Popular media player/streamer Plex lets you manage all the audio and video files on your device and stream them over the internet to another device. Have terabytes of videos on your desktop? Plex will let you watch them on your smartphone.

Now Plex does more than let you manage your videos: you can use it to record live TV.

Plex has introduced DVR functionality. It’s still in beta and there are a few major limitations. But at a time when other companies are pulling the plug on DVR software, it’s nice to see one that’s adding the feature.

plex dvr

So how do you use Plex DVR?

First, you’ll need a HDHomeRun TV tuner and an over-the-air antenna. Right now the simplest way to use the DVR is with broadcast channels, although unencrypted cable channels should be supported as well (if your cable provider offers them).

Next, you’ll need to download a new beta version of Plex DVR… which is only available of Plex Pass subscribers at the moment.

The good news is that your Plex Pass subscription covers the cost of electronic program guide data, so you won’t have to pay extra. A subscription runs $5 per month, $40 per year, or $150 for a lifetime plan.

Once everything is set up, you can manage recordings by firing up the Plex user interface in a web browser. You can search for shows, schedule recordings, and set a limit for how many unwatch episodes to keep before they’re automatically deleted.

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