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  • HugeNerd@lemmy.caEnglish
    0·
    7 months ago

    Can someone explain to me why you need anything more than directories filled with files to view content?

    I’m struggling to understand why anybody would need or want something like Plex.

    I want to watch a movie. I open explorer, go to the folder movies, select the movie, and double click the icon.

    The end.

    • Willdrick@lemmy.worldEnglish
      0·
      7 months ago

      Jellyfin user here, glad I dodged the bullet when I had to pick between it and plex.

      Tl;dr you want something like plex to:

      • manage your media files for you
      • get metadata for extra features (eg. show me similar movies, select an actor from the cast and see all your media with that actor, etc)
      • track your watch progress
      • play on several devices (tv, mobile, pcs consoles)
      • transcode media to a compatible format for your client device
      • share your media library with your family
      • get notified of related media being released (new season of a show or new movie onba series)

      And the biggest one for me

      • tidy up ripped dvd/br movie collection, download missing CC or subtitles
      • create a self-hosted alternative to shitty subscription services
    • Possibly linux@lemmy.zipEnglish
      0·
      7 months ago

      Because that’s pretty inconvenient?

      I need something like

      • ability to watch from any device

      • transcoding

      • watch history and progress save

    • octopus_ink@slrpnk.netEnglish
      0·
      7 months ago

      You are imagining how to use a computer filled with video files.

      Now imagine having your own personal netflix available on a variety of devices, using just that one computer full of video files.

      • HugeNerd@lemmy.caEnglish
        0·
        7 months ago

        I don’t have the addiction or condition that makes that compelling to me.

        I can’t figure out why or how that is a need people have.

        • octopus_ink@slrpnk.netEnglish
          0·
          7 months ago

          Well, I can tell you how Jellyfin differs from a directory full of files, but I can’t help you with understanding that other people have different preferences and desires than you which are neither “conditions” nor “addictions.”

          You’ll have to make it to that one on your own.