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

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