I am new to PS3, I have 2 questions:

1. Can a 500GB external Hard Drive to be connected to PS3 via USB?
I try this but the PS3 can not recognize it, need some setting ?

2. Can PS3 play video files (standard or HD) stored in external HD? If yes, what format of video files?

THANKS

The HD needs to be formated to fat32 to be able to be seen by the PS3

And yes, lots of threads talking about playing videos

1. there can be issues with certain enclosures, but I haven't seen any real concrete evidence of how it can occur or how to fix it.

2. As for type of video codecs supported, check the ps3 online manual for details. Or search on the forums.

-Splints

fat32 format can only transfer one file (at a time) of size less 4GB, correct? Hence only few standard DVD movie can fit in.

fat32 format can only transfer one file (at a time) of size less 4GB, correct? Hence only few standard DVD movie can fit in.

Just re-encode the DVDs in DIVX CODEC :D

They should have a firmware update that makes the PS3 recognize NTFS...

Just re-encode the DVDs in DIVX CODEC :D


With what software best? Thanks

This fat32 thing REALLY sucks.

I have so many HD .TS files on NTFS hard drives that I would love to hook up to the PS3.

<sigh>

They should have a firmware update that makes the PS3 recognize NTFS...
Even if they did that, it would be read-only.

Personally, I'd rather see support for NFS/SMB/AFP.

Wrong, the Linux kernel can now write to NTFS!

Wrong, the Linux kernel can now write to NTFS!

Are you talking about YDL 6.0?

This fat32 thing REALLY sucks.

I have so many HD .TS files on NTFS hard drives that I would love to hook up to the PS3.

<sigh>

Just having a firmware update supporting reading from NTFS hard drives wouldn't make those HD .TS files playable. Seems in THEORY since most are likely MPEG-2 video and AC-3 audio (in a OTA type 19.8Mbps stream) there should be no problem playing them, but there is. There's thread after thread here about this, as well as dozens of web sites and forums discussing how to get OTA HD transport streams to play natively (as a .ts file) on PS3. Nowhere that I've seen has ever been able to get it working without some sort of transcode, either transcoding into a new container (.vob, .mpg, etc.) or transcoding to different video/audio codecs (avc, etc.).

Wrong, the Linux kernel can now write to NTFS!
It also supports NFS/SMB/AFP, but we're talking about the PS3's software. :p

1) It needs to be FAT32 PLUS it needs to be externally powered. I found out the hard way that the PS3's USB ports do NOT provide enough power for a standalone USB hard drive, so you need to add your own power supply.

2) The Toshiba Portable External drives (I have the 160GB one) work perfectly out of the box with the PS3 provided you use an AC adapter with them. Luckily, I had a matching one lying around the house.

1. reformat in FAT32 using Swissknife.

2. DivX, Xvid, MPEG-4, MPEG-2 I believe.

Are you talking about YDL 6.0?

No idea what that is, but I know my IT shop that I work in routinely writes to NTFS partitions from Linux. The tech has caught up.

I found out the hard way that the PS3's USB ports do NOT provide enough power for a standalone USB hard drive, so you need to add your own power supply.

Is this really true!? Anyone have an external drive that the PS3 can power on its own??

CD

Is this really true!? Anyone have an external drive that the PS3 can power on its own??

CD

Of course its true, I just said it, didn't I? :D Without adding the power cable to my Toshiba drive, the drive just kept spinning and failing, and PS3 would not see it. As soon as I added the +5V AC power, it worked great. This same drive worked fine when attached to a desktop AND to a laptop running on BATTERY, without needing the AC adapter. Doubt any drive will work, honestly, as this was a tiny drive meant to be USB powered only, it didn't even come with an AC adapter. This tells me the power output of the PS3 USB is not 500ma, but a lot less. I tried more than one port too.

If it matters, this was a 60GB PS3 with latest firmware. Maybe the new 40GB models add more juice, who knows.

Is this really true!? Anyone have an external drive that the PS3 can power on its own??

CD

I will also confirm it is true. My external "portable" 80GB drive comes with a dual USB cable (1 for data/power and the other for just power). I have to plug it into 2 front usb ports (on my 60GB ps3) to power it.

I only need to plug it into 1 of the xbox 360 usb ports.

I have a WD and 3 Seagate 750 Gb external HDDs that all work on my PS3 with only the USB for power. Also a 250, 320 and 2 500s that all work with USB only power. I do have one other Seagate 750 that my PS3 won't read, and it's the exact same model as one of the others that do work, it works fine on a PC so I just use it as a back-up.

I have a WD and 3 Seagate 750 Gb external HDDs that all work on my PS3 with only the USB for power. Also a 250, 320 and 2 500s that all work with USB only power. I do have one other Seagate 750 that my PS3 won't read, and it's the exact same model as one of the others that do work, it works fine on a PC so I just use it as a back-up.

Guys, the first rule of science: one example don't make it so. :D I knew this had to work; who in the world would use a usb that you had to find an outlet for.

CD

I will also confirm it is true. My external "portable" 80GB drive comes with a dual USB cable (1 for data/power and the other for just power). I have to plug it into 2 front usb ports (on my 60GB ps3) to power it.

I only need to plug it into 1 of the xbox 360 usb ports.

So... the external drive came with a USB y-cable because they knew you needed one for PS3? Or could the problem be that the drive needs more power than a USB plug supplies, or that USB ports don't all supply the same amount of power?

So... the external drive came with a USB y-cable because they knew you needed one for PS3? Or could the problem be that the drive needs more power than a USB plug supplies, or that USB ports don't all supply the same amount of power?

Ding Ding Ding.... my 2 different computers provide different amounts of power. And they are both different from my laptop.

My WD Passport 2.5" works fine off only USB. I think it depends on the power draw of the enclosure.

USB calls for 500mA of current...not sure if the PS3 provides that or not though.

