Share your PS3 streaming setups

One More Solo · 27 Nov 2012 at 16:16

I'm looking to invest in a NAS but thought at the same time I could use it to store files for my PS3 and archive my DVD collection. I appreciate that the PS3 is a bit limited in what files it will play back so I'm curious what setups everyone has. Do you store files in a PS3 compatible format on a NAS or use a server capable of transcoding on the fly?

Not sure whether to just build a low powered PC and set it up as a server (this would take a bit of learning on my part, never used a server) or go for the NAS option and rip my files in a compatible format. What do you reckon?

One More Solo · 27 Nov 2012 at 17:21

Actually, a better solution does look like a cheaper NAS and a WDTV Live or something similar. Don't know why I didn't think of that...

One More Solo · 28 Nov 2012 at 14:17

SourChipmunk said:
I still use the nice simple PS3 Media Server on my PC. Had a fat and now have a slim, neither one ever made any excessive fan noise at all. Streams with no problems over WiFi. Clean, easy, and gets the job done.

One thing I did find is that if I have another media server running at the same time (Vuze, WMP, etc.) on my PC, it does cause latency in the streaming. Disable those and all is well.

That's what I've done to this point but I need a NAS for the storage space and I've fancied a media server for a while.

I think a microserver would fit my needs best but not sure I can afford the outlay just at the minute so next best option would be either a NAS and WDTV Live or build my own from cheap parts.

One More Solo · 29 Nov 2012 at 11:40

Maybe I will go for the server then, an all-in-one solution would be neater than setting up a NAS and a network media player of some sort. Will a server n00b like myself cope with setting it up for streaming and storage? I'd probably set up sabnzbd and some other stuff on it too. I imagine WHS is going to be simpler than Linux?

One More Solo · 29 Nov 2012 at 21:47

Streeteh said:
Depends what you're planning to do with it.

What is your ideal setup?

Well firstly I just wanted some network storage. Then I thought if I was going to do that I could archive all my DVDs on there too to watch on the PS3, but that comes with complications due to the PS3's limited file compatibility. An iTunes server would be nice too if I was going down that route. Then I might use it for Usenet, torrent downloading etc to save leaving my laptop on overnight.

So priorities (in order):

-Network storage
-PS3 server
-iTunes server
-Usenet, torrents

One More Solo · 30 Nov 2012 at 09:15

Using Windows is music to my ears.

I'm going to think about it but I think you've sold me on the server, so much more versatile.

One More Solo · 30 Nov 2012 at 21:45

TheVoice said:
Can you explain? Not heard about that before.

Yeah, could you elaborate on this please?

One More Solo · 30 Nov 2012 at 22:33

Streeteh said:
If streaming HD footage (720p and higher) with 5.1 audio or higher, that is not some form of digital download (ie. a rip of a bluray or *ahem* of other, more questionable source) the PS3 will only allow 15 mins of playback before it automatically mutes the audio. This is to combat film piracy.

Most transcoders, for example PS3mediaserver, allow you to force the audio down to stereo in order to allow you to watch an entire film without having the audio muted. Obviously for anyone that owns a surround sound set this is a pretty big flaw.

This was the case roughly 6 months ago when I was researching microservers etc. Things may have changed now of course...

[EDIT] This is the system that now runs on the PS3:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinavia

That is ridiculous.