Media
Direct Media Share ‘ShareON Video’ vs ‘Plex’ Media Server
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ShareON Video
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Plex
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Price
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Free
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$ 4.99 for application
(+ $ 3.99 for monthly pass) |
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Device Configured Through
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Simple login process with your E-mail or Facebook account
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Login and type in PC’s IP address to sync
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Media Sharing Method
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Select shared folder (Automatically share media stored on multiple devices)
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Log on to website with PC and register selected folder as library
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Media View Type
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Comprehensive single list of all files (of all connected devices, can also perform comprehensive search)
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Registered library folder and other online channels
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Supported Extensions
(Compatibility) |
Immediate play on nearby DLNA devices without installation of particular apps (supports caption function in Korean & English)
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Must install exclusive app for Smart TV and set-top box beforehand
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Supported Media Type
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Videos, Music, Photos
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Videos, Music, Photos
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Other Features
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Can share media via text and SNS
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Can sync with iTunes music library
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To test the services, we downloaded both applications and ran them. Both require its users to join as members for services, so we joined them both and logged in.
ShareON automatically organized media contents per file type (video, music, and photo) and displayed as shown in the picture. When you play a file, it keeps a record of when the file was played and shows it on timeline – a helpful feature when searching for a particular media you played in the past.
Plex organizes user’s media contents into the following categories: Recommended, List, Recently Added, Currently Playing, My Library, and Channel. However I was not able to view any file in any of the list even when my smartphone was loaded with bunch of videos, photo, and music files. When we checked with the developer, we were told the Plex only shows media contents that are registered on PC.
To view a media file stored on PC, we installed PC programs for each application. ShareON requires users to log on through its PC program and when we selected a folder with videos and photo, the selected folder (and its files) became instantly recognized in smartphone. For media contents that were uploaded via PC, there was a small computer icon at the bottom of their thumbnails.
Plex also requires its users to download and install its PC program, but to share the media contents in your computer, you must first register the desired shared folder as Library through web browser. To view the video files on my smartphone, I had to register the folder as Library, fix IP address of my PC and enter the fixed IP address on my smartphone. Finally, I can view the files I shared with the PC on my smartphone.
One of the most convenient features of ShareON is that it can connect to DLNA supporting devices wirelessly. There is no restriction to be in the same Wi-Fi zone, no restriction of manufacturing company – as long as the external device you are trying to get connected to is DLNA supporting device (such as TV, speaker, Play Station, Xbox, etc.), you can easily enjoy media contents in your PC and smartphone through full HD streaming.
