After multiple false starts, media streamer Plex is finally ready to launch its marketplace for TV and movie rentals. The company originally announced plans to expand its streaming service with a rentals store just before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, causing delays alongside technical concerns.
A Brief History of Delays
Plex’s long-awaited rentals store has been in development for some time now. However, the project has faced numerous setbacks and false starts. The company first announced plans to launch its TVOD (transactional video on demand) market in 2020, but the pandemic threw a wrench into their plans.
Later, at CES last year, Plex revealed that its rentals market was set for a second-quarter launch. Unfortunately, this window passed without incident, and we were left wondering when the store would finally materialize.
Confirmed Launch Details
Now, after chatting with Plex execs at CES, Janko Roettgers broke the news that the company’s TV and movies store is indeed launching next month. TechCrunch confirmed that Roettgers’ story was accurate, but noted that no specific details were available about show titles or launch partners.
While the exact timing of the store’s arrival remains unclear, Plex has confirmed that it had secured agreements with "most studios" to offer their content for on-demand viewing. The company plans to add more studios over time, further expanding its offerings.
A One-Stop Shop for Media Content
Plex’s goal is to create a comprehensive media streaming platform where users can find and watch movies and TV shows without having to navigate multiple services. By offering a rentals store alongside its existing ad-supported streaming service, Plex aims to become the go-to destination for all media content needs.
Progress Behind the Scenes
The company acknowledged that technical issues were behind several of the delays. These included problems with DRM (digital rights management) integration and getting studio approval. Additionally, the team had to switch providers due to issues with its AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) service. To make matters worse, an unrelated technical bug was causing streams to randomly stop playing on Android TV, Fire TV, and Android mobile platforms.
However, Plex assures us that these challenges are now behind them, and the rentals store is finally ready for launch.
More Exciting Developments Ahead
As we look ahead to the year 2025, Plex has big plans in store. In addition to its long-awaited rentals market, the company will also be introducing a redesigned user interface and new social features. These enhancements are expected to further improve the overall user experience and make Plex an even more compelling option for media enthusiasts.
A Bright Future Ahead
While we still don’t have an exact launch date for Plex’s TVOD market, it’s clear that the company is making significant strides towards its goal of becoming a one-stop shop for all media content needs. With its long-awaited rentals store finally set to launch next month, Plex fans are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to explore this new aspect of their beloved streaming service.
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Comments Section
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About the Author
Sarah Perez is a Consumer News Editor at TechCrunch, covering the latest developments in media and entertainment. With over a decade of experience in tech journalism, Sarah has established herself as a leading voice on topics ranging from streaming services to social media trends.
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