Feature request: Plex media server integration
Answered
I have my ripped music on a synology, it runs plex media server and as I am a paid user I have access to their advanced music features - album art, gracenote lookups etc.
It would be great if bluesound could talk to plex for my music info rather than smb, your system would then pick all the indexing/downloading work the plex system has already done.
it could be argued that perhaps I could buy a vault 2 and do this myself... but that would feel like duplication - its already done (and done very well) on a single media server that can read flac and mp3 just fine, and also holds my video. So I don't really want a second home media server which would then need to run two backups.
-
Official comment
Hello John,
Thank you for your suggestion.
We've taken note of your request and we've forwarded it to a report to the Bluesound Lab for review!
-
I second this feature request. Being able to stream music to my M12 from my Plex server would be a much better experience.
2 -
Genre handling in Plex (with Plex Pass/Gracenote) is fantastic and simple. Particularly for for large libraries as one can control how fine-grained genres are and limit the number of genres.
If BluOS could integrate and leverage the metadata in Plex this would make for a fantastic user experience (genres, artists and composers will make more sense...currently I have hundreds of genres in BluOS, collaborations mean artists appear many times and for classical/musical audio, selecting composer makes more sense than artist/musician).0 -
I would also like to have this enabled. I am a long time Plex user with Plex Media Server running on a Synology DS1813+.
3 -
Another vote here for Plex integration, it's an excellent system. Another leading wireless provider offers it, hopefully it's something Bluesound can do without too much work ;)
3 -
I would also add my support to this feature request.
I would go a bit further to say that this could be for any dlna/upnp server, not jus tplex.
that is, if the bluesound speakers were a dlna/upnp client, they could access content from a range of different media servers.
For example, Asset UPNP is a great media server for audio. It manages classical music and audio books quite well.
then there is emby, minimServer, twonky, minidlna, etc. all of which are good in different ways. Many devices I have used seem to be able to recognise all of these servers.
These all do indexing on the nas or pc so that the speaker system does not have to do the heavy lifting of indexing and categorisation etc. I believe that other wifi speaker sysstems do operate as upnp/dlna clients and have the advantage that they can access whatever media server the user has on their nas/pc, and thus can display the categories the way that the server intended.
searching and certainly Indexing is more efficient and the speakers do not have to wait for an index to be finished before accessing and playing at least some of the content. And - in the case of Plex and many other media servers, they update their indexes on the fly when new media is added and do not have to re-index the entire library just to account for a few new albums or tracks. (Bluesound currently does seem to have to do that).
Further, there is no real limit to the size of a media library index if it is done on the nas/pc via a server like plex. At least there does not seem to be the same limit on size that appears to be the case for the bluesound speakers.1 -
As an aside, I wonder why it is a nesesity for bluesound to index anything just to get access to content?
the index is great but as an alternative, accessing files and folders directly may be better in some situations.
I have an oppo dvd player that can access content over the smb share, but it does not index anything it just accesses the files and folders, but when it starts playing, it does grab the album art and media information from either the internet or from the file it is playing. It is very fast and no fuss access.
sure this would be a bit limiting since, without an index, there are a lot of things you cannot do such as browse by artist and genre, but as an alternative, at least it is very fast access to files on a share with no delay being caused by an indexing service.0 -
Hi Mat
The Index process is only required at initial set up or when you add music. This generally is not a daily process.
"there are a lot of things you cannot do such as browse by artist and genre"
The user experience of being able to locate your music not using a computer but in a more traditional way people look for music is exactly why Indexing is required.
That's what #LivingHiFi is all about
0 -
Hi Tony.
I do agree with you in that indexing allows a much 'richer' experience in terms of browsing and searching and categorising content. For many people that is the best option. This is especially true for movies and tv series and basic music content (artist and album).
if you have 'direct' smb folder/file access you don't get that richness. So I would certainly not do away with indexing.
But the additional option of just 'direct' access to folders and files has proven to be a much simpler and quicker way to access files for me when using that method of access via my oppo dvd player. the dvd player does allow accessing via plex but for some reason i turn to 'direct' smb folder access almost all of the time.
For podcasts, audio books, classical music, other audio content that is stored on a pc or nas - direct access works quickly, there is no transcoding, there is just simple file access. To get indexing right for all of these types of content is a mammoth effort. Then there is the library size limit which could proove to be a pain for people with growing collections.
