Plex, the media server software company that lets its users make their own personal Netflix, has announced a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television to license ad-supported streaming rights to an undefined movie package.
The Los Gatos start-up, which is popular with the tech press these days because of its novel approach to video streaming, didn’t specify what movies are in the package, or how many titles it's licensing.
But given the line Plex has walked in regard to enabling digital piracy, the company’s willingness to license third-party content for its users would seem to signify a bold attempt to carve out a presence as a streamer of legit content.
Plex makes software that lets users organize videos and pictures on their computer—or computer server—then access them on apps made for a wide variety of mobile and connected TV devices.
For Plex, it’s what its users are organizing and playing back—which can be, in some cases pirated content, or over-the-air broadcast signals that would seem to also have rights issues—that has come under scrutiny.
“Plex has always been about solving new media challenges, and our mission is to tame the
growing chaos in the media landscape” said Keith Valory¨ CEO of Plex. “Licensing these
movies from Warner Bro.s enables us to offer more types of third-party content than any other platform and bring it all together in one beautiful solution. Premium ad-supported movies and shows deserve first-class treatment alongside other content that consumers enjoy daily¨ as
opposed to being orphaned in yet another stand-alone app.”
Daniel Frankel is the managing editor of Next TV, an internet publishing vertical focused on the business of video streaming. A Los Angeles-based writer and editor who has covered the media and technology industries for more than two decades, Daniel has worked on staff for publications including E! Online, Electronic Media, Mediaweek, Variety, paidContent and GigaOm. You can start living a healthier life with greater wealth and prosperity by following Daniel on Twitter today!
