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Channels DVR vs Plex Media Server: catalog facts
Channels DVR	Plex Media Server
Paid The DVR server is a paid product; check the site for current pricing.	Freemium Adding media and streaming it on your home network is free. Streaming your library from…
Android, iOS, Self-hosted	Windows, macOS, Linux, Self-hosted, Web, Android, iOS
Records antenna, provider and internet TV in one guide Also serves personal media with metadata	Automatic matching of films, shows and music with artwork and metadata Client apps on more devices than any comparable server, including most smart TVs
Paid and closed source Needs a machine at home running the server	Streaming from outside the home needs a paid Plex Pass or Remote Watch Pass Closed source, and sign-in goes through a Plex account on the company’s servers
Downloadable app, Self-hosted	Self-hosted, Downloadable app, Hosted service
Closed source	Closed source
License not stated	License not stated
Not stated if an account is needed	Account needed
Not stated if it works offline	Needs internet
Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 23, 2026	Official website Full listing and sources Checked September 20, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.