Plex, in its core functionality, doesn’t offer a direct, legal stream of brand-new, in-theatre movies. However, with some knowledge, careful planning, and an understanding of the platform’s capabilities, you can watch new movies on Plex by legally acquiring and organizing your own digital media library. This guide will walk you through the processes, highlighting legal avenues and best practices.
Understanding the Plex Ecosystem
Plex is a powerful media server software that organizes your video, music, and photo collections and streams them to all your devices. Think of it as your personal Netflix, populated by your own files. It doesn’t provide content itself; it facilitates the playback of content you already own. The key to watching new movies on Plex lies in sourcing those movies legitimately and then correctly configuring your Plex server to access them.
The Legality Factor
Before delving into the technical aspects, it’s crucial to emphasize the importance of legality. Obtaining movies through unauthorized means like pirating websites is illegal and carries significant risks, including fines, legal action, and malware infections. This guide focuses exclusively on legal methods of acquiring and watching new movies on Plex.
Legal Avenues for Acquiring New Movies
There are several legitimate ways to add new movies to your Plex library:
Buying Digital Copies
Purchasing digital movies from online stores like iTunes, Google Play Movies & TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu is the most straightforward method. Once purchased, you typically have the option to download the movie file in a compatible format (MP4 is generally recommended). This download can then be added to your Plex library.
Renting Digital Copies
Renting movies offers a temporary way to access new releases. These platforms also allow downloads during the rental period. Remember that rented movies have expiration dates and will become inaccessible after the rental period ends, even if they are still stored in your Plex library.
Rip Your Own DVDs and Blu-rays
If you physically own DVDs or Blu-rays of new movies, you can rip them to digital files using software like MakeMKV or Handbrake. This allows you to create digital copies for playback on Plex without violating copyright laws, as long as you legally own the original discs.
Utilizing Legal Streaming Services & Recording (Use with Extreme Caution and Verification)
Some streaming services offer downloads for offline viewing as part of their subscription. In very limited cases, screen recording may be used, however, you must verify the terms of service of the streaming service before recording, as this may violate their user agreements or copyright law. In short, verify that any recording is permissible under the service’s specific terms and relevant copyright laws before you even attempt it. This method is generally not recommended due to ethical and legal concerns, but we include it for completeness.
Setting Up Your Plex Server for New Movies
Once you’ve acquired your movie files legally, you need to organize them and add them to your Plex library:
Creating a Movie Library
Within the Plex Media Server interface, create a new library specifically for movies. Name it something descriptive, such as “Movies” or “New Releases.” When creating the library, specify the folder on your computer or NAS (Network Attached Storage) where your movie files are stored.
Organizing Your Movie Files
Proper file organization is crucial for Plex to correctly identify and categorize your movies. Plex relies on naming conventions to match movies with metadata (artwork, synopsis, cast information, etc.). Follow these guidelines:
- Folder Structure: Create a dedicated folder for each movie. Inside that folder, place the movie file.
- File Naming: Name the movie file according to the following format:
Movie Title (Year).ext. For example:Avengers: Endgame (2019).mp4. - Optional: Add extras: Plex can also display trailers, behind-the-scenes footage, and other extras. Name these files accordingly and place them in the same movie folder. Examples:
Avengers: Endgame (2019)-trailer.mp4,Avengers: Endgame (2019)-behindthescenes.mp4.
Refreshing Your Library
After adding new movies to your library, you need to tell Plex to scan for changes. In the Plex Media Server interface, navigate to your movie library and click on the three dots (…) to open the menu. Select “Scan Library Files” to force Plex to update its database with the new additions.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Metadata Matching Problems
Sometimes, Plex may misidentify a movie or fail to find metadata. This can happen if the file name is incorrect or if the movie is obscure. To fix this, you can manually match the movie in Plex. Select the movie, click on the “Edit” button (pencil icon), and then click on the “Match” tab. You can then search for the correct movie title and year.
Playback Issues
If you encounter playback problems, such as buffering or stuttering, it could be due to several factors:
- Network Speed: Ensure your network connection is stable and fast enough to stream the movie.
- Transcoding: Plex may be transcoding the movie to a format compatible with your device. This can be resource-intensive. Consider using a device that can direct play the movie format natively, or adjust transcoding settings in Plex.
- File Format: Some devices may not support certain video codecs. Try converting the movie to a more compatible format like H.264 MP4.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about watching new movies on Plex:
FAQ 1: Can I legally stream brand-new movies directly through Plex?
No, Plex itself does not offer a streaming service for new movies. It’s a media server that allows you to stream your own legally obtained content.
FAQ 2: What file formats are best for Plex?
MP4 is generally considered the most versatile and widely supported format for Plex. H.264 video codec and AAC audio codec are recommended within the MP4 container. MKV is also popular, but some devices may require transcoding.
FAQ 3: How do I find the best metadata for my movies?
Ensure your movie files are named correctly following the “Movie Title (Year).ext” convention. If Plex still struggles, manually match the movie and select the correct entry from the search results.
FAQ 4: Can I use Plex to watch movies I downloaded from torrent sites?
Downloading movies from torrent sites without proper authorization is illegal and violates copyright laws. This guide focuses on legal methods only. Using Plex for pirated content is discouraged and could have legal consequences.
FAQ 5: What is transcoding, and why is it important?
Transcoding is the process of converting a video file from one format to another, typically to make it compatible with a specific device. Plex automatically transcodes movies if necessary, but this can strain your server’s resources.
FAQ 6: How much storage space do I need for my Plex library?
The amount of storage space depends on the number and size of your movies. High-definition movies can take up several gigabytes each, so plan accordingly. Consider using an external hard drive or a NAS device for larger libraries.
FAQ 7: Can I share my Plex library with friends and family?
Yes, Plex allows you to share your library with other Plex users. Be mindful of copyright laws and only share content that you legally own. You are responsible for the content streamed by those you share with.
FAQ 8: Is Plex free to use?
Plex offers a free version with basic features, but Plex Pass, a paid subscription, unlocks additional features like hardware transcoding, offline downloads, and more.
FAQ 9: How do I set up hardware transcoding in Plex?
Hardware transcoding offloads the transcoding process to your server’s GPU, which can significantly improve performance. You need a Plex Pass subscription and a compatible GPU to enable hardware transcoding in Plex settings.
FAQ 10: Can I watch my Plex library on my phone or tablet?
Yes, Plex has apps for iOS and Android devices. You can stream your movies to your mobile devices over your home network or remotely over the internet.
FAQ 11: What is a NAS, and why is it useful for Plex?
A NAS (Network Attached Storage) is a dedicated storage device that connects to your network and provides centralized storage for your files. It’s useful for Plex because it allows you to store your media library in a central location that is always accessible to your Plex server.
FAQ 12: How do I keep my Plex server secure?
Ensure your Plex server and devices are protected with strong passwords. Keep your Plex Media Server software up to date with the latest security patches. Avoid sharing your Plex server with untrusted individuals. Consider using a VPN for added security when accessing your server remotely.
By adhering to these guidelines and focusing on legal methods, you can successfully use Plex to enjoy your favorite new movies in a convenient and organized manner. Remember that responsible media consumption is essential, and respecting copyright laws ensures the continued creation of the content we love.