I have a pocket size external 100GB toshiba hard drive that I bought of ebay a while back. I formated to fat32 and transfer any files less than 4GB to it. Then I plug it up to the PS3 or 360 via USB and play my videos and music from it. I usually copy my h.264 videos over to the PS3 for a slight performance boost. Man I wish the PS3 would except NTFS.

Not all USB ports pass enough current to power external drives, that is why the "y" USB cables are available. All they do is take power from both USB ports. Some laptops need both plugs when on battery power, but only 1 plug when on AC power. I don't think the dual USB plugs make the data transfer any faster.

I think you can view AVCHD files off the external drive and I know I can watch all the HD trailers downloaded from the PS store that are stored on my external drive.
ERIC

Could people pitch in names/details of various external portable hard drives being used successfuly with PS3 via USB? I am in market for one

I'm using a WD Passport 250.....so far no issues.


buzz

Since I have the 40GB, I only have 2 USB ports.
1) Would using a powered USB hub help/hinder things in general or just give me more flexibility?

2) Would it help to power your external drive?

Since I have the 40GB, I only have 2 USB ports.
1) Would using a powered USB hub help/hinder things in general or just give me more flexibility?

2) Would it help to power your external drive?

Perfect solution. But make sure its a powered USB hub. The PS3 may not provide enough power to power a hub and a number of devices you may plug in there.

Hi Guys,
I also have a 500GB external hard drive connected to my PS3. I have formatted it to Fat32 and have converted my DVD collection to MP4 using handbrake on my mac. However, I have a few problems playing the files. Most of the time when I play them the movie will just cut out and the hard drive icon disappears and then reappears on the XWB. I did stop this once by copying the film over on to the PS3 and playing it from the internal HD but even that can be difficult as it sometimes fails to copy the file to the PS3. Do you think this is something to do with the hard drive? and one last final question. On some movies I only get sound and no image even though I have converted them in the same manner as all the others. Very strange any help would be most welcome as I have posted these question on several other forums with no luck so far.

Thanks

Bookem

Im using this External Drive.
Plus its 250gb and on sale for $83 (free shipping)
*link isnt working. go to amazon.com and paste this in the search bar - WDXMS2500TN

-J

Hi Guys,
I also have a 500GB external hard drive connected to my PS3. I have formatted it to Fat32 and have converted my DVD collection to MP4 using handbrake on my mac. However, I have a few problems playing the files. Most of the time when I play them the movie will just cut out and the hard drive icon disappears and then reappears on the XWB. I did stop this once by copying the film over on to the PS3 and playing it from the internal HD but even that can be difficult as it sometimes fails to copy the file to the PS3. Do you think this is something to do with the hard drive? and one last final question. On some movies I only get sound and no image even though I have converted them in the same manner as all the others. Very strange any help would be most welcome as I have posted these question on several other forums with no luck so far.

Thanks

Bookem


Are you using external power for the HD ? If not then that might be the reason because when hard drive starts to spin, it draws more current then Ps3 can provide and that's why it shuts off. If you are using external power for the HD then check the power connections and the enclosure. There might be something that shorting out.

Do i need to use external power for portable hard drive too/ and how?

Do i need to use external power for portable hard drive too/ and how?

Depends on the hard drive. Some require external power while others dont. I have a Hitachi 200GB does not require external power but instead used a Y-USB cable (one for power and one for data transfer). I have it hooked up to my 60GB Ps3 and it works great.

Depends on the hard drive. Some require external power while others dont. I have a Hitachi 200GB does not require external power but instead used a Y-USB cable (one for power and one for data transfer). I have it hooked up to my 60GB Ps3 and it works great.

thanks! can you please post a link, or picture of such cable? does both ends go into PS3 into 2 USB ports?

I had a terrible experience with 500GB simpletech ext drive that I thought was portable, but is not! I did fat32 format, created folders, transfer my data into video folder created. removed from pc, took to ps3, and man, holly cow! every thing disappeared! leaving me devastated!!!!!:mad:

I can't see any videos on my hard drive, do I need to give the folder a specific name? How can I check if it is using Fat32

I just bought a simpletech 500gb external hard drive. It has it's own power cord. I have reformatted the drive to fat32, but my PS3 still does not read anything on it. Any suggestions?

HFS+ Newer USB drives have it. Format to apple format. Look it up. Same as for XBOX.

streetcred, I'm pretty sure that videos need to be stored in /VIDEOS. If that doesn't work, trying copying a video to the external drive, then check on your computer to see where it's being stored.

drowe, does it recognize the drive at all? If so, see my response to streetcred.

Davin, I'm 99% sure that the PS3 won't read HFS+. It has to be FAT32.

With the above posts advising that USB powered external drives do not get enough power supply from the PS3, would an external drive that also has a ‘power sharing cable’ do the trick?

I am looking into the Lacie 160GB mobile hard drive. It comes with the standard 2.0 USB cable, along with a USB power sharing cable. Do you think using both of these cables would enable it to get the required power to operate?

With the above posts advising that USB powered external drives do not get enough power supply from the PS3, would an external drive that also has a ‘power sharing cable’ do the trick?

I am looking into the Lacie 160GB mobile hard drive. It comes with the standard 2.0 USB cable, along with a USB power sharing cable. Do you think using both of these cables would enable it to get the required power to operate?

Yes that will work. I'm using a Hitachi 200GB hard drive and its connected to two USB ports on Ps3. One provides power and other transfers data. Drive works great without a problem.

Serversurfer, I've tried making the folders and everything. Works fine on the pc, but nothing happens with the ps3. Looks like someone else here had issues with a simpletech drive. Will probably return it at this point.

Yes that will work. I'm using a Hitachi 200GB hard drive and its connected to two USB ports on Ps3. One provides power and other transfers data. Drive works great without a problem.
Did you format it to fat32? and if it is now 4GB restricted?

