I get that most people use streaming services these days, but I don't think I've used one in over a year and rely solely on local media. I understand _why_ Plex adds these features, but I'd much rather see them put time into the core product.<p>I don't need their movies and TV catalog forced upon me. I have no interest in Tidal integration or searching streaming services.<p>Once Jellyfin gets intro skipping I think I'll be switching.
My one wish for Plex is that I could remove all these features that Plex is putting on my server.<p>I tried some of the other Media Servers but they tend to be even worse.
It's unfortunate that each streaming silo will probably never allow their content to be streamed to a client like Plex. Amazon Channels seems to have not had a great run from what I've heard (IIRC some services left after initially being part of it) so I have little hope of Plex being able to swing something similar. Apple TV (The app, not the device or the service, terrible naming) is just a launch board to kick you into other apps which is slightly better than having to navigate multiple apps but only slightly. I understand it's because the streaming services want to "own" the experience (and all that data you generate while moving around and using the app) but I hate it.<p>Personally I watch all of my content through Plex because I refuse to switch between multiple streaming services. I'll gladly pay (and I do) for access to the platforms but I still only watch through Plex because I prefer having 1 UI/UX to deal with. I never have to ask "How do I get the subtitle selector up?", "Does left/right skip forward 10/15/30/60sec or does it start RR/FF?", "Where does this streaming provider let you configure X?", and the list goes on.<p>Spotify effectively killed piracy for the vast majority of my social circle but TV/Movie piracy is still the best viewing experience by a long shot especially with *arr-type apps to automate it all for you.<p>Money isn't the issue, experience is. It's just like years ago (or it's probably just as bad now but I haven't had to deal with it) when it was better to pirate a movie than get it via Redbox/Blockbuster because you weren't forced to watch ads/FBI warnings/etc.
I use JustWatch for this. Justwatch shows the new / popular / interesting content across streaming services, with a comprehensive search and wishlisting.<p>I wish Plex would just help me do what I need it to do - watch and download my ripped movies. Maybe help me fix the metadata. I don't want to subscribe to podcasts, watch web shows, or watch B-movies with commercials.