I agree too that indexing should not have to happen all the time. But it seems true that for bluesound at least, indexing has to be completely re-done every time a new track is added. podcasts come down almost every day, and re-indexing has to happen every time that occurs?
There is another feature request in the forums in relation to allowing automatic and/or manual partial indexing - only looking at new content when it is added. I think that, at least, should be a major priority. Plex does this sort of thing as does almost every dlna server that I have seen.
Mat.1 -
Hi Mat
Reindex Music is that partial index only adding new content while Rebuild Index is the full recreation of the Index.
Hope that helps
1 -
Thanks... so does re-index happen automatically on adding of new content? or is it a manual/scheduled process?
1 -
Hi Mat
It is a manual process, select Settings, Music Library, Reindex in the App.
0 -
Hello Jesse,
what the status of the Plex integration into bluesound ? I second that too, because then i would have ONE System with my DATA from the amplifier playing my music (NAD 480D+Bluesound Card) up to my iPhone when mobile as well as watching my photos via AppleTV with the Plex app....
Would be very great,
Sascha
2 -
Hi Sascha
Thanks for the feedback. We currently have no plans to integrate with Plex but I have passed it along for future consideration. That being said a Bluesound VAULT's internal storage can be used as a Plex music store using SMB File sharing.
0 -
Hello Tony,
thanks for the reply. I mentioned in another thread today (Airplay integration) that bluesound should come up with some new features... And a Integration of other eco system like plex would be very, very useful. I know it's very possible, i use Roon with bluesound. plex would be system wich covers my whole media (pics, videos & music) and i get remote access too.
BTW, why not buying plex ? Would opens for NAD new horizons...
2 -
I would also like to see Plex support added.
2 -
Adding a vote for Plex integration. I was using Plex on a Windows laptop before buying a Bluesound Node 2 and I would like to see Plex capability added. The Node 2 is great as a one-box computer-less solution with a directly connected USB drive (or connected to router or NAS). But the BluOS app is missing some useful features that are included with Plex, primarily (for me) the ability to edit artist and album info directly in the Plex app. Of course that does require a separate database for Plex. What I miss the most with ripped CDs/digital downloads/streaming vs CDs is easy access to the credits, album info, liner notes, etc on the CD cover and booklet. With Plex the user can enter as much of that info as desired (using the 'Review' field) and Plex will store and display it which improves the experience greatly. The album info in BluOS app taken from Last.fm is only marginally useful, imo. OTOH, Plex can be buggy when adding new albums to its index and often requires a lot of manual fixup ('unknown album' shows up a lot). In my experience. BluOS does a better job of indexing. Thanks.
2 -
Hello Bluesound,
some update: https://www.plex.tv/apps/streaming-devices/sonos/
Sonos can deliver. I don't wanna have a sonos device in my kitchen.....
Roon can deliver too with your partnership: https://roonlabs.com/partners/bluesound.html
So.... grab the phone and call plex... thanks,
Sascha
2 -
I differently would love to see Plex intergration. If not Plex at least a blueos TV app for fire TV, Roku etc. Is there any plans for control via a TV screen?
1 -
I am also seconding the request for Plex integration.
I realize that not all Plex media types are appropriate for Buesound (like video files for example) but it seems to be a natural end-user expectation that the Plex top-level folders that are audio-only (like Music and Audio Books, for example) should be available in the Bluesound app just the way that Amazon Music is, or my NAS (Synology) music library is.
Just in case you think this sort of access to NAS is duplicative "because Bluesound can already do it," I would say that its NOT duplicative because Plex has some nice features that Bluesound does not: EG (1) folders based decades, and (2) no need to constantly manually re-index.
As for the re-indexing, this is one of the few major bugs in the Bluesound UI. I note that a Bluesound representative on this very thread, has said re-indexing is "only required when new content is added and this is not a daily process;" well to Tony I'd say "please speak for yourself." In our world of musicians and music lovers at my house, new tracks are CONSTANTLY being added to the NAS ... and having to manually re-index to access them via the Bluesound Node 2i that we love, is a pain in the !@#$, and really just feels like a bug.
And finally, on the subject of integration, am also requesting an integration for Band Camp, where we have hundreds of lossless tracks in our library, but is invisible to Bluesound Node 2i.
Thank you, and keep up the great work on this fantastic product.
2 -
Hi, yes, please add the option for Plex the same way you have Roon integration. Thanks.
1 -
Yes, please! Plex has now added support for Tidal and does a beautiful job of integrating with an existing library. Plex integration would be fantastic. Either that or give the BluOS controller a major makeover as it currently doesn't come close to Plex.