Is this really true!? Anyone have an external drive that the PS3 can power on its own??

CD

The PS3 powers my western digital HDD just fine. It really has to since my external hard drive does not have provisions for an ac adapter.

The PS3 powers my western digital HDD just fine. It really has to since my external hard drive does not have provisions for an ac adapter.

Same for me (WD Passport drive)

Since I have the 40GB, I only have 2 USB ports.
1) Would using a powered USB hub help/hinder things in general or just give me more flexibility?

2) Would it help to power your external drive?

Perfect solution. But make sure its a powered USB hub. The PS3 may not provide enough power to power a hub and a number of devices you may plug in there.

Just an update. The powered 7 port D-Link is doing fine with a Seagate 320GB and Seagate Free Agent Pro 750GB. Both formatted in FAT32. Music (5GB), Pics (7GB) and DVDs (lotsa GB) loaded and viewable. The DVDs are in subfolders ("James Bond" has all 21 movies, "Lethal Weapn has all 4 of the series, etc.

just replaced my 60 gig w/ a 250 gig seagate - bought a cheap generic enclosure w/ only usb - no external power. ps3 would not read it at all. opened up the enclosure and saw a dc input on the pcb. hooked in my psp power supply to it and bingo - works perfectly now. seems like enclosures are hit or miss with no external power.

gents...can someone send me a link to the full instructions/guide on how to rip a dvd to my PS3 HDD. I have been doing my own research and understand a great bit of what is involved...but I am hoping to get something simple in the way of a guide.

I particularly want high resolution with multi-channel (6 or 7 ch AVC) audio. I understand that there needs to be some .vob merging going on and transcoding, but I dont know the software to use or exactly how to do it.

Any help would be appreciated. I only trust my other AVSers.

gents...can someone send me a link to the full instructions/guide on how to rip a dvd to my PS3 HDD. I have been doing my own research and understand a great bit of what is involved...but I am hoping to get something simple in the way of a guide.

I particularly want high resolution with multi-channel (6 or 7 ch AVC) audio. I understand that there needs to be some .vob merging going on and transcoding, but I dont know the software to use or exactly how to do it.

Any help would be appreciated. I only trust my other AVSers.

to me too!

Slightly off topic from the OP (sorry).....I am wondering if any PS3 owners have had success with network (ethernet) drives like this one:

My Book World Edition Network Storage (1 TB)
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=347&language=en

http://www.wdc.com/global/images/products/frnt/300/wdfMyBook_World_1N.jpg

I'm not ready to jump into the world of full out NAS servers. This alternative looks to be the perfect network based solution for file access, maybe not streaming, between my PCs, PS3, 360, PSP, Iphone, etc.

I do realize that I will have to share this drive through a PC to gain access to the files because it does not have on-board media center capabilities, but the PS3 should be able to see it's files under a shared directory on the network through a PC, just like a USB 2.0 connected external HDD, correct?

Thanks in advance for any help.

gents...can someone send me a link to the full instructions/guide on how to rip a dvd to my PS3 HDD. I have been doing my own research and understand a great bit of what is involved...but I am hoping to get something simple in the way of a guide.

I particularly want high resolution with multi-channel (6 or 7 ch AVC) audio. I understand that there needs to be some .vob merging going on and transcoding, but I dont know the software to use or exactly how to do it.

Any help would be appreciated. I only trust my other AVSers.

Actually, there is a thread that covers this and a few other topices you might find interesting. Here it is:

http://www.hometheatershack.com/forums/computers-games-htpc-digital-devices/5363-ps3-video-server-media-server-preliminary-setup-tests.html

I am ready to upgrade my 60GB to 160GB. Can some one send me directions? and how can I use my removed 60GB as External drive for p3?

I am ready to upgrade my 60GB to 160GB. Can some one send me directions? and how can I use my removed 60GB as External drive for p3?

Google is your friend.

http://www.cnet.com.au/games/ps3/0,239035763,339282375,00.htm

Also plenty of info on this forum about upgrading the drive.

Google is your friend.

http://www.cnet.com.au/games/ps3/0,239035763,339282375,00.htm

Also plenty of info on this forum about upgrading the drive.

many many thanks and more!

many many thanks and more!

No worries. Just be very careful when you are removing the screws as they are very easy to strip. I was able to remove mine ok but I have heard some horror stories. Best to use a screwdriver that fits very snugly into the screw head.

You should be fine but as I say, just take care with the screws.

My simpletech 160 portable drive I bought at Costco won't work on my PS3 either, it even comes with a dual usb cable thing and still my 80 gig PS3 wont work with it. Anyone know what is the problem with this drive since the simpletech ones seem not to want to work with PS3 it works fine on 2 laptops with only one usb plugged in.

My simpletech 160 portable drive I bought at Costco won't work on my PS3 either, it even comes with a dual usb cable thing and still my 80 gig PS3 wont work with it. Anyone know what is the problem with this drive since the simpletech ones seem not to want to work with PS3 it works fine on 2 laptops with only one usb plugged in.
ext drives, with ps3 is horrible scenario, because of fat32 restriction, you have to make every thing in less than 4GB chunk. I hate it.

Slightly off topic from the OP (sorry).....I am wondering if any PS3 owners have had success with network (ethernet) drives like this one:

My Book World Edition Network Storage (1 TB)
http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?driveid=347&language=en


I'm not ready to jump into the world of full out NAS servers. This alternative looks to be the perfect network based solution for file access, maybe not streaming, between my PCs, PS3, 360, PSP, Iphone, etc.

I do realize that I will have to share this drive through a PC to gain access to the files because it does not have on-board media center capabilities, but the PS3 should be able to see it's files under a shared directory on the network through a PC, just like a USB 2.0 connected external HDD, correct?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I have a Network drive, and my PC can see it. My PS3 can't though. The network drive I have is just a small footprint Linux box with Samba, though.

