[RoyGBivCap]

And it doesn't require internet access to watch things on your local network.

That was the last straw for me with plex.

Having to log into a server on the internet to access local content isn't just bad, it's broken by design just like DRM.

[donatj]

Why? Do you not have an internet connection?

[RoyGBivCap]

My ISP went down. Nothing I could do about it.

[donatj]

And you couldn’t just play the video over smb in VLC for the ten minutes it was down? Like it really seems like a non-issue that a paid SAAS would expect an internet connection.

[RoyGBivCap]

The server is running on my local network. It was blocking watching content on my local network from within my local network because it couldn't phone home.

That's broken by design.

[number6]

Why does it have to be a paid says? It's locally hosted

[donatj]

Because developers have to eat? And my experience with Plex is that they handle all the network negotiation so you can smoothly stream from home anywhere, that’s the core of the service.

[number6]

Although many projects are offered free of charge, individuals can choose to donate or seek sponsorship to ensure their continued development. Not all freely available software depends solely on financial support, with some projects choosing to develop without any monetary compensation. However, it can be frustrating to feel like the Plex Pass and associated account offerings are being pushed upon you.