Plex vs The Walt Disney Company

Plex Adds Five New Free Live TV Channels

Plex has added five new free ad-supported live TV channels to its FAST service, expanding its lineup to over 600 channels. The new channels include Franklin x bash (legal comedy), Chrome thillee (lifestyle and design), Crime scene TV (true crime), Tennis TV (sports), and Swagtg (entertainment). These channels are available across all major streaming devices and platforms without a paid subscription, supported by advertising. Plex has been steadily expanding its free live TV offerings throughout 2026, positioning itself as a major player in the free ad-supported streaming space.

• Plex added five new free live TV channels: Franklin x bash, Chrome thillee, Crime scene TV, Tennis TV, and Swagtg.
• Plex's FAST service now offers over 600 ad-supported linear channels.
• The new channels are available on smart TVs, streaming devices, phones, tablets, and the web without a paid subscription.

Plex Raises Lifetime Price, Adds Five-Year Pass

Plex changed its premium pricing on July 1, 2026: the Lifetime Plex Pass rose from $249.99 to $749.99 while a new five-year pass priced at $249.99 was introduced. Monthly ($6.99) and annual ($69.99) plans remain unchanged. Plex says the shift reflects its evolution into a broader commercial media platform (including FAST) and a need for predictable recurring revenue to fund development, cloud services, and platform investments. Existing lifetime customers keep their benefits; new buyers must choose between monthly, annual, five-year, or the now-costlier lifetime option.

• Plex increased the Lifetime Plex Pass price from $249.99 to $749.99 effective July 1, 2026.
• Plex launched a new five-year pass priced at $249.99, matching the prior lifetime price point.
• Monthly and annual Plex subscription plans remain unchanged at $6.99 per month and $69.99 per year.

The Walt Disney Company Names Karandeep Anand to Newly Created Role of Chief Technology Officer

The Walt Disney Company Names Karandeep Anand to Newly Created Role of Chief Technology Officer (September 18, 2026). Also: Adam Smith Named Chairman, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment (September 17, 2026).

The Walt Disney Company Names Karandeep Anand To Newly Created Role Of Chief Technology Officer

Disney announced the appointment of Karandeep Anand as its first Chief Technology Officer, a newly created role, signaling a strategic focus on technology and innovation.

InterDigital Sues Disney for $101.7M in HDR Patent Dispute

InterDigital has escalated its patent dispute with Disney over HDR technology, filing a lawsuit at the Munich Regional Court seeking €101.7 million in damages. The claim covers Disney Plus's unlicensed use of HDR technology from March 2020 to the initial court ruling in late 2025, affecting users in Germany and 19 other European countries. The dispute began in November 2025 when InterDigital obtained an injunction, leading Disney to remove Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 3D content, and later, under a UPC ruling in July 2026, to drop 4K UHD and HDR support. In September 2026, another ruling forced the removal of Google Cast functionality in Germany and the Netherlands. Disney has not yet responded, but InterDigital aims for a long-term licensing agreement. Disney had offered premium subscribers a special termination right in August 2026 following the quality downgrades.

• InterDigital is suing Disney for €101.7 million in damages for HDR patent infringement.
• The claim covers HDR usage by Disney Plus from March 2020 to the end of 2025.
• Disney Plus removed Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and 3D films after an injunction in November 2025.