A WD Passport USB drive comes pre-formatted as FAT32. Mine is a 320GB version and when connected to the ps3 shows up as a usb device which I can see everything on the drive. Movies play back just fine in mpeg4 format and don't need to be in a special VIDEO folder. Another good open source converter is Handshake. Handshake was developed as a Mac utility but recently has been ported over to run under Windows. Remember Google is your friend! Oh yeah with this drive no other power source then the usb is needed.

Good Luck!!

I have a Network drive, and my PC can see it. My PS3 can't though. The network drive I have is just a small footprint Linux box with Samba, though.

I have a time capsule and works fine with my ps3 via tversity.

I have a Network drive, and my PC can see it. My PS3 can't though. The network drive I have is just a small footprint Linux box with Samba, though.

If your drive has any options for DLNA or Media Sharing, you could try turning those on. Otherwise, since its running Linux and if you are feeling a bit adventurous, you could look into installing Twonkyvision on it. I installed Twonky recently on a Maxtor Mediashare II networked drive and it works as advertised, but there was a specific package for my drive. They have a general package for linux setups, though, that might work for you. I don't think it transcodes video, though, so the PS3 must be able to read the video/audio types natively. As far as organizing media and working with pictures and audio (I mainly got it to serve my mp3 collection), it works great; and since its installed on the network drive itself, I don't need a computer to be running at all times. It does cost $40 after a 30 day trial period, though.

If your drive has any options for DLNA or Media Sharing, you could try turning those on. Otherwise, since its running Linux and if you are feeling a bit adventurous, you could look into installing Twonkyvision on it. I installed Twonky recently on a Maxtor Mediashare II networked drive and it works as advertised, but there was a specific package for my drive. They have a general package for linux setups, though, that might work for you. I don't think it transcodes video, though, so the PS3 must be able to read the video/audio types natively. As far as organizing media and working with pictures and audio (I mainly got it to serve my mp3 collection), it works great; and since its installed on the network drive itself, I don't need a computer to be running at all times. It does cost $40 after a 30 day trial period, though.

wow! any experience with tversity in same way:confused:

wow! any experience with tversity in same way:confused:

I could be completely off-base here, but I believe tversity runs as a process on a computer as opposed to being embedded in a device such as a network hard drive. That might be the way to go if you want to share what's on your computer's hard drive (or a drive accessible by your computer but not by the PS3), as tversity transcodes and asks for donations instead of a flat cost. There's a giant thread somewhere here about media sharing for the PS3, that I think goes into detail about tversity much more.

Ok, if I'm storing all my videos on an external drive will they show up on the XMB and will they have the little previews?

just assuming, but i'm guessing the external drive would show up just as a USB drive would.

i have a question as well... has anyone tried the Vantec Nexstar 3 NST-260U-BK 2.5" enclosure with the ps3? reading the playstation boards, someone mentioned that if your hdd requires more than 0.5a, it will not work with a usb powered enclosure as the ps3 doesn't give as much power through the usb ports as a PC would. however, the nexstar 3 has a double headed Y shaped cable to get power from two usb ports.

i bought the enclosure regardless as i could use it with my PC. but it would be nice if it worked with my PS3 as well.

All, thanks for the help and comments on network drives.

I purchased the WD My Book (1TB) network drive this weekend (only $240, $80 off at Bestbuy right now). After staring at the box and debating pros/cons for a day, I decided to return it. It won't solve the PC dependant, wasted electricity problem. I guess I’ll just wait for the true NAS solutions market to mature (cheapen).

just assuming, but i'm guessing the external drive would show up just as a USB drive would.

i have a question as well... has anyone tried the Vantec Nexstar 3 NST-260U-BK 2.5" enclosure with the ps3? reading the playstation boards, someone mentioned that if your hdd requires more than 0.5a, it will not work with a usb powered enclosure as the ps3 doesn't give as much power through the usb ports as a PC would. however, the nexstar 3 has a double headed Y shaped cable to get power from two usb ports.

i bought the enclosure regardless as i could use it with my PC. but it would be nice if it worked with my PS3 as well.

my WD Passport 120G drive (which I have swapped with the 60G on the PS3 now having a Passport 60G) had a power draw of 0.98A yet worked on the PS3 USB ports just fine. The 60G drive is a Seagate which draws 0.48A.

It seems that while the specification is 0.5A@5V many devices actually allow more than that. My brother's PC won't but mine will.

Also, making a dual-head Y cable with 2 spare USB cables isn't rocket science. Just splice together the +5V and Ground wires (but leave the USB+/- wires alone).

thanks.

the forum member at the PS boards that said HDD's above 0.5a won't work seemed to be very knowledgeable, so i thought he was right considering some people have problems getting external enclosures to work.

i bought the nexstar vantec enclosure because it was good, not because it came with a Y cable. having a y cable included is just a bonus. hopefully it works with my ps3.

Just to warn people even when you format the Simpletech drive to Fat32 my PS3 still won't work with it (even with the included dual usb cable that came with it), I see the Simpletech drives are on sale this week at Best buy so just a warning about those drives and ps3, although maybe they updated the newer drives to work I bought my 160GB Simpletech last year.

It's weird some externals won't work, I bought a 5 year old usb drive that does works with the PS3 I just had to format to Fat32.

Just to warn people even when you format the Simpletech drive to Fat32 my PS3 still won't work with it (even with the included dual usb cable that came with it), I see the Simpletech drives are on sale this week at Best buy so just a warning about those drives and ps3, although maybe they updated the newer drives to work I bought my 160GB Simpletech last year.

It's weird some externals won't work, I bought a 5 year old usb drive that does works with the PS3 I just had to format to Fat32.

