• by ryan.y , September 16, 2010

Just last week I was introduced to a new software called Plex, and I cant understate enough how blown away I was by the entire experience. The key concept behind Plex is that it bridges all of your media into one easy to use interface.

Essentially, it’s a multidimensional media server, designed to act as a focal point from which the you as a consumer can access your media such as movies, music, and photos. You can assign your media through a variety of different outlets such as external or internal drives, optical media, and shared networks. Currently the program is limited to three platforms, Mac OS X, iOS for the Iphone and ipad, and lastly for LG connected devices. As of right now the program is still currently in its beta stage, which was evident as I found numerous kinks and bugs in the program, but the overall fluidity and practicality of Plex was quick to silence any incertitude that I had.

Once installed I was immediately asked where my media was stored on my computer, and in a few short seconds after assigning my drive my media was integrated and organized on Plex’s interface. The amazing thing is Plex offers a large amount of format and codec support, meaning that you don’t have to install any additional plug-ins to run your media, if you got it, Plex more then likely will be able to run it natively.

The interface itself isn’t any thing special, but the software boasts an impressive “skinable Interface” as the website quotes, that allows you to customize the entire interface. This allows the user complete control over visual elements such as color schemes, animations, and personal pictures, but it also allows the relocation and application of control functions and page navigation. This allows Plex to be a unique experience for the individual.

The feature primarily responsible for catching my attention was the program's use of the internet and downloadable plug-ins. Not only does Plex organize your personal media, it allows you to pull what seems like a limitless amount of media content from the web free of charge. In a way its almost like downloading a television channel. Currently my video plug-ins consists off Hulu, ESPN 3, Fox News, and Game Trailers. Each of these respective plug-ins function as an independent channel that is accessible from the main interface. Once the channel is selected, it allows you access to a massive amount of quality media streamed directly online, but it's not only video, there a fair share of music and photo plug-ins that allow you to stream radio and podcasts natively from Plex’s interface.

Overall it’s an incredible experience and its future ramifications could be limitless, but I wont call it a TV killer yet. I do however encourage that you download the program for yourself and give it a try. The program can be downloaded here, http://www.plexapp.com/plexnine.shtml. I hope those of you who try it enjoy it as much as I have.