A few weeks ago, I explored an intriguing Apple TV 4K app named Coax, which transforms your Plex library into a live TV experience, complete with a nostalgic live TV guide menu. This seamless, one-step setup is particularly appealing for those looking to add a unique twist to their viewing habits. As I began to spend more time with the Fire TV Stick 4K Max, I found myself wondering if a similar live TV app existed for Android. It turns out, there are numerous options available, including Kodi add-ons and platforms like ErsatzTV and DizqueTV. However, many of these solutions can be quite complex to navigate.
In my quest for simplicity, I discovered QuasiTV, a free app designed for Android TV and Fire TV Stick devices that mirrors the functionality of Coax.
What is QuasiTV anyway?
At its core, QuasiTV takes your Plex or Jellyfin library and generates channels from your collection of TV shows and movies, organizing them into a 24-hour schedule that refreshes every 15 minutes. The concept behind QuasiTV is to eliminate the endless scrolling through menus, allowing users to stumble upon unexpected shows or rediscover films they had forgotten were in their library. This approach sacrifices the on-demand control that has become a hallmark of modern streaming services, offering instead a more passive viewing experience reminiscent of the digital cable era.
For those who relish the idea of curating their own channels—be it a dedicated Dragon Ball Z lineup or a continuous stream of The Sopranos—QuasiTV makes it possible with just a few clicks.
Getting the live TV app up and running is straightforward
To get started with QuasiTV, you’ll first need an active Plex or Jellyfin server filled with content. The next step is to download the app from either the Google Play Store or Amazon Appstore, depending on your device. For my Fire TV Stick 4K Max, I opted for the Amazon Appstore.
Upon launching QuasiTV, the app guides you through the setup process, requiring you to connect it to your Plex server by entering a specific URL and code. Once signed in and connected, QuasiTV will generate channels based on the metadata from your library. Additionally, you can create up to ten custom channels with the free version, allowing for tailored experiences focused on genres or themes of your choice, such as Classic Sitcoms or, in my case, Sailor Moon.
After completing the setup, users can browse through their QuasiTV channels, reminiscent of the digital cable experience from the mid-2000s, complete with an accessible guide from the left-side menu. While the overall experience may not be as polished as one might hope, it stands out as a free alternative to Coax, which retails for on Apple’s App Store. For those seeking additional features, a Pro tier offers unlimited custom channels and playlist options, while a Premium tier introduces user profiles.
For Android TV and Fire TV Stick users yearning for a nostalgic viewing experience that simplifies content selection, QuasiTV presents itself as a compelling option.
