Plex Sync Waiting To

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In my last post, I discussed several Docker containers that I’m using for my home media streaming solution. Since then, Plex Media Server has updated to 0.9.11.4 for non-Plex Pass users, and there’s another update if you happen to pay for a subscription. As the Docker container I used (timhaak/plex) was version 0.9.11.1 at the time, I figured I’d take the opportunity to describe how to

  • update Docker itself to the latest version
  • run a shell inside the container as another process, to review configuration and run commands directly
  • update Plex to the latest version, and describe how not to do this
  • perform leet hax: commit the container to your local system, manually update the package, and re-commit and run Plex

Mobile sync IOS stuck 'Waiting to be Converted'/Pending. I have seen the posts on Plex's forums stating that iOS mobile sync appears broken. Plex appears to attempt to sync - but the file is never transcoded nor sent to my iOS device. My server is on version 1.22.2.4276 - my. I'm a bit surprised as 4K hardware transcode is working well if I disable tone mapping, so it's not just a configuration issue from unraid/docker/plex but it looks more like a plex or driver issue. Well my simplest bet is to wait and see and expect an update probably coming from Plex side, but at least if someone has a comment, feel free to do. The Mobile Sync feature requires an active Plex Pass Subscriptions subscription for the main Plex Media Server account and for the iOS app to be signed in with a Plex account. Mobile Sync provides an easy way for you take your content with you and enjoy it offline. You can sync a range of content from your library such as movies, music, photos.

Updating Docker

I alluded to the latest version of Docker having features that make it easier to troubleshoot inside containers. Switching to the latest version was pretty simple: following the instructions to add the Docker repository to my system, then running

upgraded Docker to version 1.3.1 without any trouble or need to manually uninstall the previous Ubuntu package.

Run a shell using docker exec

Let’s take a look inside the plex container. Using the following command will start a bash process so that we can review the filesystem on the container:

docker exec -t -i plex /bin/bash

You will be dropped into a root prompt inside the plex container. Check out the filesystem: there will be a /config and a /data directory pointing to “real” filesystem locations. You can also use ps aux to review the running processes, or even netstat -anp to see active connections and their associated programs. To exit the shell, use Ctrl+C – but the container will still be running when you use docker ps -a from the host system.

Updating Plex in-place: My failed attempt

Different Docker containers will have different methods of performing software updates. In this case, looking at the Dockerfile for timhaak/plex, we see that a separate repository was added for the Plex package – so we should be able to confirm that the latest version is available. This also means that if you destroy your existing container, pull the latest image, then launch a new copy, the latest version of Plex will be installed (generally good practice.)

But wait – the upstream repository at http://shell.ninthgate.se/packages/debian/pool/main/p/plexmediaserver/ does contain the latest .deb packages for Plex, so can’t we just run an apt-get update && apt-get upgrade?

Well, not exactly. If you do this, the initial process used to run Plex Media Server inside the Docker container (start.sh) gets terminated, and Docker takes down the entire plex container when the initial process terminates. Worse, if you then decide to re-launch things with docker start plex, the new version is incompletely installed (dpkg partial configuration).

So the moral of the story: if you’re trying this at home, the easiest way to upgrade is to recreate your Plex container with the following commands:

docker stop plex

docker rm plex

# The 'pull' process may take a while - it depends on the original repository and any dependencies in the Dockerfile. In this case it has to pull the new version of Plex.
docker pull timhaak/plex

# Customize this command with your config and data directories.
docker run -d -h plex --name='plex' -v /etc/docker/plex:/config -v /mnt/nas:/data -p 32400:32400 timhaak/plex

Once the container is up and running, access http://yourserver:32400/web/ to confirm that Plex Media Server is running. You can check the version number by clicking the gear icon next to your server in the left navigation panel, then selecting Settings.

Hacking the container: commit it and manually update Plex from upstream

If you’re more interested in hacking the current setup, there’s a way to commit your existing Plex image, manually perform the upgrade, and restart the container.

