My latest sponsored Plex post takes a look at Nostalgia TV, an independent application that provides an alternative user interface for Plex media servers. While not an official Plex product, the app utilizes the Plex API to connect to a user’s existing libraries and present content through a 1990s-style cable television interface. This allows users to view their own media files as a series of linear, “live” broadcast channels.
Check it out in the video here!
The application is currently available only for Android and runs on both mobile devices and television-based hardware. You can find it on the Google Play store here.
Setting it up is relatively straightforward compared to other similar tools; it does not require additional server-side installations like Docker. Once the app is pointed toward a Plex server and specific libraries are selected, it automatically generates a variety of themed channels. On the free tier, users have access to about five or six channels that match content based on library metadata, such as children’s programming or specific movie genres.
A pro version is available for a one-time fee of $20, which unlocks deeper customization and additional features. This includes the ability to add or remove channels, change the visual theme—ranging from a “Rad Lad” 80s monitor style to a more polished “Premium” look—and enable commercial breaks. These commercials are pulled from a user’s own designated Plex library and serve to pad the timing of shows so they stick to 15-minute scheduling increments.
While the core functionality of tuning between channels is notably fast, the application is in its early stages and is a bit buggy especially when it comes to customization.
Configuration via a remote control can be cumbersome, though the app includes a local web remote feature that allows for easier channel editing through a web browser. Within this web interface, users can adjust content flow using methods like random shuffling, sequential blocks, or “cyclic” ordering to maintain episode chronology. Unfortunately it’s not currently possible to build an hour-by-hour schedule – the app fills in the channel guide automatically.
Beyond the interface itself, the app integrates with the standard Plex ecosystem by reporting playback status back to the server dashboard, supporting both direct play and transcoding when necessary.
This project serves as a practical example of the extensibility now possible through the Plex API. By leveraging the server’s existing handling of video playback and library management, independent developers are able to focus entirely on creating niche user experiences.
Next month’s video will show case some things that I “vibe coded” using AI tools and connecting them to the Plex API. Stay tuned!
Disclosure: this is a paid sponsorship from Plex. However they did not review or approve this video or post prior to publication.