--- title: Kodi is ancient by streaming standards, and it still... description: Kodi, one of the oldest media center apps, still offers advantages over newer self-hosted streaming platforms like Plex and Jellyfin. It can build a full media... canonical: https://daily.dev/posts/kodi-is-ancient-by-streaming-standards-and-it-still-does-4-things-no-modern-app-has-figured-out-1zzmup92r twitter:card: summary_large_image twitter:site: @dailydotdev og:type: website og:site_name: daily.dev og:title: Kodi is ancient by streaming standards, and it still does 4 things no modern app has figured out | daily.dev og:description: Kodi, one of the oldest media center apps, still offers advantages over newer self-hosted streaming platforms like Plex and Jellyfin. It can build a full media... og:url: https://daily.dev/posts/kodi-is-ancient-by-streaming-standards-and-it-still-does-4-things-no-modern-app-has-figured-out-1zzmup92r og:image: https://api.daily.dev/og/posts/1ZZmUP92R.png og:image:alt: Kodi is ancient by streaming standards, and it still does 4 things no modern app has figured out og:image:width: 1200 og:image:height: 630 og:locale: en --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://daily.dev/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Kodi is ancient by streaming standards, and it still does 4 things no modern app has figured out **[XDA Developers](https://daily.dev/sources/xda-developers)** · 3 min read · 0 upvotes · 1 comments ## Summary Kodi, one of the oldest media center apps, still offers advantages over newer self-hosted streaming platforms like Plex and Jellyfin. It can build a full media library directly from files shared over SMB/NFS or a USB drive without needing separate server software. Its skin system allows deep interface customization beyond what Plex or Jellyfin offer on TV apps. It can also serve as a frontend for Plex or Jellyfin libraries via add-ons like PlexKodiConnect, and includes a free dialogue-boosting audio feature (Downmix: Center Mix Level) comparable to Plex's paid Boost Dialog. ## Full article daily.dev links to this article rather than hosting it. Read it at the original source: ## Questions this post answers ### Can Kodi build a movie library without running a media server like Plex or Jellyfin? Yes, Kodi can build a full movie and TV library directly from files on a hard drive, NAS share, or USB drive without any separate media server software. Point it at a folder, specify whether it contains movies or TV shows, and Kodi fetches posters, cast info, and organizes episodes by season, unlike Plex or Jellyfin which require their server software to scan and serve the collection. _Comparing self-hosted media setups? Developers debating Kodi versus Plex workflows trade notes on daily.dev._ ### How can I use Kodi to play back a Jellyfin or Plex library instead of managing Kodi's own library? Add-ons like Jellyfin for Kodi and PlexKodiConnect let Kodi pull in a Plex or Jellyfin server's library so playback and navigation happen through Kodi while the server still manages the collection. Jellyfin's integration can even store library metadata in Kodi's local database, reducing browsing delays compared to going through the server app directly. _Anyone building a smoother home streaming stack can track these integration tips via daily.dev._ ### Is there a free alternative to Plex's Boost Dialog feature for making quiet movie dialogue easier to hear? Kodi offers a free setting called Downmix: Center Mix Level that boosts dialogue clarity similar to Plex's Boost Dialog, which is restricted to Plex Pass subscribers on supported apps. This is relevant since Plex has raised prices substantially, with its lifetime pass now costing roughly three times what it used to. _Weighing paid versus free media features? Follow this kind of cost-benefit comparison on daily.dev._ ## Community discussion Top comments from developers on daily.dev. **@juanplaza** · 0 upvotes > XBMC is where it all started for me. I eventually grew up and migrated to Plex, lol ## Similar posts on daily.dev - [In the Plex vs Jellyfin debate, everyone forgot the media player that works without either](https://daily.dev/posts/in-the-plex-vs-jellyfin-debate-everyone-forgot-the-media-player-that-works-without-either-g9udjpp5j) · XDA Developers · 0 upvotes · 0 comments - [4 Jellyfin features that made me realize it's more than a movie streamer](https://daily.dev/posts/4-jellyfin-features-that-made-me-realize-it-s-more-than-a-movie-streamer-jk3eo07dc) · XDA Developers · 0 upvotes · 0 comments - [What is a Media Server Software? 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