The next time you launch Plex, you'll be asked if you want to enable it as a media server. Initial setupīefore you can access Plex's newfound capabilities, update your Nvidia Shield (Settings > About > System Update) to version 3.2, and the Plex app in the Play Store app. You can still use Shield as you normally would, playing games or bingeing on the latest Netflix hit without impacting the capabilities of your Plex Media Server. Even if you're not actively using it, the server functionality remains connected and accessible. Using the Shield as your server means it's always plugged in and always connected. Normally, a Plex Media Server runs on a computer and if someone were to turn that computer off, then your server is no longer up and running. Perhaps the single biggest advantage to turning your Shield into a media server is that it's a device built to handle media in the first place. With that out of the way, let's talk Plex Media Server on the Nvidia Shield. You can view the breakdown of benefits for Plex Pass subscribers here. A Plex Pass currently costs $5 a month, $40 a year, or $150 for a lifetime subscription.Īn additional benefit of the Plex Pass is the ability to back up photos on your phone to your personal server. You can unlock each app's full feature set for around $5, or you can purchase a Plex Pass to unlock all apps across all platforms, along with additional features and services. The Plex Media Server software is free, as are its mobile apps, albeit with limited functionality. You can access and stream or view your library from anywhere with an Internet connection, meaning you can save space on your smartphone or tablet and still view photos or stream music. Using Plex as a Media Server means you can access your personal collection of photos, videos, movies, music and TV shows without relying on a third-party cloud service such as Dropbox or Google Drive. Regardless of your networking know-how, you can run a server of your very own with very little effort. Earlier this week, the update went live for all Shield owners. Plex and Nvidia recently announced the Android TV-powered Shield was gaining the ability to run Plex's Media Server software.

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