Turning a PS3 into a multimedia centre....

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Soldato
Joined
7 Nov 2006
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Stockton on Tees
Hi There

Recently purchased a PS3 and am now looking to capitalise on it.

1. First thing i need to do is setup a wireless network so i can communicate with it. My PS3 is downstairs in the front room and my PC is in my bedroom. So i need a descent wireless cable router (?)

2. I need software to transform it into a home multimedia centre ?

3. Looking to add a 250Gb external HDD to the PS3 for more space. External because i can turn it on/off as and when required.

What wireless router would you boys recommend?
What software should i be using/needing?
Adding an external HDD a good idea?

What else should i be looking at doing to capitalising on my PS3 interms of a multimedia centre?
 
i use nero 7 media server to stream to the ps3. seems better than WMP. i have a 400GB external one on my ps3 but i think it may be easier to just buy a larger replacment one and fit it internally. if u want to stream HD i guess u need a fast router.
 
Would be good to hear what all the guys do here.

Im not so much interested in networking with PC.

Currently my setup:
I have 2 PS3 systems one for the loft gamesroom and recently added the second for the livingroom. These contain a 60gb internal, 250gb internal and a nice portable 2.5" caddy also with a 250gb drive which is used between the two and for PC connectivity.

PSP is also used for remote play, really like this, even if its a glorified remote control or sometimes used in the bathroom/music playback when showering (not actually in the shower though, lol) Also comes in handy if the little daughter is watching/using in bed streaming Hannah Montanna etc.

Personally id rather have the portable drive than networking to PC.
The only issues id come across is compatibility for files and maybe having to convert certain files on PC for PS3 use. Id rather have the bother of doing this once though than any lag or issues sometimes associated with networking and PC transcoding.

Would like to hear thoughts on what you guys prefer doing or apps you use.
File converting etc

I recently discovered that "Media Monkey" is a great PC app for grabbing music data and album art that embeds it suitable for PS3.

For me though PS3 is very much becoming my favourite media playback device and the whole family can easily use it, besides that its pretty quiet and boots up in seconds.
 
I wanted to stream any HD material my wirless connection was useless. Wired, not a problem.

Be interested to see what advice you get on using wireless to stream HD media on here (assuming that's of interest to you).
 
Well today i bought a WD My Book 500GB external drive for the PS3.

Going to back up the PS3 and store all my divx/avi movies and my MP3 collection on there to playback on PS3.

It will serve a dual purpose because it will act as a backup for my main pc storing my collection of movies and mp3's.
 
Well its working a treat.

PS3 is hooked upto my 500gb External WD HDD which contains my music and movies.
In addition to this i have setup WMP 11 for networking and configured what folders i want to share with the PS3 (when the contents of that folder changes WMP automatically updates itself and shows the information so i dont need to do manual syncing). I have added my music and movie folders to sharing.

Im using Netgear WGT624 108Mbps Wireless Router to connect to the PS3. Setting the PS3 up for networking was a doddle. Took around a minute and i was off. WMP server now shows up on the PS3 and i am able to browse through the shared folder with my main pc.

I am now able to watch movies and listen to my mp3's on the ps3 effortlessly without any judder, jerking or stops at all!

I love the fact that i can control the media using my PS3 - pause, forward, rewind movies and audio that is being streamed from the main pc.

internet also works for which i have a Logitech PS3 media keyboard.

So, as you can see, my PS3 is now a multimedia centre :)
 
Seriously considering getting a PS3 for my projector. Currently I have a XBOX360 as a media centre extender. But I am considering Bluray now and as I want to keep the XBOX360 in its current role, then PS3 is the way I am heading. XBOX360 is connected via component, so the PS3 can use the HDMI slot into the projector.

If the OP doesn't mind me butting in, I have a few questions -

1) Can the PS3 play .m2ts files?
2) I have media on my HTPC and a IcyBox NAS. Is it possible to link both to the PS3 and if so what software do I use to do it?
3) Can all the media the PS3 can play be streamed to the PSP? Or is it just music and SD material.
Also is it just the new Slim ones it works with or does it also work with the original PSPs?
 
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