After the latest update to Apple TV disabled the functionality of the popular PlexConnect plugin, which allows Plex to run on non-jailbroken devices, developer Paul Kehrer has posted a detailed tutorial on his personal blog providing instructions on how to fix the issue.

P43A0965
The instructions, although somewhat technical, are fairly easy to follow. Users will require a copy of Apple Configurator (which is currently only available on OS X at the moment) and a micro-USB cable in order to connect their Apple TV to their Mac.

The fix is only intended to be temporary, and it may be disabled in future Apple TV updates. Yesterday, Plex Chief Technology Officer Elan Feingold told MacRumors that the company was "saddened to hear that PlexConnect stopped working" and that "we can only hope that in the future Apple decides to release an SDK for the ATV", citing that interest in the project was "high".

Top Rated Comments

kolax Avatar
155 months ago
Maybe someone can help me understand what Plex does that Apple TV doesn't do? I don't quite understand the point of it.

Plex plays any video format, not just MPEG-4.

Also means you don't have to use iTunes.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rmwebs Avatar
155 months ago
Maybe someone can help me understand what Plex does that Apple TV doesn't do? I don't quite understand the point of it.
Everything. It makes the AppleTV look like the dumbest home entertainment system ever made.

It streams content from a server (basically another computer) in any format and transcodes it on the fly. You've also got 'channels' (aka 'apps') that let you watch other media online.

One such example - no UK TV network broadcasts NASA TV - with Plex I can watch both NASA TV and their live ISS stream in full HD, in addition to any movies or tv shows I have on my HP MicroServer.

In comparison, for UK users the AppleTV may as well be the worlds most expensive Blockbuster rental card as its only really any good for airplay or buying/renting from iTunes.

----------

It looks like Plex is basically the same thing, with the only benefit that you can play different types of content, not just what can be put into iTunes. And you need to pay $3.99/month for certain features that you get free on the Apple TV (like PlexSync).

If you have Apple devices, have all your stuff in the right format, Apple TV is a no-brainer. If you DON'T have Apple devices, then this Plex thing might be good.

I think many non-Apple people have the misconception that you must BUY anything you put into iTunes. It's not the case at all. You can drag and drop any file into iTunes, add cover art, add descriptions, sort it, create playlists, etc. for any media that is in the right format (or you convert to the right format). This is the case with any device - it's got to be in the right format(s).

Anything that I don't know about Plex?
Very misleading post.

Plex cant be compared at all to AppleTV.

AppleTV is a locked system that lets you play paid content from iTunes, or content you've had to manually convert to iTunes compatible on another computer.

Plex transcodes content from any other computer, as well as provides access to a LOT more online content than the AppleTV provides.

I've got Plex and I pay nothing - no subscription fees at all.

From my Plex server we have an AppleTV in the main room, a RaspberryPi with a Plex client in 2 other rooms, plus we've got 4 iPhones and 4 iPads - regularly we can have several of these all transcoding plex content at once - you can even pick up where you left off on one device, and use the other.

You also don't have to mess around adding descriptions, cover art etc as it does all that for you. I ripped the entire Prison Break DVD boxset last week and it automatically went online ,grabbed all the cast lists, descriptions, heck it even plays the soundtrack whilst I'm browsing episodes.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
phrk Avatar
155 months ago
I bet Apple isn't allowed to release a SDK due to contracts with the big players in movie/music business. Otherwise I don't see a reason why they wouldn't do so.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
tmanto02 Avatar
155 months ago
I was such a keen Jailbreaker until I realised how good the Plex for iPad app was. Now I just airplay. Seamless!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro to Reverse iPhone X Design Decision

Monday July 7, 2025 9:46 am PDT by
Since the iPhone X in 2017, all of Apple's highest-end iPhone models have featured either stainless steel or titanium frames, but it has now been rumored that this design decision will be coming to an end with the iPhone 17 Pro models later this year. In a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo today, the account Instant Digital said that the iPhone 17 Pro models will have an aluminum...
iphone 16 pro models 1

Here's How the iPhone 17 Pro Max Will Compare to the iPhone 17 Pro

Saturday July 5, 2025 1:00 pm PDT by
Apple should unveil the iPhone 17 series in September, and there might be one bigger difference between the Pro and Pro Max models this year. As always, the Pro Max model will be larger than the Pro model:iPhone 17 Pro: 6.3-inch display iPhone 17 Pro Max: 6.9-inch displayGiven the Pro Max is physically larger than the Pro, it has more internal space, allowing for a larger battery and...
iOS 26 Feature

Everything New in iOS 26 Beta 3

Monday July 7, 2025 1:20 pm PDT by
Apple is continuing to refine and update iOS 26, and beta three features smaller changes than we saw in beta 2, plus further tweaks to the Liquid Glass design. Apple is gearing up for the next phase of beta testing, and the company has promised that a public beta is set to come out in July. Transparency In some apps like Apple Music, Podcasts, and the App Store, Apple has toned down the...
imac video apple feature

Apple Launching These 15+ Products Later This Year

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:05 am PDT by
The calendar has turned to July, meaning that 2025 is now more than half over. And while the summer months are often quiet for Apple, the company still has more than a dozen products coming later this year, according to rumors. Below, we have outlined at least 15 new Apple products that are expected to launch later this year, along with key rumored features for each. iPhone 17 Series iPho...
iPhone Car Key Kia

Here's Which Vehicles Offer iPhone Car Keys

Sunday July 6, 2025 3:03 pm PDT by
In 2020, Apple added a digital car key feature to its Wallet app, allowing users to lock, unlock, and start a compatible vehicle with an iPhone or Apple Watch. The feature is currently offered by select automakers, including Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Genesis, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and a handful of others, and it is set to expand further. Apple has a web page with a list of vehicle models that ...
iPhone 17 Pro in Hand Feature Lowgo

iPhone 17 Pro Coming Soon With These 14 New Features

Friday July 4, 2025 1:05 pm PDT by
Apple's next-generation iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max are just over two months away, and there are plenty of rumors about the devices. Below, we recap key changes rumored for the iPhone 17 Pro models. Latest Rumors These rumors surfaced in June and July:Apple logo repositioned: Apple's logo may have a lower position on the back of the iPhone 17 Pro models, compared to previous...
iphone 17 pro render majin bu

New iPhone 17 Pro Renders Highlight Apple Logo and MagSafe Design Changes

Sunday July 6, 2025 8:43 pm PDT by
New renders today provide the best look yet relocated Apple logo and redesigned MagSafe magnet array of the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. Image via Majin Bu. Several of the design changes coming to the iPhone 17 Pro model have been rumored for some time, such as the elongated camera bump that spans the full width of the device, with the LiDAR Scanner and flash moving to the right side. ...
iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island

iPhone 17 Models Rumored to Feature Redesigned Dynamic Island

Monday July 7, 2025 7:38 am PDT by
iPhone 17 models will feature a redesigned Dynamic Island user interface, according to a post today from Digital Chat Station, an account with more than three million followers on Chinese social media platform Weibo. The account has accurately leaked some information regarding future Apple products in the past. The account did not share any specific details about the alleged changes that are ...