Introduction
The integration of Alexa with Plex has made it easier than ever before to control your media library. With the Plex Skill, Alexa users can voice-activate their media library and get information about it in addition to controlling playback on other supported Plex apps. This article will explain what Plex is and how it works with Alexa, as well as the benefits of controlling Plex with Alexa.
Explanation of what Plex is and how it works with Alexa
Plex is a media server and library, which allows you to organize your music, movies, and TV shows in one place. The platform has multiple supported apps across different devices, including phones, tablets, TVs, and game consoles, which can connect to the server and play content stored on it. The integration with Alexa enables users to control playback of their media library on other supported Plex apps and receive information related to those audio and video files via voice commands.
Once a user has installed the Plex Media Server, they can start playing their favorite movies, music, and TV shows on all of their supported devices using voice commands. Users can simply say “Ask Plex to change my player to Living Room TV” to switch playback of their media to a different location, like a TV screen. If a user is playing audio or music and they don’t specify another Plex app as the player, playback will occur on the Alexa device they have their voice-enabled device connected to.
There are many different ways to interact with Alexa when using Plex, which makes controlling your media library easier than ever before. Users can ask Alexa for suggestions, play a specific episode of their favorite TV show, and control the volume of their media playback, to name just a few of the many abilities of Plex with Alexa.
Benefits of controlling Plex with Alexa
There are many benefits to controlling Plex with Alexa. By using voice commands, users can access and control their media library without having to touch a remote control or open an app. This can be particularly helpful when you’re in the middle of cooking or exercising and your hands are occupied.
Another advantage of using Alexa with Plex is the ability to receive information about your media library. Users can ask Alexa for details about a specific song or movie, and receive information such as the album name, year it was released, or the director’s name. This feature is especially helpful for users who want to learn more about the media they are consuming.
Therefore, the integration of Alexa with Plex offers users a user-friendly way to control their media library using voice commands. With the ability to receive information about their media, and the convenience of controlling playback without touching a remote or opening an app, this combination offers an unparalleled media experience.
Setting Up Alexa Voice Commands
Enabling Plex Skill on Alexa
To start using Alexa with Plex, the user must first enable the Plex skill on Alexa. This can be done by opening either the Alexa app on a mobile device or web app and navigating to Skills in the side bar menu. Then, search for Plex in the search field and select “Plex” from the results. Finally, click the Enable button under the Plex logo to activate the skill.
Linking Alexa with Plex media server
After enabling the Plex skill, the user must link their Alexa account with their Plex media server. This is done by downloading the Alexa app on a mobile device or using the web app to navigate to Skills in the side bar menu. From there, search for Plex in the search field and select “Plex” from the results. Click on the Link Account button to authorize Plex to connect to Alexa.
Once the account is linked, the user can start using Alexa with Plex. There are a variety of voice commands that can be used, including asking for suggestions and playing a specific episode of a TV show. The user should review the article on Getting Started with Alexa Voice Control provided by Plex support to learn more about the different ways they can interact with Alexa.
Overall, enabling Alexa voice commands with Plex can be an incredibly useful tool for anyone who enjoys using voice control to manage their media. By following these simple steps, users can start enjoying the benefits of voice control with Plex today.
Setting Up Alexa Voice Commands
Setting up Alexa voice commands with Plex media server is a simple and straightforward process. First, the user must enable the Plex skill on Alexa and then link their Alexa account with their Plex media server.
Enabling Plex Skill on Alexa
To enable the Plex skill on Alexa, the user can open either the Alexa app on their mobile device or web app and navigate to Skills in the side bar menu. From there, they can search for Plex in the search field and select the “Plex” option from the results. Finally, they can click the Enable button under the Plex logo to activate the skill.
Linking Alexa with Plex media server
After enabling the Plex skill, the user must link their Alexa account with their Plex media server. This can be done by downloading the Alexa app on their mobile device or using the web app to navigate to Skills in the side bar menu. From there, they can select Plex from the search results and click on the Link Account button to authorize Plex to connect with Alexa.
Once the account is linked, the user can start using Alexa with Plex. There are a variety of voice commands that can be used, including asking for suggestions and playing a specific episode of a TV show. To learn more about the different ways to interact with Alexa, the user can review the article on “Getting Started with Alexa Voice Control” provided by Plex support.
