[derefr]

> Next episodes don't auto play.

There are actually some very strict legal requirements preventing streaming-video services from providing "linear content" (i.e. anything that works like a TV channel.) Anyone that seems to do so (e.g. Netflix) still stops every few episodes to get you to press a button to continue.

Happily, this is entirely irrelevant to within-home streaming. Plex can auto-play for as long as you like.

[rajivm]

I've worked in the online video streaming industry and I've never heard of such a restriction. I have heard of such restrictions for music streaming, however. (i.e. to be a "radio" service, a.la Pandora, you cannot have a predictable linear playlist).

Even if you have "auto-play", this is vastly different than the "scheduled content" of traditional TV.

Netflix stops every few episodes because there are per-stream costs, whether bandwidth or licensing (it's a waste to leave shows playing all night while someone's left their computer).

[reboog711]

I have created plenty of playlists w/ Spotify that are very predictable and I often play them in a linear fashion.

I've done the same w/ YouTube, but since they have such a wide array of disappearing content; they playlists aren't very predictable in the long-term.

[tekacs]

> i.e. to be a "radio" service

> I have created plenty of playlists w/ Spotify

Spotify isn't and doesn't claim to be a radio service. They provide one, but it's a feature, not their premise.

[L_Rahman]

Interesting.

I'd always assumed Netflix required that user behavior on their end to avoid serving content that wasn't actively being consumed so I'm surprised to find that it's a licensor requirement.

[bdavisx]

They will require you to click on a "continue" button every once in a while if you have no interaction with the HTPC and it's doing auto-play. Perhaps once every hour or two - only slightly annoying.

[mhurron]

Pretty sure Hulu happily autoplays all day long.

[brianwawok]

ya and you pay money to watch commercials