Ext hard drive because of fat32, and 4gb restriction has failed to amuse me whether portable or with power supply( works way more faster) after buying, re formating a few, diff brands! Gave up! Hands off! Ordered another TIME CAPSULE 500GB 4 me!

I was able to convert my 500gb HD to fat32 and I got everything working fine all seasons of the tv shows i liked movies etc. Only thing I don't like is that blu ray 720p+ movies are 4gigs and they won't go on the fat32 drive making HDTV movies not playable basically =/

I was able to convert my 500gb HD to fat32 and I got everything working fine all seasons of the tv shows i liked movies etc. Only thing I don't like is that blu ray 720p+ movies are 4gigs and they won't go on the fat32 drive making HDTV movies not playable basically =/

Indeed! So only way around is using a USB, or NAS drive attached to your PC and tversity to copy big files to your ps3.

I was able to convert my 500gb HD to fat32 and I got everything working fine all seasons of the tv shows i liked movies etc. Only thing I don't like is that blu ray 720p+ movies are 4gigs and they won't go on the fat32 drive making HDTV movies not playable basically =/

Indeed! So only way around is using a USB, or NAS drive attached to your PC and tversity to copy big files to your ps3.

Or just split them into smaller files. You can tell where the commercial breaks are, and I just split a couple of my files that way.

Or just split them into smaller files. You can tell where the commercial breaks are, and I just split a couple of my files that way.

i know! But I do ot want to do so!

Well I was wondering if anyone has the Toshiba HDDR320E03X 320GB USB 2.0 Portable External Hard Drive and what they thought of it? Seems like a good product but Im kinda confused on the whole Shadow backup thing works. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

for people planning on buying a vantec nexstar 3 nst-260u for the ps3, don't bother. i tried all 3 of my notebook drives (0.4a, 0.48a, 0.62a) and all didn't work with the ps3. and yes, i formatted all of them to fat32. it might work if you have an ac adapter, but i doubt it.

oh well, using it to increase the hdd size of my pc.

After reading this thread it looks like any external drive needs to be FAT32 for the PS3 to recognize it, correct ? I tried using the system tools backup utility to backup my PS3 to an external USB drive format with NTFS. I did the format from XP Pro and it wouldn't let me us FAT or FAT32 saying my drive was too big (120 gigs). How are people formatting these larger drives to FAT32 ? Do I need just one primary partition or something else ?

Anyone knows if its possible to connect 2 USB 500gig harddrives to PS3?

BTW All you guys should really check out the program MKV2VOB !!!
It converts your HiDef .MKV files to PS3 playable .VOB files and it works flawlessly, quick, and splits files into 4 gig chunks that fits your external FAT32 drive :-)

And its free... but you should really donate a dollar or two...

I recommend GOTSent for converting .mkv to PS3-recognizable format. It separates the audio and video tracks first, so none of the video quality gets compromised in the conversion. It simply converts the audio and dumps both tracks back into a..... mp4, I think? I forget. But it works great, and since it isn't converting the video, it's relatively speedy :)

Anyone knows if its possible to connect 2 USB 500gig harddrives to PS3?

I don't see why not. I've had multiple USB devices plugged in before without problems. Granted, they were not both 500gig hdd's...

Ok, if I'm storing all my videos on an external drive will they show up on the XMB and will they have the little previews?


A Late reply but... you can add previews to the vid file by selecting the fileand pressing the triangle. I believe there is an option there of some kind

Another good open source converter is Handshake. Handshake was developed as a Mac utility but recently has been ported over to run under Windows. Remember Google is your friend! ....
Good Luck!!


Pretty sure the poster means Handbrake (http://handbrake.fr/)

How do you transfer the files, though? I'd use Simple Center, but it doesn't recognize the file types used to play on the PS3 (and for whatever reason, my PS3 won't recognize them, either unless I burn them to a DVD-R).

I'd like to get some 6 and 8 gb files to my PS3 w/o having to split them (unless you can someone rejoin them in the Ps3).

How do you transfer the files, though? I'd use Simple Center, but it doesn't recognize the file types used to play on the PS3 (and for whatever reason, my PS3 won't recognize them, either unless I burn them to a DVD-R).

I'd like to get some 6 and 8 gb files to my PS3 w/o having to split them (unless you can someone rejoin them in the Ps3).

What file types are they? Tversity works well to transfer anything that it recognizes, that is all media files. Just press Triangle and hit copy. I do it routinely with files stored on the PC, like avis.

Not entirely sure, offhand. They're MKV files reencoded using mkv2vob. They may be mts files.

Tversity was the first network program I tried using, but the folders would never show up on my PS3 (server connected fine). I was never able to figure out why the folders wouldn't show even though I had no problem setting Tversity up as a server on my PS3.

I could get the file showing up on my PS3 fine w/ Simple Center...but none of them would be recognized (if SC even allowed me to upload them at all).

Is this really true!? Anyone have an external drive that the PS3 can power on its own??

CD

I just bought an enclosure for my old PS3 HD, so I can use it as a backup. The enclosure comes with a USB y-splitter to plug into 2 ports for more power. I've never heard of that before, but I guess it makes sense...

Does MKV2VOB split the files also automatically or do you have to do something separately for that?

I believe there is a check box option for splitting the file.

Does MKV2VOB split the files also automatically or do you have to do something separately for that?

Yep! You can choose from a 4 Gb split that will fit the FAT32 system, a split that fits DVDR or no split at all.

Perhaps a dumb question, but if I dump a bunch of wav files (or high bit-rate mp3, for example) on an external USB HDD (in FAT32), does the PS3 OS see them (assuming I've got a drive that runs)? I'm interested in the PS3's ability to act as a central repository for my CDs without having to get a full-blown media centre or worry about streaming from a PC.