Basic Voice Commands
Here are some basic voice commands that users can try with Alexa and Plex:
Playing Movies and TV Shows
– “Ask Plex what’s On Deck?”
– “Tell Plex to play The Big Lebowski”
– “Tell Plex to play the latest episode of Game of Thrones”
Playing Music
– “Tell Plex to play music by Bob Marley”
– “Ask Plex to play some jazz music”
Pausing/Resuming Playback
– “Tell Plex to pause”
– “Tell Plex to resume playing”
By using these basic voice commands, users can easily control their media playback with Alexa and Plex. Additionally, there are even more advanced voice commands that users can try out as well, such as controlling the volume and skipping ahead to the next episode.
Overall, setting up Alexa voice commands with Plex can greatly improve the user’s media viewing experience by providing a hands-free way to control their favorite TV shows, movies, and music. By following these simple steps and exploring the different voice commands available, users can start enjoying the benefits of voice control with Plex today.
Advanced Voice Commands
Once the user has set up the basic voice commands for Plex on Alexa, there is a range of advanced voice commands they can also use to enhance their experience. These include changing the playback device, skipping and rewinding, and adding and removing from the play queue.
Changing Playback Device
To change the playback device, the user can simply say “Alexa, ask Plex to change my player to [device name].” Alexa will then provide a list of available players, or the user can directly set or change the media player by using the name of the player and saving the additional voice prompt.
Skipping and Rewinding
The user can skip forward or rewind the audio or video they are currently playing by saying “Alexa, ask Plex to skip [number of seconds] seconds forward/backward.” Alexa will then skip the specified amount of time in the media file.
Adding and Removing From Play Queue
Alexa can also be used to add or remove items from the play queue. The user can add a specific item to the play queue by saying “Alexa, ask Plex to play [TV show or movie] next.” To remove an item from the play queue, the user can say “Alexa, ask Plex to remove [TV show or movie] from my play queue.”
Therefore, once the user has enabled Plex skill on Alexa and linked their Alexa account with their Plex media server, they can take advantage of a variety of advanced voice commands. These commands include changing the playback device, skipping and rewinding, and adding and removing from the play queue. With these powerful voice commands, users can experience more control and convenience when using Plex with Alexa.
Using Alexa with Echo Devices
Alexa is a voice-controlled personal assistant developed by Amazon, which works with a range of Echo devices like the Echo, Echo Dot, Echo Show, and more. Integrating Alexa with Plex media server allows users to control their media playback with voice commands. Amazon Fire TV and Echo Tap users can use simple voice commands to play music, TV shows, and movies using Plex. Here are some ways to use Alexa with Echo devices:
Playing Content on Fire TV or Echo Tap
To begin using Alexa with Plex, users need to first enable the Plex skill in their Alexa app and link their Amazon account to their Plex account. Once the account is linked, users can use Alexa to play content on their Fire TV or Echo Tap simply by holding the Talk button on the remote and saying, “Ask Plex to play [TV show or movie name].” Alexa will respond with a list of available options, and the user can select what they want to play.
Using Plex with Fire TV or Echo Tap Voice Remote
Users can control Plex on Fire TV and Echo Tap using voice commands with the remote. Simply tap and hold the Talk button on the remote and say, “Ask Plex to…” to see what commands are available. Additionally, Alexa will always be listening on the Echo and Echo Dot devices, so the user has to use a specific command to let Alexa know that they are talking to her. For example, say, “Alexa, ask Plex for [specific command].”
Advanced Voice Commands
Once the basic Plex voice commands on Alexa have been set up, there are more advanced voice commands available for users to enhance their experience. These include changing the playback device, skipping and rewinding, and adding and removing from the play queue.
Changing Playback Device
Users can change the playback device with voice commands by saying, “Alexa, ask Plex to change my player to [device name].” Alexa will then provide a list of available players, or the user can directly set or change the player by using the name of the player and saving the additional voice prompt.
Skipping and Rewinding
Users can skip forward or rewind the audio or video they are currently playing by saying, “Alexa, ask Plex to skip [number of seconds] seconds forward/backward.” Alexa will then skip the specified amount of time in the media file.
