess the longevity of the sub. If/when they go out of business, and if the DVR software still functions, then it might be worth it for me.
*edit for reference - had been using WMC for many years but its starting to show its age. While I can still keep it functional, the core use of it is limited and tied to Windows.
I wouldn’t bet on the fact that the service still works when they went out of business. It might work now without internet, but that might not apply in the future. But Plex has been here for some time already, so chances are good that they last another two years. After that, any extra time is bonus when you acquired lifetime.
If you like the service, I would go for lifetime.
Yeah. And as others and myself have said, I would think that any Plex provided service such as guide data or plex pass perks would be discontinued. But everything else should be capable of running locally.
even now it works without the internet only if the server is not restarted. one of the main problems with the server running on a wd mypassport or any other offline usage.
and we have there perfect example at the moment: there is a partial outage on the plex side and my server crashed and is not working completely after a restart …
… and my server is working locally just fine.
Server = Preferred, not Required or Disabled
Clients = Fall back to insecure on local network only
The ‘hosted’ web app is belly up - as expected if Plex.tv goes down. <—yup, it’s down.
Thanks for all the replies, everyone. I guess we really wouldn’t know for sure unless someone from Plex comments.
I don’t think it makes much sense though. If we are running our own servers on our own PC’s, it really doesn’t rely on the functionality of Plex outside of our network. And it really shouldn’t. I’ve read too many times now how user’s libraries cease to function if Plex goes down. It’s either poor design, or rationale to charge a subscription fee. Unfortunately, this doesn’t seem like a Plex problem as others offer a similar model - Channels DVR, Emby, HDHomeRun.
Purchasing the software outright would make much more sense, especially in dealing with free OTA TV.
You can’t check the validity of your Plex pass without going online. So you either deny that features when being offline, or you risk people take advantage of something the don’t pay for.
I hear where your coming from but as you have stated there are well known alternatives along with some Rag and Bone outfits.
Lifetime Pass = 24 x $5.00
So the question is will Plex be Vapour earlier than 2 Years? I would not think so.
Wait! Is Plex rumored to shut down? I’m just asking because there’s not much development going on at the moment. There’s still tons of bugs left unaddressed Is this the reason?
Nope.
Just some Doomsdayers speculating over the cost of a lifetime subscription they’ll waste if Plex goes belly up before they think they’ve gotten their money’s worth.
Carry on - nothing to see here.
by the way: just had an internet outage for 2 hours and basically nothing plex related worked.
the tv app did not start, the apple tv app did start but got no movies, the iOS app did start/continue but just showed the currently playing audio book, plex web hung during loading, the two new plex apps on mac os just showed an error.
then only app that worked half way is the old an no longer supported plex home theater…
Lol, Yesterday there were three (!) new beta releases for the Android client. Don’t tell us there is no development or bug fixing.