Perhaps a dumb question, but if I dump a bunch of wav files (or high bit-rate mp3, for example) on an external USB HDD (in FAT32), does the PS3 OS see them (assuming I've got a drive that runs)? I'm interested in the PS3's ability to act as a central repository for my CDs without having to get a full-blown media centre or worry about streaming from a PC.

The PS3 can import your CD's to it's HDD in a variety of formats (depending onw hich you choose). But as long as you create a file folder named "music" on your external, it will be able to see your wav's and mp3's.

Thanks.

How about browsing through the songs? Is that easily done? And can I create the "music" folder using the PS3 or do I have to hook up to a PC and do it on that?

if i buy an Western Digital 1TB (External Hard Drive) and i put pics and vids on it will i be able to view it on my ps3?

Yes. And music. Format it FAT32 though.

What is the best External Hard Drive for the PS3?

this seems to be the thread to ask, but is it possible to share a usb external drive plugged into a ps3 over a home network?

How do you re format an external hard drive????? Davidseay18@yahoo.com if you have the answer to help me out!!! Thanks

How do you re format an external hard drive????? Davidseay18@yahoo.com if you have the answer to help me out!!! Thanks

On XP you can try Administrative Tools > Computer Management > Removable Storage to access the tools for formatting. You can also open My Computer and right click on the drive you want to format and select Format (make sure you set it to format in FAT32). Or, download Easseus Partition Manager for free at Cnet for even more powerful disk management tools: http://download.cnet.com/Easeus-Partition-Master-Home-Edition/3000-2248_4-10863346.html?part=rb-watchlist&tag=watchmail_sc_name

In Vista/7, create a shortcut on your desktop to "cmd"

Run it as an admistrator (right click option).

Type "format x: fs:fat32" where x is the letter of the external drive.

Hi Guys

I just picked up a new Seagate 1TB. Doesn't seem to work at all with the PS3 while hooked up by USB. I am a little concerned if I format the thing to a fat32 setting that this thing won't work properly as the software for the unit was already formatted when it came out of the box. Am I right to have these concerns?

You will HAVE to format the HDD as FAT32 file sstem, otherwise the PS3 will not recognize it.

Hi Guys

I just picked up a new Seagate 1TB. Doesn't seem to work at all with the PS3 while hooked up by USB. I am a little concerned if I format the thing to a fat32 setting that this thing won't work properly as the software for the unit was already formatted when it came out of the box. Am I right to have these concerns?

What software for the unit? Its a hard drive, it should come formatted and empty from the factory, and whatever file system you format it for should not affect it.

1) It needs to be FAT32 PLUS it needs to be externally powered. I found out the hard way that the PS3's USB ports do NOT provide enough power for a standalone USB hard drive, so you need to add your own power supply.

2) The Toshiba Portable External drives (I have the 160GB one) work perfectly out of the box with the PS3 provided you use an AC adapter with them. Luckily, I had a matching one lying around the house.

Will my Denon 3808 AVR provide enough power to drive the HD, its always on if the PS3 is on?

Hi!

I have a Toshiba 1,5TB haddrive that i connected and used on PC an PS3, it worked fine. Until the day i found out that it was fat-32 format from Toshiba and i couldnt have DVD movies on it because of the file sice limit... therefore i formated the harddrive into NTFS, not knowing that the PS3 was not able to read that! then i tought, hey.. i just make 2 "disks" on it!(one NTFS and one fat-32) didnt work... and the werid thing now, is that i formated the HD back to fat-32 format, put all my videos, music and pics back on it like it was in the beginning when it all worked with out any further luck! in other words, my PS3 now dont recognize the same HD that only has been formated 3 times and should be just like when i first got it...
anyone have had this problem before and have a smart clue on how i get this fixed?

hmm not sure. i have my 1tb hard drive set up like that: a 100gb fat32 partition, and a 900gb ntfs partition. what software are you using to partition? are you doing a quick format or a full one?


and fyi, you can fit full dvds onto fat32. instead of making an ISO of the disc, you can just rip the VIDEO_TS folder. if you use a program like DVD Decrypter or DVD SHrink, it will automatically split the files into sizes that fat32 will accept.

But, I thought the PS3 was not able to play back ripped VIDEO_TS folders properly. I'd heard there's a slight pause when the PS3 changes from one file to the next. Although, this doesn't happen when the PS3 plays regular DVD discs. Anyone find this strange?

But, I thought the PS3 was not able to play back ripped VIDEO_TS folders properly. I'd heard there's a slight pause when the PS3 changes from one file to the next. Although, this doesn't happen when the PS3 plays regular DVD discs. Anyone find this strange?

turn sequential play? option on! Last time I had those transfered on ps3 hard disc, they just played flawless in sync

^ ^ ^ ^
Thanks for that. I started using a PS3 Slim recently (my first Playstation). Never used that functionality because I felt it wouldn't work (had read it in a few earlier posts).

Will definitely give it a try.

^ ^ ^ ^
Thanks for that. I started using a PS3 Slim recently (my first Playstation). Never used that functionality because I felt it wouldn't work (had read it in a few earlier posts).

Will definitely give it a try.

keep us posted. btw I watch some asian dvd that possibly have screwed up flags and once ripped and viewed, anamorphic dvd is only viewed as letterbox oar, anamorphic function disappears! I could not figure that one. Can some one comment/?

Since my first YLOD showed me the errors of upgrading to my 320GB (and the planned upgrade to 500GB), I've seen the light in using an external drive for my media. Outside of the encryption/reliability issue, updates took forever (about 8 hours IIRC) on the 320GB.

Now I'm just wishing we had a rear USB port or two to hide the ugly cable coming off the front.

Since my first YLOD showed me the errors of upgrading to my 320GB (and the planned upgrade to 500GB), I've seen the light in using an external drive for my media. Outside of the encryption/reliability issue, updates took forever (about 8 hours IIRC) on the 320GB.

