Plex is making its Live TV feature free for a three-month period. The company took this action in response to the outbreak of the COVID-19 virus. Viewers can access the Live TV feature as long as they have a tuner and an overall-the-air antenna. However, the new feature does not give access to DVR capabilities. Users will also only be able to access guide data for 48 hours, where typically the Plex Pass subscription offers two weeks.
Overall, the free content could benefit many viewers who remain at home due to the outbreak of the coronavirus. Some of the consumers may also elect to pay for the service after it is no longer offered for free.
Three-Month-Long Free Live TV
Plex Made Its Live TV Feature Free to All in Response to COVID-19
Trend Themes
1. Free Live TV - Plex is offering free access to its Live TV feature for three months, creating an opportunity to attract and retain new viewers.
2. COVID-19 Response - Plex's decision to make Live TV free in response to the coronavirus outbreak demonstrates the importance of adaptability and meeting consumer needs during times of crisis.
3. Limited Guide Data - The restricted access to guide data for 48 hours in Plex's free Live TV feature highlights the potential for disruptive innovation in TV program discovery and recommendations.
Industry Implications
1. Streaming Services - The availability of three months of free Live TV from Plex presents an opportunity for streaming services to explore new strategies to attract and engage audiences.
2. Television Broadcasting - Plex's initiative to provide free access to Live TV creates potential disruptions in the television broadcasting industry, encouraging broadcasters to consider new business models and customer offerings.
3. Content Recommendation Systems - The limited guide data in Plex's free Live TV feature opens up opportunities for content recommendation systems to innovate and provide personalized and real-time program suggestions.