This is unfortunate. I feel like Vizio is dropping the ball here by not keeping the app up to date.
It really doesn’t have much to do with the software, it’s the hardware. Most Smart TV’s, not just Vizio, just don’t include powerful enough processors in their HD devices. The good thing about Vizio is that they do have an included Chromecast so you can still use Plex that way and might even get better performance.
Please don’t get confused, Plex is dropping the ball, not Vizio. Everyone else is able to get their app on there, including Netflix and Amazon, but Plex can’t. Like they can’t fix the Xbox 4k HEVC issues.
How do you explain that Netflix can get their app to work with all their animations and automatic playback then, if the hardware is too weak for Plex? I’m not even talking about playback…
Let’s get moving on this, Plex. There are a LOT of us Vizio owners out here. And don’t tell me to use SmartCast, if I wanted to do that I would switch to Emby and get proper quality 4k HDR playback. And EAC3 playback that works. I bought a TV with Plex built in so the family wouldn’t have to deal with all that. Get it fixed, please!
I’ve been following this thread for a year, and I’m extremely disappointed in PLEX! As a Plex-Pass holder I expected better from them in communication as well as delivery. To see a thread like this with users pleading for a new app so “We” can all watch the TV/DVR on our television, and all we get is lip service telling us that “We are building it for other TV’s” or that Some TV’s can’t support it (Really)?!?!?!? Visio Specs are incredible, thus why many of us purchased these TV’s.
Just be honest with us if there are plans on upgrading the app to work with the TV/DVR function of Plex, this way we won’t waste our time and will go elsewhere! What else is required from your adoring fans, should we be posting our disappointment on Reddit, Facebook…etc…. just to see this gain traction?
Regards,
Disappointed Lifetime Subscriber….
As someone who has worked in the technology industry on embedded software, etc. I can tell you 100% that no one here except Plex has enough information to blame this on Plex and not Vizio.
These types of projects require the cooperation between the service provider and the software provider.
We don’t know where the holdup is. My guess is that the holdup is on Vizio’s side especially since Vizio has a bunch of licensed technology on their side (Dolby Vision, etc.) Vizio could be delaying an update for any number of reasons most probably that they are getting ready for a huge update or upgrade to their smart functions and they don’t want to waste money.
Since no one knows, it might be helpful to scale back the language a bit. I’m a lifetime member too, but I understand that the cooperation between service developers and hardware developers is complex and takes more work than anyone realizes unless they’ve worked in the industry. Any updates to existing products costs money and Plex and Vizio are both looking to make a profit at the end of the day.
Plex may be doing everything they can and they may have an update ready to go, but obviously they don’t want to promise/announce anything until they have a date from Vizio. Or it could be the opposite. We can’t know, so don’t assume.
Hate to be a buzzkill, but I asked plex this a couple months ago. They stated the hardware on vizios arent powerful enough to do it and will not receive an update.
Reddit post:
(this is a screenshot from a response to a comment I put on their blog post about UNO UI
https://www.plex.tv/blog/uno-everywhere/)
Considering the quality of Netflix’s app on Vizio’s platform, we do know that old could and should apply something better than the current crap version.
The problem is that they don’t seem to be communicating honestly with us. If there is in fact a hold up with Vizio just say it please. It sounds like they are just too busy working on Samsung and LG TVs and will get to Vizio if they have time. If that is not the case maybe just post an update saying something like “we are working on the updated app but we ran into X roadblock”. At least that would give the information we need and would provide us the assurance that we Vizio users are not just unimportant next to Samsung and LG users. The lack of progress may very well be justified by the interaction with Vizio but the frustrating thing reading through this thread is the very unhelpful and vague responses from Plex.
Here is an official answer from our support article, https://support.plex.tv/articles/204080173-which-smart-tv-models-are-supported/.
“While we previously offered apps for the following smart TV platforms and models, they are no longer actively supported. An older version of our app may still be available on the devices, but the old app will not be receiving updates and may not be compatible with newer features or server releases.”
No. This thread is about the Plex app running on these TVs. That part in the article is about the Cast ability of these TVs, which is true. You can still use the Cast feature and it will support the latest abilities that can be done when casting to any Chromecast device. The stand alone Plex app that runs on the TV that you use the TV remote is no longer supported.
SHOULD I BUY 2019 Vizio TV in year 2020? I need plex be built in . because the tv will be a gift for grand parent who does not use smart phone but flip phone .
Please keep in mind this is just my opinion but I have given Roku TV’s to two older people (89 and 95) and that has been a WAY better experience than the other Smart TV apps simply because the Roku has the normal Plex Client and the UI is just simple.
I would get a TV with Roku built in for them. It is very intuitive for older users. I set my Father-in-law (72) and my neighbor (82). The Plex app works great on it and it is very easy to switch apps, inputs and over-the-air antenna. I’ve used other smart TVs, ATV, and Android TVs and these Roku TVs are amazing.
Same here. I have Several Vizio Smart TVs all over my house… Some of which have no tuner (no cable on Patio TVs). I am using HDHomerun and Plex DVR to capture hard to get news shows. BUT it is LONG overdue for a vizio plex app update hat includes the the same "LiveTV Option that my tiny moble app has. After investing in a lifetime PlexPass AND all the Hardware PRECISELY for this feature YEARS AGO. It would be nice to watch/host the game/or other live events while entertaining. It would great feature to show off and make new PLEXPASS customers of my friends.
Or at least allow us to cast the live stream locally from the mobile app to these types of (no tuner) TVs/Devices.
I was shocked to find this out myself. I purchased this set to avoid having an extra dongle. I guess we got to go the dongle route, bad Plex app.
Finally. Thank you.
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