Now I'm just wishing we had a rear USB port or two to hide the ugly cable coming off the front.You really think that the HDD upgrade is part of the cause of your YLOD? :confused: I really doubt it unless you were planning to run HDDs that ran at the higher RPMs even though I thought they were shown to only produce negligable heat differences and therefor while not impossible, would be very unlikely to contribute to YLODs. I'm of the opinion that if your mother board was going to YLOD it had nothing to do with you changing the HDD and more so the time invested into using the machine.

Just reread your post..

Or are you saying that your YLOD has shown you the need to keep external back-ups of your media. Now that I'm 100% behind. I have a HDD for my music (back-ups in case of failure and for ease of transport) and a HDD specifically for my PS3 HDD backup saves. If my machine goes down...I'm 99% covered for catastophic failure.

No, you took that the wrong way. I don't think upgrading the drive was a cause. But it ultimately showed me that using external USB was better (for shorter backup/restore time, if nothing else).

I am copious in backing up my data, so still have all the music, videos, etc. You can just pop a USB drive on there and near instantly have access to all of it... with the only current downside being that you'll have an ugly cable protruding from the front.

No, you took that the wrong way. I don't think upgrading the drive was a cause. But it ultimately showed me that using external USB was better (for shorter backup/restore time, if nothing else).

I am copious in backing up my data, so still have all the music, videos, etc. You can just pop a USB drive on there and near instantly have access to all of it... with the only current downside being that you'll have an ugly cable protruding from the front.Ah yes, that makes much more sense. Now can I ask a question though. When I rip a CD on the PC, I can copy to the USB drive or transfer to the PS3 via wireless. But no matter what I do, when I view the music folder via the PS3, the tracks are always in random order. Now if you copy to the PS3, when viewing the music, it's all in the right place. Am I doing something wrong, or is that just something that you get used to if you don't copy the music to the PS3's internal drive.

Ah yes, that makes much more sense. Now can I ask a question though. When I rip a CD on the PC, I can copy to the USB drive or transfer to the PS3 via wireless. But no matter what I do, when I view the music folder via the PS3, the tracks are always in random order. Now if you copy to the PS3, when viewing the music, it's all in the right place. Am I doing something wrong, or is that just something that you get used to if you don't copy the music to the PS3's internal drive.

The PS3 too rips audio CDs, and quite well at that. Usually the PS3 displays the tracks in the order of their track number. You can manually change the track number in the metadata on the PS3. Hit triangle on a track and select "Edit". Lower down, you can see the track number.

Quick note to say you may be able to use a non-powered USB HD by using a USB Y cable.
I am running one now.

Quick note to say you may be able to use a non-powered USB HD by using a USB Y cable.
I am running one now.

So people are aware im using a seagate free agent go 880gb which is powered by a single usb cable and it works perfectly on my p3s.

I just bought a 1TB Western Digital My Book Essential, but was unable to reformat it to FAT32. The formatting utility I downloaded from wdc.com gave me an error; I think it might be out of date.

Any recommendations on brands/models that are easier to reformat?

^ ^ ^ ^
There are 3rd party programs that reformat your external drive as FAT32. A simple search on google will help you out.

I just bought a 1TB Western Digital My Book Essential, but was unable to reformat it to FAT32. The formatting utility I downloaded from wdc.com gave me an error; I think it might be out of date.

Any recommendations on brands/models that are easier to reformat?

Get this...

http://download.cnet.com/Easeus-Partition-Master-Home-Edition/3000-2248_4-10863346.html

Should do the trick.

Jason

If I partition the drive into a NTFS volume and a FAT32 volume, will the PS3 recognize the drive?

I had it that way on one of my external drives and the ps3 did see the fat32 partition.

Jason

Okay, thanks. I'll give it a try.

Well, I successfully created a FAT32 partition, my PS3 recognized it, and I've started my backup.

But holy cow is it slow. The backup utility gave me an estimate of 6 hours 40 minutes. Unbelievable.

The backup utility gave me an estimate of 6 hours 40 minutes

How much stuff is there to backup? Do you have a 200GB or so? I think I saw 7MB/sec during backup. Maybe it's slow due to encryption and may also be doing checksums.

I have an 80GB drive, with about 11 GB free space left.

Quick follow-up: I replaced my internal HD with a new, bigger one, and tried to restore from the external drive. It didn't go quite as smoothly as the online guides claimed.

I didn't get the XMB; I got a message saying that I didn't have version 3.21 of the system software. I had to download the latest update to a flash drive, connect that, and reinstall. Only then could I access the backup utility and restore what I'd saved to the external drive. (Restoring was much faster than backing up; only about 1 hour 40 minutes.) Either this is new with 3.21, or the online guides omit this step.

After restoring, things still weren't exactly right. I had to resync to get my trophies, which I expected, but my dynamic themes weren't working; they appeared as corrupted data, just as they did during the ApocalyPS3. I was able to redownload them from the Playstation Store without any problem, but should I have needed to do that?

Beyond that, things seem to be okay, and I have a 320GB drive in my PS3 now.

... I have a 320GB drive in my PS3 now.

Mass consumer software is not easy to do, Sony have given ps3 a lot of nice features.
A few glitches here and there are to be expected.

If you don't have one already, they're nice to have. I have the single with eSATA and USB.
http://www.thermaltakeusa.com/Products.aspx?S=1268

You can pop your old ps3 drive in there and use it for backups, etc. I buy cheap drives and just pop in and out. I label them so I know what's on them.

Quick follow-up: I replaced my internal HD with a new, bigger one, and tried to restore from the external drive. It didn't go quite as smoothly as the online guides claimed.

I didn't get the XMB; I got a message saying that I didn't have version 3.21 of the system software. I had to download the latest update to a flash drive, connect that, and reinstall. Only then could I access the backup utility and restore what I'd saved to the external drive. (Restoring was much faster than backing up; only about 1 hour 40 minutes.) Either this is new with 3.21, or the online guides omit this step.