First, make sure the plex container is running (docker start plex) and then commit the container to your local filesystem (replacing username with your preferred username):

docker commit plex username/plex:latest

Then we can stop the container, and start a new instance where bash is the first process:

docker stop plex

docker rm plex

# Replace username with the username you selected above.
docker run -t -i --name='plex' -h plex username/plex:latest /bin/bash

Once inside the new plex container, let’s grab the latest Plex Media Server package and force installation:

curl -O https://downloads.plex.tv/plex-media-server/0.9.11.4.739-a4e710f/plexmediaserver_0.9.11.4.739-a4e710f_amd64.deb

dpkg -i plexmediaserver_0.9.11.4.739-a4e710f_amd64.deb

# When prompted, select Y to install the package maintainer's versions of files. In my instance, this updated the init script as well as the upstream repository.

Now, we can re-commit the image with the new Plex package. Hit Ctrl+D to exit the bash process, then run:

docker commit plex username/plex:latest

docker rm plex

# Customize this command with your config and data directories.
docker run -d -h plex --name='plex' -v /etc/docker/plex:/config -v /mnt/nas:/data -p 32400:32400 username/plex /start.sh

Plex Sync Waiting To Download

# Commit the image again so it will run start.sh if ever relaunched:
docker commit plex username/plex:latest

You’ll also need to adjust your /etc/init/plex.conf upstart script to point to username/plex.

The downside of this method is now that you’ve forked the original Plex image locally and will have to do this again for updates. But hey, wasn’t playing around with Docker interesting?

Plex is like a gift from God for people who have a really hard time managing their media storage and want to access it from different devices. In this era, everyone has their choices of movies, TV shows and other forms of entertainment, with the amazingly wide options in our hands, it seldom gets too complicated to manage these files. Plex TV Link offers an effective solution to this problem, it provides options to you so that you can access your media files from any compatible device without the need of transferring these files every time you want to use them. We have added the guide on how to activate Plex Tv Link (https://plex.tv/link login).

According to Plex’s official website, it is like a portal where Plex enables you to find and access all your media, this may include anything from your personal files, podcasts, web shows, and news, to streaming music all in a single place, which could be browsed and accessed from any device with valid entry to your Plex TV server. This service not only lets you watch your stuff, but has tons of other features in its trunk. From tracking your content, remotely organizing, optimizing media for devices or bandwidth, and protecting your privacy, it does all that you can expect. There are several other perks of using Plex over other services-

  • You can share your content without any geographical limitations. No physical boundaries can stop you from accessing your desirable content.
  • Stream music. You are not just bound by video content, but music has the same aids in the Plex System.
  • Set-up your DVR and record your shows from over-the-air and watch it anywhere. WOAH!! (Premium Membership Feature)
  • You can simply link your TIDAL account and have access to over 60 million songs.

How to Activate Plex TV Link (https://plex.tv/link Code) on Your Smart TV.

Contents

Well, using an HTPC (Home Theatre PC) has never been more convenient and easy. The company has made sure that the entire process of running the Plex TV link stays under the consumers’ control at all times because let’s face it who has got the time and energy in this time to call up the customer care executive and wait for him to solve your issue.

Before proceeding with this Just make sure your Plex server is up and running and you have created an account on Plex.tv.

Steps to Plex TV Link.

These steps are used to link your Big screen devices like Android TV, Smart Tv, and Apple TV, etc. As you know typing your password on such devices can a bit tricky. To save you from the hassle of typing your Password on such devices Plex and other services like YouTube use this 4-character link code method to connect your account.

  1. On your Big screen device Choose the Sign In Option on the screen.
  2. Now, You will be able to see a 4-character code on your TV screen. This is the code which we will use for sign in.
  3. Go to https://plex.tv/link on a computer of Smart phone. Put your Plex account details on this page and Login into it.
  4. Once you are logged in it will ask you the 4-character code. You can see this on your TV Screen. Enter the code and click the submit button.
  5. Once you are done with all 4 steps. Your Plex app on TV should refresh itself and will be linked to your account. This can take a few seconds.
Waiting

Video Tutorial of Plex TV Link.

How to Set up Plex Media Server on Your Computer.

Plex sync waiting to download

To access your media files saved on your computer device, you obviously first need to set up the Plex Media Server for the app to read and access your files on other devices. You need not worry, it is no rocket science and don’t let these words in believing you that it is going to be a tough job.

We have also written a guide on Openload Pair and how to sync it.

