Why wouldn't people use a PS3 for Streaming?

[bbasra]

Hi,

I currently use an XBMC for streaming media in the bedroom and my Sony Z laptop connected to my TV via HDMI to stream Media to my Samsung 46".

All the media files are stored on my QNAP TS 209 II Pro.

I am thinking of getting a PS3 for playing Blueray, Streaming Media and some gaming. I'll also then be setting up a Virtual Machine with tversity installed on my ESX Server to play the unsupported media formats.

Is the only reason that people don't use a Ps3 for streaming is that it plays limited formats and you need a 3rd party add on i.e. Tversity?

Is this setup okay or am i better of getting a Pop Hour or something?

[achapman14]

I have a PS3, and yes I use tversity to stream from my computer to the PS3. This is mostly for the codec issues. I still have problems streaming about 0.5% of things as they say data not supported. However I can stream in through the WII. The popcorn is a more versitile system and being they say you can play anything may be better suited. However though if you are looking to play Blu Ray and want a games console well the obvious choice is get a PS3 :D, as it is 3 things in 1.

[Sephiroth0000]

I have used my PS3 for streaming and have never had a problem. Alot of it does come down to codecs I agree but if you intend to use a PS3 for streaming just make sure the files fall in the right line up of codecs for the PS3.

I have manged HD DVD, BluRay & DVD file backups being streamed to my PS3 with full picture and 5.1 audio with no problems whatsoever.

[bbasra]

Originally Posted by achapman14

I have a PS3, and yes I use tversity to stream from my computer to the PS3. This is mostly for the codec issues. I still have problems streaming about 0.5% of things as they say data not supported. However I can stream in through the WII. The popcorn is a more versitile system and being they say you can play anything may be better suited. However though if you are looking to play Blu Ray and want a games console well the obvious choice is get a PS3 :D, as it is 3 things in 1.

What types of media won't play on the ps3 (using Tversity)?

Streaming on the WII! have i missed something, when did this happen? I have a WII... off to the search button.

[achapman14]

to do it on the WII (have to say the pic quality is errr yes less said the better, it is very pixulated)

Here is a detailed way of doing it hope it helps

Setting up TVersity with your Wii « Dan Gross

As for my PS3 I have looked at the media it cannot play and I am still baffled why as everything down to the bitrate is the same as others that can play!!!

[Twadger]

I used to use the PS3 for streaming but found it was a bit hit and miss regarding which files worked and which didn't.

And of course there is the problem with the 4gb limit of FAT32.

[Kieron]

Same here, got fed up of having to convert MKV's etc etc so ended up buying a Popcorn hour.

Since then - absolutely no problems.

[kyleseager]

Popcorn A110 all the way for me. I did consider the PS3 but didnt want the hassle of having my PC to run tversity or transcoding any files. Popcorn box plays everything. Very impressed with mine.

[Buffo]

In my opinion, ps3mediaserver is the best pc application for streaming to a ps3.

[WhatTheManSaid]

Originally Posted by Buffo

In my opinion, ps3mediaserver is the best pc application for streaming to a ps3.

Seconded, I've stopped using TVersity & mkv2vob. The Popcorn A110 is certainly playing files well, but I do get regular crashes.

I also have XBMC boxes. Apart from not doing HD it is in a different class the the PS3 and PCH.

So far no perfect HD player, though PS3 & PCH aren't bad - certainly not perfect. Perhaps the new PCH firmware will help.

[gz5ztg]

Originally Posted by WhatTheManSaid

Seconded, I've stopped using TVersity & mkv2vob. The Popcorn A110 is certainly playing files well, but I do get regular crashes.

I also have XBMC boxes. Apart from not doing HD it is in a different class the the PS3 and PCH.

So far no perfect HD player, though PS3 & PCH aren't bad - certainly not perfect. Perhaps the new PCH firmware will help.

Why is ps3mediaserver better then? Does it transcode and wouldn't that be worse quality?

That said I do often have problems with my PS3 seeing TVersity, I usually have to reboot ps3 and restart tversity once a day - drives my wife mad.

[gz5ztg]

Originally Posted by kyleseager

Popcorn A110 all the way for me. I did consider the PS3 but didnt want the hassle of having my PC to run tversity or transcoding any files. Popcorn box plays everything. Very impressed with mine.

Oh and I never have to transcode anything really, just use mkv2vob to put mkvs into a different container, only takes a couple of minutes even for a HD file.

[Uridium]

Originally Posted by Twadger

I used to use the PS3 for streaming but found it was a bit hit and miss regarding which files worked and which didn't.

And of course there is the problem with the 4gb limit of FAT32.

Fat32 isn't a problem if you stream

[Uridium]

Originally Posted by gz5ztg

Why is ps3mediaserver better then? Does it transcode and wouldn't that be worse quality?

That said I do often have problems with my PS3 seeing TVersity, I usually have to reboot ps3 and restart tversity once a day - drives my wife mad.

PS3 media server will transcode anything not natively supported by the PS3 or just play as is if it is.

It also adds a few other features like custom coverart display for streamed videos in the XMB.

MKV2VOB has been updated a lot lately and now supports things like AVCHD folder structure output to retain DTS audio and will also convert MKV's with DTS to PCM audio as well as AC3

[Twadger]

Originally Posted by Uridium

Fat32 isn't a problem if you stream

This is true, the second comment was referring to the usefulness of the PS3 in general, when it comes to watching video.