Is anybody here using their PlayStation as a media server?

Cafe Society
1

I figured this is where all the home theater geeks would be hanging out :stuck_out_tongue:

Anywho, I have been trying to set up my PS3 as a media server for the past two or three weeks. I bought a network storage device (thanks to drachillix for the Drobo NAS recomendation), and thus far have tried both PS3 Media Server and Nero MediaHome to run the show. Nero seems to work a bit better. I may soon try TVersity, but I suspect the problems mentioned below are not related to the media server app, but rather the media itself.

My music library was easy enough to set up, although I discovered that I still had about a hundred DRM-protected tracks. Not a big deal, and most people know how go get rid of that by now.

The problem came when I tried to get my movie library set up on the storage device. It seems that the movie studios just aren’t ready for us to have copies of our own movies. At least this is my take on the situation based on how hard it has been to get just one movie added to the server. Corrupted file errors, DLNA protocol errors, unsupported format errors, “this content cannot be played” errors and much, much more.

I’m starting to get the message.

Yes, there are scads of apps out there (and don’t bother making any recommendations here as it’s probably against the rules) that offer to rip the DVD and break the DRM but that’s not what I want to do. I want to do it the right way - the industry-approved way. Is there such a way? And if not, what are people doing with all these media players they’re buying?

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No, there is no such way, unless you can find DRM-free movies.

For the files you have that aren’t copy-protected, I recommend Handbrake to get them all in the same file format. (Also, keep an eye on CNET’s Cheapskate, who seems to post free software for these types of things all the time (EXTREMELY handy).

I’ve had mixed results with PS3 Media Server and TVersity. A few years ago I bit the bullet and bought a lifetime subscription to PlayOn. It cost me $40 then, and is $90 now ($70 actually, but they also send you a free Roku box, which is nice for setting up a media server in another room). PlayOn has a fantastic interface, and gives you tons of free access to things like Hulu, the networks’ online offerings, and other channels - it’s extremely well-supported.

I’ve also heard great things about Plex, but haven’t gotten around to trying it out. Sounds like it offers mobile solutions, even when you’re not inside your own network (i.e. watching your stuff on an iPad while out of town).