Adding and Removing From Play Queue
Alexa can also be used to add or remove items from the play queue. Users can add a specific item to the play queue by saying, “Alexa, ask Plex to play [TV show or movie] next.” To remove an item from the play queue, users can say, “Alexa, ask Plex to remove [TV show or movie] from my play queue.”
Therefore, integrating Alexa with Plex media server provides users with the added convenience of controlling their media playback using only their voice. By using simple voice commands on Fire TV or Echo Tap or the Alexa app, users can easily play their favorite content. Moreover, with advanced voice commands, users can change the playback device, skip or rewind media, and add or remove items from the play queue. With this enhanced functionality, users can experience more control and convenience when using Plex with Alexa.
Enabling Remote Access and Public Port
To access your Plex media server remotely, you need to enable Remote Access and specify a public port. This allows you to access your Plex media server outside your home network through a web browser or mobile app. Here are the steps to enable Remote Access and public port:
Accessing Plex through Public IP address
1. Open the Plex Web App and sign in to your Plex account on the server under Settings > Server > General.
2. Go to Settings > Server > Remote Access.
3. If needed, toggle the Show Advanced button to ensure the appropriate options are visible.
4. Enable the “Manually specify public port” checkbox.
5. Enter the WAN/External Port you previously set up into the box.
6. Use the Retry or Apply button to save the changes.
Important note: If you do not enable the checkbox, your server will not use the specified port.
Setting up Port Forwarding
If you have more than one Plex media server to connect on your local network, you can set up Remote Access for all of them. Follow the same steps as above, but choose a unique external port number for each server.
You can also try to set up a port forward in the service provider’s modem to enhance the remote access experience. This involves accessing your modem’s settings and forwarding the chosen port to the IP address of your Plex server.
By enabling Remote Access and public port, you can access your Plex media server remotely and enjoy your favorite media content from anywhere. Setting up port forwarding further enhances the remote access experience. Follow the simple steps above to enable Remote Access and enjoy unlimited access to your favorite media content.
File/Folder Exclusion
Plex media server provides a seamless media streaming experience by recognizing and displaying your media files in an organized manner. However, there might be some files or folders that you would like to exclude from appearing in your media library. For instance, bonus features, trailers, or sample clips that come with a movie or TV show are typically excluded so that they don’t clutter up the library.
Excluding certain files/folders from voice commands
Plex automatically ignores and excludes files or folders that contain certain keywords or phrases. For example, files that include the word “sample” or folders that include “extras” or “bonus” are ignored. Disk image content with the “.dvdmedia,” “.iso,” “.img,” or other disk image formats are also excluded from media library scanning.
To exclude certain files/folders from voice commands, you can use the “.plexignore” file. This file enables you to specify the files/folders that are to be ignored. If you want to exclude a particular file or folder, simply add it to the “.plexignore” file. You can add the file/folder name directly or use wildcard characters such as “*” or “?” to match specific files or folders.
It’s important to note that this feature is intended for advanced users and should be used with caution. If you’re unsure about what you’re doing, it’s best to consult the Plex support team for assistance.
Therefore, Plex media server offers powerful features to help you manage your media library effectively. By using file/folder exclusion and other advanced features, you can customize the media server to meet your specific needs. Use the steps mentioned in this article to exclude certain files/folders from voice commands and enhance your media streaming experience.
Plex Skill for Personal Music Collection
Plex offers a unique and convenient way to enjoy your personal music collection with Alexa voice commands. With the Plex Skill enabled, you can easily play your favorite music tracks and playlists by just asking Alexa. Here’s how you can get started with the Plex Skill for personal music collection:
Requesting Personal Music Collection with Alexa
To get started, you need to set up the Plex Skill on your Alexa device. Download the Plex Skill from the Alexa app and follow the prompts to link your Plex account. Once the Plex Skill is enabled, you can use the following phrases to interact with your personal music collection:
– “Ask Plex to play some music.”
– “Tell Plex to shuffle my music collection.”
– “Ask Plex to play my favorite playlist.”
With these commands, you can easily access your personal music collection through Alexa and enjoy your favorite music tracks.
Playing Specific Songs and Playlists
In addition to playing random music tracks, you can also select specific songs and playlists from your personal music collection through Alexa voice commands. Here are some examples of commands you can use to play specific songs and playlists:
– “Tell Plex to play the song ‘Stairway to Heaven.'”
