One of the key factors to the success and popularity of Kodi media centre is it addon functionality. This is the ability to expand upon the default feature set of the application with third party plugins. There are addons for all sorts of things from live TV streaming to games and tools. Did you know that Plex Media Server offers similar functionality known as Plex Channels. In this “How to Add Plex Channels” post we will discuss how to install Plex Channels and the types of plugins that are on offer.
Top Accessories for Plex Media Server
When you have finished setting up your Plex Channels take a look at some of the top accessories recommended by our editors.
| Product | Image | Detail | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| VONTAR T6 Plus 2.4GHz Remote |  | Somatosensory Mouse, Infrared Remote, 2.4GHz Wireless QWERTY Keyboard & Touchpad, Colorful Backlit, Lithium Battery. For Kodi, PC & Android. Micro USB charging. |  |
| Esynic 2.4G Wireless Mini Keyboard |  | 2.4G wireless keyboard and mouse. Control Kodi from the comfort of your sofa. Supports PC, Android, Smart TV and other devices. | |
| TBS DVB-S2 Dual Satellite Tuner |  | Watch satellite TV & listen to radio on PC from within apps like Kodi (PVR). Twin tuner allowing you to record multiple channels. | |
| Toshiba X300 4TB Hard Drive |  | 4TB storage capacity, 7200RPM speed, 128MB cache, 3.5" SATA. Reliable internal storage for your media center. | |
| WD 2TB Elements Portable HDD |  | USB 3.0 portable hard drive in black for multiple devices. Carry your Kodi media libraries in your pocket. | |
How to Add Plex Channels – Addons & Plugins for Plex
So what is a Plex Channel? A Plex Channel is an addon or plugin for the Plex Media Server software solution. When you install Plex Channels it will expand the functionality of the application and allow you to do things that Plex won’t do out of the box. For example add Plex Channels for catch-up TV and enjoy popular shows. You can install Plex plugins for audio and receive music content from top streaming services. In this post we will show you how to install Plex Channels using the BBC iPlayer as an example. Before making any changes we always recommend that you backup your Plex Media server to allow an easy roll back. [Read: Plex Media Server Install – Three Easy Steps]
Adding Supported Plex Channels
Supported Plex Channels are plugins that are fully approved by the software vendor and that can be downloaded directly from within the application itself. To take a look at what is available to you boot up your Plex Media Server and navigate to the URL of your Plex web interface. The default link for this is as follows:
http://127.0.0.1:32400/web/index.html
When you enter this link into a web browser you will be presented with the screenshot below. To install Plex plugins or Channels select Channels from the main left hand menu. This is shown in the below image next to the red arrow. [Read: Best NAS for Plex – A Network Media Server]
The screen that follows is the location where any installed Plex Channels will be displayed. As you can see from the below image my Plex Media Server currently has no Channels installed. You can choose to display “All” installed Channels of filter by Video, Music or Photo Channels. To add Plex Channels click on the INSTALL CHANNELS button found on the right of the screen. [Read: How to Download Plex Log File for Fault Diagnostics]
The Plex Channel Directory
Next you will be taken to Plex’s online repository were you can browse and install Plex Channels from. The menu on the left allows you to filter the available channels that are presented in front of you. To begin browse the Channel options available and click on one you would like to add. After you have selected a Channel you will be presented with a popup giving further detail of the Channel. If you happy click the Install button to commence the installation. [Read: How to Make a Playlist on Plex – Plex Playlist Location]
Using Plex Channels
Once you have completed the above “add Plex Channels” process and the Install is complete its time to try out your new software. To use installed Plex Channels click on the Channels option on the main left hand menu as before. You will immediately notice that the BBC iPlayer Plex Channel is now available in your list. Click on the Channel to open it. The screenshot below shows the BBC iPlayer Plex Channel running on the Plex Media Server web GUI. [Read: How to use Handbrake to Compress Video – Handbrake Tutorial]
Plex BBC iPlayer Channel
Simply navigate through the menu items shown above to find the TV content that you would like to play. When you launch a show from here it will run directly on your server. One of the real highlights of Plex is that any Plex Channels that you install on your Media Server will then be available to any receiving client devices and Plex apps. So you can now use the BBC Plex Channel on your phones and tablet devices. [Read: Best Android DLNA Player – Client Apps]
HMP Verdict – Install Plex Plugins (AKA Channels)
Plex Channels are a great way to expand upon an already exceptional media streaming solution. There are many different Channels available for different purposes including TV streaming, sports & audio. Install Plex Channels to your media server and then they are automatically available to your receiving client devices. The Plex Channels repository is packed full of supported channels for you to try. We will look at what unsupported Plex Channels are in another post. [Read: Best Wireless Speakers for Home Audio]
