Plex has always made it easier to organise and stream personal media collections. However, one of its standout features is the option to watch live local channels.
In other words, you can use Plex to access local news, sports, and entertainment without a traditional cable subscription.
By integrating live local channels into the Plex ecosystem, you can enjoy the best of both worlds: the convenience of streaming and the familiarity of broadcast television.
Once you integrate live local channels in Plex, you can customise your live TV experience by creating favourite channel lists and setting up recording schedules.
You will also stream live local channels from your home network and remotely. That means you can watch your local news or sports while travelling.
How does live TV work in Plex?
To access live local channels on Plex, you need two essential components:
1. A digital antenna
The device will capture over-the-air (OTA) signals from local broadcast stations. Indoor antennas work well in urban areas with strong signals, while outdoor antennas are better for rural locations or weak signal areas.
2. A compatible TV tuner
The hardware will connect your antenna to your Plex Media Server, allowing it to receive and stream live TV channels. The tuner converts the antenna’s analogue signal into a digital format Plex can use.
You can use a network-attached tuner that connects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and is widely compatible with Plex. Or, you can use a USB tuner that will connect directly to your Plex server computer.
Before choosing an antenna or tuner, you must ensure that the Plex Media Server supports it.
3. Software requirements
You require the Plex Media Server as the software. Therefore, download it from plex.tv and install it on your server device. Ensure it is updated to the latest version for optimal live TV support.
4. Plex Pass (optional but recommended)
Plex Pass is a monthly subscription service that unlocks DVR recording, remote streaming outside your home network, and advanced features like commercial skipping.
You can watch live TV without a Plex Pass, but recording requires it.
5. Internet connection
Finally, a stable broadband connection is necessary for streaming to devices, though the OTA signal does not rely on the internet.
Setting up your Plex Media Server for live TV
Now that you have your gear, it is time to set it up. Depending on your familiarity with Plex, the process typically takes 10–30 minutes.
1. Install Plex Media Server
You can install the Plex Media Server by following the steps below:
- Download the appropriate version of Plex Media Server from the Plex website.
- Follow the installation instructions specific to your operating system.
You must create a Plex account or log in if you already have one.
2. Connect your hardware
If you have all the compatible hardware:
- Connect the digital antenna to the TV tuner by attaching the coaxial cable from the antenna to the tuner’s input port.
- Plug the tuner into your network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi (if it supports wireless).
- Connect the antenna to a TV first to verify signal reception before integrating with Plex.
Ensure that your Plex Media Server is running on the same network. For indoor models, position your antenna near a window or high on a wall.
For outdoor antennas, mount it on a roof or pole, facing the direction of broadcast towers (use your signal map to determine this).
3. Configure Live TV in Plex
After connecting your hardware, the next step is to configure live TV in Plex. Do the following:
- Open the Plex web app and navigate to Settings.
- Under Manage, select Live TV & DVR.
- Click on Set Up DVR and follow the prompts to add your tuner.
- Enter your location details (zip code) to download the Electronic Program Guide (EPG).
- Scan for available channels; this may take a few minutes.
Once completed, you should see a populated channel guide within the Plex interface.
Watching live local channels
You can access live local channels by doing the following:
- Open the Plex app on any supported device (e.g., smart TV, mobile device).
- Navigate to the Live TV section.
- Browse through available channels in the guide.
- Select a channel to start watching live.
DVR functionality
The DVR functionality works only with a Plex Pass subscription. This option is helpful because it allows you to record live broadcasts by selecting the Record option in the program guide.
Also, DVR allows you to set up series recordings for shows you want to catch regularly and manage recorded content through the library interface.
Troubleshooting common issues
Even with a straightforward setup, issues can arise. Here is how to address them:
No channels detected
- Check antenna placement and signal strength.
- Ensure the tuner is powered on and connected correctly.
- Rescan channels in Plex settings.
Choppy playback
- Lower streaming quality in Plex settings.
- Verify your server’s CPU can handle transcoding (upgrade if needed).
- Use a wired Ethernet connection instead of Wi-Fi.
Guide not populating
- Confirm your ZIP code is correct.
- Manually refresh the guide (Settings > Live TV & DVR > Refresh Guide).
DVR not recording
- Ensure you have a Plex Pass and sufficient storage space.
- Check recording schedules and tuner availability (multiple recordings require multiple tuner streams).
Conclusion
Watching live local channels in Plex transforms a free resource—OTA broadcasts—into a modern, flexible viewing experience.
With a modest upfront investment and a few setup steps, you can enjoy local news, sports, and entertainment on any device, anywhere, with the bonus of DVR functionality.
Whether you are a cord-cutter or just looking to streamline your media consumption, Plex offers a powerful, user-friendly solution.