– “Ask Plex to play the album ‘Dark Side of the Moon’.”
– “Tell Plex to play my ‘Road Trip’ playlist.”
By using specific song and playlist commands, you can easily play your favorite tracks and organize your music collection through Plex and Alexa. With the convenient voice control and personalization options, Plex offers a seamless experience for managing and enjoying your personal music collection.
Therefore, the Plex Skill for personal music collection offers a unique and intuitive way to enjoy your favorite tracks and playlists through Alexa voice commands. By following the simple steps and commands outlined above, you can easily set up and use the Plex Skill to play your favorite music tracks and playlists with just your voice.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you encounter issues while using the Plex Skill for personal music collection with Alexa, there are a few things you can try to resolve the problem. Here are some common troubleshooting solutions for the most common issues:
Voice Command Not Recognized
If Alexa is not recognizing your voice commands for Plex, there could be a few different issues at play. First, make sure that you are using the correct phrases outlined above for requesting your personal music collection. If your voice commands are still not recognized, try the following solutions:
– Ensure that your Alexa device is properly connected to the internet and has a good signal strength.
– Check that the Plex Skill is enabled in the Alexa app and that your Plex account is connected.
– Restart the Plex Skill by disabling and re-enabling it in the Alexa app.
Playback Issues
If you are experiencing issues with playback while using the Plex Skill with Alexa, there are a few things you can try to resolve the problem. First, check your internet connection and ensure that your Plex Media Server is properly set up. You may also want to consider the following solutions:
– Check that your Alexa device is up to date with the latest software updates.
– Restart your Alexa device and/or your Plex Media Server.
– If you are experiencing buffering or playback issues, try reducing the quality of the stream in the Plex app settings.
Connection Problems
If you are having trouble connecting to your personal music collection through the Plex Skill, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue. First, check your internet connection and ensure that your Plex Media Server is accessible remotely. Here are some additional solutions to try:
– Ensure that your Alexa device is properly linked to your Plex account in the Alexa app.
– Try restarting your Alexa device and/or your Plex Media Server.
– Check that your Plex Media Server is properly configured in the Plex app settings.
By following these troubleshooting solutions, you should be able to resolve common issues while using the Plex Skill for personal music collection with Alexa. With the convenient voice commands and personalized options offered by Plex, you can enjoy your favorite music tracks and playlists with ease.
Simplifying Media Playback with Alexa and Plex
The Plex Skill offers a convenient way to control your media playback with voice commands through Alexa devices. By enabling the Plex Skill and linking your Alexa device, you can easily access and manage your media collection with just your voice.
Requesting Media Playback with Alexa
To start controlling your media playback with Alexa, you first need to enable the Plex Skill on your Alexa device. After linking your Plex account, you can use voice commands such as:
– “Ask Plex to play a movie.”
– “Tell Plex to pause.”
– “Ask Plex to skip ahead ten minutes.”
By using these voice commands, you can easily control your media playback and enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows without having to manually interact with your device.
Playing Specific Media Content
In addition to controlling general media playback, you can also select specific movies, TV shows, or music through Alexa voice commands. For instance:
– “Ask Plex to play The Avengers.”
– “Tell Plex to resume watching Stranger Things.”
– “Ask Plex to play some jazz music.”
By using specific media content commands, you can easily access and play your favorite content through Plex and Alexa without navigating through menus and options.
Benefits of Automating Media Playback with Voice Commands
By using the Plex Skill with Alexa, you can enjoy a number of benefits when it comes to managing your media. Here are just a few examples:
– Convenience: With voice commands, you can control your media without having to interrupt your current activity or physically interact with your device.
– Personalization: By using specific commands for your media content, you can easily access and play your favorite movies, TV shows, or music tracks.
– Accessibility: Voice commands offer a convenient way to control your media playback for those with disabilities or mobility issues.
Conclusion
The Plex Skill for Alexa voice commands offers a unique and convenient way to control your media playback through hands-free voice commands. By following the simple steps to enable the Plex Skill and using specific voice commands for your media content, you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and music tracks without having to manually interact with your device. With the added benefits of convenience, personalization, and accessibility, the Plex Skill for Alexa is a great way to simplify your media playback experience.