2 -
As a paid user (lifetime licence) i also request and urge more integration. After the the integration of TIDAL to make more sales (yes) it's now time for more devices ( what about apple CarPlay ?) and ecosystems like Blusound.
And please a clear answer. If yes the when.
Thanks !
2 -
Speaker manufacturers must be tone deaf. I won't use a wireless system unless I can cast from Plex. That leaves me with only one option at this time, Chromecast. The problem with Chromecast Built-in speakers is most of them sound terrible.
I've literally auditioned around a dozen of these speakers from the Vizio, B&O, Cambridge Audio, Riva Audio, JBL, Harman Kardon and their various models. All rejects. The one speaker in the same class as the aforementioned that I am pleased with is the Definitive Technology (DT) W7 with a chromecast audio dongle attached via digital. The problem with this solution you lose on board volume controls.
Right now, the W7 can be had on Amazon for $99. An astonishing bargain. If you check the reviews on Amazon however. you'll find a significant number of customers that are seriously frustrated with the Play-fi APP native to the W7. In contacting DT to see if they have plans to expand their speaker to include Chromecast and throw in Airplay 2, well they don't. So, in my view they would rather protect their walled garden vs the potential of expanded sales by opening up more choice.
Seems from what I've read Bluesound makes excellent sounding gear that could be a viable option but not without Plex.
Raumfeld, a German company is a speaker manufacturer that have their own app/indexing capability but they saw the light and a couple of years ago via a firmware update added Chromecast. For a while they opened up an Amazon store selling in the US but have since closed that store. No name recognition.
1 -
Yes, TIDAL integration means that nothing now rivals Plex from the UI perspective and I would dearly love to be able to integrate my multiple Bluesound speakers/devices with Plex and use it as my go-to media centre. Meanwhile, the TIDAL app remains clunky and increasingly dated. In my mind, it's clearly the hardware which attracts Bluesound users. It is hard to imagine their app will ever catch up to something like Plex. The user experience is just miles better.
2 -
Dear blusound,
after three years of saying nothing (!) to the wishes of you customer in this thread , i would like to know what is you message ? I am fed up with your ignorance and your, like it seems, arrogance behavior. Example ? I still have to use a guest user w/o password (!) to integrate my music library of my mac. What about SECURITY ? Reason: blusound is not willing to invest to integrate Apples SMB version. But on the Wbsite it is mentioned that you can have access to you music library on your mac (no, do not come with "Apple has to solve it") . And it's not the only flaw which am waiting like the other honorable customers to be solved.
I DEMAND ANSWER(S) NOT BLA BLA (MAYBE IN THE FUTURE). A YES OR NO FOR PLEX INTEGRATION. IF NOT CLEARLY ANSWERED NOW I WILL SWITCH.
1 -
Tony W. - Product Support Manager
2 years agoHi Sascha
Thanks for the feedback. We currently have no plans to integrate with Plex but I have passed it along for future consideration. That being said a Bluesound VAULT's internal storage can be used as a Plex music store using SMB File sharing.
0 -
Hi Tony,
Tony, don't take this personal. But you have given us the same answer like 2 years ago. This is an answer with no content and a insult to customers who buying your products. Your products are badly developed (no automatic indexing), not innovative to be No.1 music system for the customer (see SONOS) and as written, not secure. Why do you think, all these people asking for plex integration, because you have such a good product ? You're answer is saying: You paid, you stay. Shut up and buy the next node for 500+ $. No i will not do. You lost a customer because bluesound is arrogant and not listening to the customer. Anywone who whants a NAD C 390DD + Blusound card (V1, no Airplay 2 support) please give me a ping.
To bad, now my daugther is 9 years old and wants to have music in her room (and kitchen). Will not be blusound.
2 -
I would really like to see Plex added to Bluesound especially now that Tidal is featured. I have some Sonos speakers which means I can use Plex for both my Tidal Hi Fi and my library within their excellent app. Sonos have recently added a means to select and group speakers from the Plex app and it all adds up to a really good listening experience. The only downside is the lack of MQA support. For my serious listening I enjoy using my Bluesound Powernode 2i but it would be even better with the Plex integration. I have to say though that I am very surprised at how long this discussion has been running! Your customers would definitely like a Plex and Bluesound experience 😊
3 -
Throwing in my hat as well. PLEX integration would be stellar.
3
Please sign in to leave a comment.
Comments
71 comments