After restoring, things still weren't exactly right. I had to resync to get my trophies, which I expected, but my dynamic themes weren't working; they appeared as corrupted data, just as they did during the ApocalyPS3. I was able to redownload them from the Playstation Store without any problem, but should I have needed to do that?

Beyond that, things seem to be okay, and I have a 320GB drive in my PS3 now.

Everything you experienced sounds about right when performing an HDD upgrade. It's a PITA because of all the re-downloading you have to do from the store. It's too bad that the PS3 doesn't have some sort of cloning software.

Hello,

I have an older model western digital 1tb external with its own power supply, and no power button.
It turns on and off with the ps3 (which rules)

I see that the newer models have a power button, does that mean the drive
will no longer turn on and off as the ps3 turns on and off?

Id like to upgrade to 2tb, I've had alot of luck with the WDs, but I also like
being able to completely shut down with the harmony one.

Any suggestions appreciated...

Thanks

I have a Fantom 1tb drive with a power switch. If I leave the drive on and connected to the ps3, is doesn't turn completely off, but goes into standby mode when the ps3 gets turned off. It all depends on how the drive was made. Some drives will turn completely off when there is no signal coming from the usb. I would contact the manufacturer of the drive and ask them how their drive works before you buy a new one.

I dont think you can unless you plug them in order that you want them. whenever you plug in an external drive, it takes the next available drive letter. The OS basically assign the drive letters chronologically.

Hi There, i've purchased a 1.5TB Samsung External Hard drive, but it doesn't work on my PS3... I've formatted it to FAT32, and even created the Photo, Music, Video and Games folders, but still no luck... Any help???:confused:

Hi There, i've purchased a 1.5TB Samsung External Hard drive, but it doesn't work on my PS3... I've formatted it to FAT32, and even created the Photo, Music, Video and Games folders, but still no luck... Any help???:confused:

One of the possible reasons is the drive has multiple partitions. PS3 will only mount the 1st FAT32 partition. But this logic has an issue because if there are multiple FAT32 partitions on your hard drive, you should still see one FAT32 partition because PS3 ignores other non-FAT32 partitions.

Still worth checking on your PC with a hard drive partitioning utility. Also check the FAT32 partition isn't in the "hidden" state.

I never tried with 1.5TB FAT32 partition. If nothing works, create a smaller 1st partition formatted to FAT32. At least you will know if it's partition size is the cause or something else. FAT32 unofficially can handle terabytes but Microsoft doesn't want users to do it because of inefficiency and untested when it was introduced in Windows 95.

Update:
You said you tried to create photos, etc. Does that mean you can see the external hard drive icon mounted on your PS3?

One of the possible reasons is the drive has multiple partitions. PS3 will only mount the 1st FAT32 partition. But this logic has an issue because if there are multiple FAT32 partitions on your hard drive, you should still see one FAT32 partition because PS3 ignores other non-FAT32 partitions.

Still worth checking on your PC with a hard drive partitioning utility. Also check the FAT32 partition isn't in the "hidden" state.

I never tried with 1.5TB FAT32 partition. If nothing works, create a smaller 1st partition formatted to FAT32. At least you will know if it's partition size is the cause or something else. FAT32 unofficially can handle terabytes but Microsoft doesn't want users to do it because of inefficiency and untested when it was introduced in Windows 95.

Update:
You said you tried to create photos, etc. Does that mean you can see the external hard drive icon mounted on your PS3?

How do I "partition"? Yes, I've created folders, but still the PS3 doesn't read the external. But if I put a Memory Stick in the PS3, it reads perfectly. The indicator light comes on which shows me that the external is working, but it's just not reading on the PS3. Sorry, I'm quite new at all of this, don't know how all this stuff works...

How do I "partition"? Yes, I've created folders, but still the PS3 doesn't read the external. But if I put a Memory Stick in the PS3, it reads perfectly. The indicator light comes on which shows me that the external is working, but it's just not reading on the PS3. Sorry, I'm quite new at all of this, don't know how all this stuff works...

1st question, what did you use to format your USB hard drive to FAT32? If you use Windows, by default it will not allow to format any partition larger than 30GB to FAT32. On Mac, useless you know how to access the partition utility, it will not format to FAT32.

To see partitions on the hard drive, if you use Windows see this guide:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-vista/Create-and-format-a-hard-disk-partition
Just follow step #1 and #2 to see all the partitions on each hard drive mounted on Windows.

Or this free partitioning software:
http://www.partition-tool.com/personal.htm

If you are unsure what you are doing, don't change or delete anything. All you need to know if when you selected your USB hard drive, it shows only one FAT32 partition that is visible. By default Windows should mount the FAT32 partition so that you can test by creating folders and files to ensure they work. If not, assign a drive letter to it so that you can test it. On Mac it should also auto mount FAT32 partition. I don't think you are using Linux.

As having the USB hard drive indicator light on only means the hard drive detected USB signal from your PS3. Doesn't mean the hard drive is configured properly for PS3 to understand.

Once the USB hard drive has been setup with FAT32 including proper partitioning, the hard drive icon (name depends on your hard drive manufacturer ID) will appear on your PS3 XMB in pictures, music, video, etc.

You also need to put different type of files in specific folders at the root for PS3 to see them by default:
http://ps3explained.com/advanced/folder-structure/

If you can get this far, I'll tell you more on other possible issues to know with external USB hard drive.

About extenal USB hard drive compatibility with PS3. I have read some said not all USB hard drives are compatible with PS3. Not sure if it was misconfiguration or really incompatible. I have a lot of USB storages from generic to brand name and never encounter one isn't compatible with PS3 as long the USB storage is properly configured.

I've used Windows 7 to format to FAT32. Thanks for all your help so far, will check it out tonight when I get home, and let you know tomorrow...