Those of us who run our own Plex servers are also likely TV and Movie enthusiasts. That means we often have multiple versions of the same show or film and keep both in our Plex libraries. A few years ago, Plex added the ability to differentiate different versions of the same film with their “editions” feature. Now that feature has been extended to include different cuts of TV shows!
Check it out in my latest video!
The need for this feature often arises when a show exists in multiple formats or source materials. In my own library, I have been managing two distinct versions of Star Trek: Deep Space 9. One is the original DVD release, which is limited to 480p resolution. The other is a community-driven project that utilizes higher quality LaserDisc sources for a more effective upscale to 720p.
Previously, the files from both versions would merge into a single entry on a server, making it difficult to select a specific version without having to check the individual listing details. But with the new TV editions feature, I can have both versions visible to me in my library. If a newer version ever comes out I can add that too.
There are two primary ways to implement these labels. The first involves a direct change to the file system. By appending a specific label to the folder name—such as adding “{edition-LaserDisc}” in brackets—the server can identify and separate the files during a routine library scan. Once the scan completes, the interface displays the two versions as distinct entries with their respective labels visible on the dashboard.
For those who prefer not to alter their file naming conventions, the same result can be achieved through the software interface. By loading one version into your server’s file system and manually entering the edition label in the metadata settings before adding the second version, the server treats them as separate entities. This method allows for granular control over the library’s appearance without changing the underlying folder structure.
I have found that while these labels are visible on the web client and many mobile applications, some television interfaces may not yet support the display of these tags. To maintain clarity across all devices, it is useful to assign unique posters to each edition. For instance, using vintage artwork for a LaserDisc source and standard retail art for a DVD release provides a clear visual cue for the viewer, regardless of whether the specific device supports the edition label text.
This organizational feature is currently available to those with a Plex Pass. It is important to note that only the server host needs the subscription; any users accessing the library will be able to see and interact with the different editions. As community-led restoration projects and varied home media releases continue to proliferate, these tools provide a more structured approach to digital archiving, ensuring that the preferred version of a series is always easy to locate.
Disclosure: This was a sponsored video from Plex. They did not review or approve this video prior to uploading and all opinions are my own.