  • First things first, you need to head on to Plex.tv and proceed to the Sign-up page (No Credit Cards required- WOOHOO), where you need to complete the required steps. Now you are ready to download the Plex Media Server Software.
  • Navigate to plex.tv/media-server-downloads. Select the operating system based on what your system is based on. You need to install the Plex Media Server on the computer or any network-attached server (NAS) device where you are going to store your movies, shows images, music, videos, and other media files.

How to Set up Plex Application on other devices.

  • You can download the mobile application from the Google Play Store or Amazon App store or the Apple App Store.
  • The most important thing for you to do is to connect your Plex App to the relevant Plex account (The same account used in the Server).

If you are using devices that have the options of a typing interface, Plex provides you multiple options for signing in- Google, Facebook, Apple or the OG Email ID and password system.

But, if you have to log in to devices like a smart TV, you get the options to sign in using a 4-digit code, hence relieving you from typing long IDs and passwords all the time. As soon as you enter the code on your TV, the player would refresh itself, showing you the options available.

Why is it important to sign in to your Plex Account?

It is quite essential for any user to sign in to the Plex TV Link in order to enjoy the benefits. Without which you will be missing the following features-

  • Plex App on devices such as Sony PlayStation, Xbox, SmartTVs will not work at all without a sign-in.
  • Remote access to your home server is only possible when you are logged in.
  • You can even enjoy the content that is shared by your friends and family from around the globe.
  • If you have a Plex Pass Subscription, it is mandatory for you to log in to have the features.

How to install Plex TV on an Android TV

If you are already a fan of this wonderful service that is Plex TV Link, then you are up for another shockwave. As we know that it works on almost all available platforms, Plex works like a charm if you have a Smart TV that runs the Android system. The newer Android Smart TVs have native support for Plex but not all older versions provide support. You simply need to follow the steps given below and voila, you can now access all your media from the comfort of your couch at any time of the day.

  • Open your Android TV menu and open the Google Play Store on it.
  • Search for “Plex” in the search box, and install it on your Android TV.
  • Open the Plex App, you would require to sign in using the methods discussed in the previous section.

Once you are done with the above steps on your Android TV, you should now have the access to all your desired files that are stored on your server-side.

Even if you do not own a TV that has Android running on it, most Smart TVs provide support to the Plex Application and you can download and run the app with a similar process as mentioned above. The main reason behind the success of Plex is its wide availability over multiple platforms and the ease of use over these platforms.

How to use Plex TV on unsupported Smart TVs

For those whose TV does not provide support in the above ways, you guys do not have to worry at all. Once a wise man said, where there is a will there’s always a way. So here is your way to savor the Plex TV Link at any time you want with your friends and family.

Streaming Sticks or Dongles will help you watch your favorite Romantic Flick with your partner or an Action Thriller with your gang. These devices have already begun to become a part of daily life for those people who do not have TV sets that have inbuilt casting capabilities. There are literally n-number of options in the market, but only a few rules the market, these include the likes of Google Chromecast, Amazon Fire Stick, and Roku Stick.

Set-Top Boxes can be another option for you that will allow you to connect to the Plex TV Link. Though Set-Top boxes are going to cost you a lot more than any of the above options, if you are looking to expand your media capabilities on your TV it won’t be a bad decision. Boxes like Apple TV and Roku both provide full functionality to the Plex application.

Frequently Asked Questions about Plex TV Link Sign In

Is Plex Legal?

Plex

Yes, it sure is. But as mentioned earlier in the article, Where there is a will, there’s away. There are always ways to turn something legal in to illegal. While the entire system is made to stream your stored media from the server, what are those media files that are absolutely out of the hands of the Plex System. People often use this system to store and stream Pirated copies of movies, shows, and music, which is definitely an illegal use.

Plex Sync Waiting To Convert

What Media formats does Plex support?

Movies, TV Shows, and Home Video: MP4, MKV, AVI, MOV, DIVX, and more

Music: MP3, M4A, FLAC, WMA, and more

Photos: JPG, PNG, RAW, TBN, and more

What devices does Plex Support?

Plex Media Server–

Windows, OS X, Linux, NVIDIA SHIELD, Netgear Nighthawk X10 router and NAS devices such as QNAP, Synology, Netgear, Drobo.

Plex Client App-

Browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari

Mobile Apps: Android, iOS

Tablets: Android and iOS

Gaming Consoles: PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

Streaming Devices: Amazon Alexa, Amazon FireStick, Google Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku