How to use your PS4 as a media streamer without DLNA

Boomstick777 · 12 Jul 2014 at 10:59

http://www.extremetech.com/gaming/185896-how-to-use-your-ps4-as-a-media-streamer-without-dlna

As it stands, the PS4 doesn’t ship with DLNA streaming capability, ironically making the PS3 a better media center device. It’s certainly possible that we’ll see support for the standard patched in eventually, but how are we supposed to play our media library on the PS4 right now? Thankfully, there is a way, and it’s all thanks to the surprisingly useful web browser included with the PS4′s OS.

With a handy little application called Plex, you can stream just about any video on your computer or NAS directly to your PS4′s web browser. It only takes a few minutes to get going, so let’s jump right in.

Install Plex

First off, you need to install the Plex Media Server. Download it, install it, and then launch the executable. It’s simple enough, and it’s available on Windows, OS X, Linux, and FreeBSD (FreeNAS). That should cover just about everyone.

Configure server settings

Once the application is running, you can configure your settings as you please. Choose your server’s name, add your media folders to the Plex library, and tweak your networking options as you see fit. If you need to change the port configuration, you’ll need to toggle on the advanced mode by clicking the “Show Advanced” button in the upper right. Most people shouldn’t need to tinker too much, but the options are available.

Navigate to your server

Now, you need to navigate to your Plex library on your PS4. At this point, you have two options: Stream locally or stream over the internet. If you want to stream over your local network, you’ll need to find the private IP address of your media server, and then append the port number and the directory of the Plex web interface. Using the default settings, it should look something like this: http://192.168.1.103:32400/web. Obviously, your milage may vary depending on your network and port configuration. (To find your local IP address on Windows, hit Windows key, type cmd and press enter. Then type ipconfig and press enter. Your local IPv4 address will be the one that probably starts with 192 or 10. Mac users can do the same with the Terminal app and the command ifconfig.)

If you’d prefer to stream over the web, you can simply log into your Plex account at Plex.tv. Click the orange launch button, and you’ll be connected to your server. Of course, you’ll be beholden to any bandwidth limitations imposed by your internet connection, so be warned. If you have a data cap, you need to be very careful with the bit rates.

Soulja · 12 Jul 2014 at 12:06

I've got my PS4 to connect to the server but it won't load an of my videos. Do I need to open a port?

Boomstick777 · 12 Jul 2014 at 12:19

Soulja said:
I've got my PS4 to connect to the server but it won't load an of my videos. Do I need to open a port?

You need to add your Plex server (Main PC's) IP Address if your streaming local and not over the internet.

Now, you need to navigate to your Plex library on your PS4. At this point, you have two options: Stream locally or stream over the internet. If you want to stream over your local network, you’ll need to find the private IP address of your media server, and then append the port number and the directory of the Plex web interface. Using the default settings, it should look something like this: http://192.168.1.103:32400/web. Obviously, your milage may vary depending on your network and port configuration. (To find your local IP address on Windows, hit Windows key, type cmd and press enter. Then type ipconfig and press enter. Your local IPv4 address will be the one that probably starts with 192 or 10. Mac users can do the same with the Terminal app and the command ifconfig.)

kmetek · 12 Jul 2014 at 12:51

It won't even install on my PC.

Soulja · 12 Jul 2014 at 14:31

Boomstick777 said:
You need to add your Plex server (Main PC's) IP Address if your streaming local and not over the internet.

I've used my IP address in the URL. I'm connected and logged in but the videos don't load.

EDIT: NVM, sorted. You have to tick the prefer AAC3 audio settings.

steveo · 12 Jul 2014 at 15:42

its a good work around but i would prefer a dedicated Plex App on the PS4 i could then ditch the Mac mini serving as my htpc

TurnipHead · 12 Jul 2014 at 15:55

Is this not what the PlayStation TV box will do when it's released?

Boomstick777 · 12 Jul 2014 at 16:31

Soulja said:
I've used my IP address in the URL. I'm connected and logged in but the videos don't load.

EDIT: NVM, sorted. You have to tick the prefer AAC3 audio settings.

Nice one, glad you got it sorted. What do you think of the quality?

Boomstick777 · 12 Jul 2014 at 16:33

TurnipHead said:
Is this not what the PlayStation TV box will do when it's released?

This has the advantage of being available now and accessible on all of your devices not just PlayStation ones. Pretty cool for free program imho.

Soulja · 12 Jul 2014 at 16:38

Boomstick777 said:
Nice one, glad you got it sorted. What do you think of the quality?

It actually seems pretty good but I haven't tried anything 1080p yet.

lunarwolf · 12 Jul 2014 at 16:44

still using my PS3 as media server but good to know

one question: does that mean PS4 can play cinavia with this?

thx

Hixxy0 · 12 Jul 2014 at 17:50

Thank's for the guide! Just what I was looking for.

Soulja · 30 Jul 2014 at 00:24

Since the 1.75 update I cannot get plex working properly

I can hear the audio but the screen is blank.

pauLAW · 30 Jul 2014 at 08:33

The issue with this is that if you have access to other peoples PLEX accounts you cannot see their servers, which is annoying.

I wish they would just turn on the DLNA functionalitys on the PS4.... I don't think they will tho, how many people are now subscribing at Amazon Prime and Netflix due to the lack of DLNA support... Its just a shame, PS3 was bang on, the best media device combined with the best gaming console at the time. PS4 is great but think how good i actually could be!

XeNoN89 · 30 Jul 2014 at 09:51

pauLAW said:
The issue with this is that if you have access to other peoples PLEX accounts you cannot see their servers, which is annoying.

I wish they would just turn on the DLNA functionalitys on the PS4.... I don't think they will tho, how many people are now subscribing at Amazon Prime and Netflix due to the lack of DLNA support... Its just a shame, PS3 was bang on, the best media device combined with the best gaming console at the time. PS4 is great but think how good i actually could be!

DLNA for PS4 is in the works, we just don't have a release date yet. Apparently a confirmed Sony developer on reddit said it is due in early 2015, which is ridiculous IMO. I want to get rid of my PS3 but can't until they sort this out!

Nismo · 30 Jul 2014 at 10:05

kmetek said:
It won't even install on my PC.

You can't install Plex on your PC? Bizarre, any error messages?

I'm fortunate in that my TV has the ability to see Plex as either a DNLA server, or the full library via a separate app, otherwise I'd probably resort to this method of playing media through a web browser. It does work quite well

pauLAW · 30 Jul 2014 at 11:38

XeNoN89 said:
DLNA for PS4 is in the works, we just don't have a release date yet. Apparently a confirmed Sony developer on reddit said it is due in early 2015, which is ridiculous IMO. I want to get rid of my PS3 but can't until they sort this out!

I really hope you are right about this but I honestly just cannot see it... Enabling DLNA wouldn't take them 6 months to patch, I would imagine the other paid services are fighting to make sure Sony don't switch this on.

At first I thought it will be a matter or time before DLNA is enabled but now I am not sure at all.