Definitive PS3 Streaming Guide

There is going to be multiple sections to this so don't worry. I am closing down my website and posting all the content here.

THIS SECTION IS RESERVED FOR INITIAL LINKING

Getting Started

First things first. Lets download Tversity. Open up your browser and navigate to http://www.tversity.com/home

Install Tversity and follow all it's prompts. You will end up setting up a service that will automatically start Tversity when your PC is booted up.

Once you have Tversity installed, open up the program.

Configuring Sharing

Here is what you should be greeted by:

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Now in order to start sharing your files, we first have to tell Tversity where your files is located.

Click the + button in Tversity.

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Once you click the + button you will be left with a drop down box. It will be asking you of several places where media may be present. You can add individual files, all the files located in a specific folder, etc. In this article I am going to focus on sharing all my media from a folder.

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You will now have to specify where the files are located. For simplicity sake, I am merely going to browse for my folder in My Documents and select My Videos. This is where I keep my files located.

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You are going to be going through a little queuing time. Tversity has to build up an entry for each file you have located in your My Videos. So if you have hundred's of files, then you are going to be looking at a little bit of time before you can view every one of them on your PS3. Your end result should be something similar to the first picture I posted below.

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Configuring Settings

After you completed the steps above, we have to configure our Settings in Tversity to permit files play correctly.

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Navigate to the Settings Tab in Tversity. You will need to edit these parameters to meet the criteria of your network, media, and TV capabilities.

Warning !! The video/image resolution should be set to the maximum of what your TV can handle. Otherwise you may not be able to display anything. Also, the option to lower the bitrate of the file that is being played if it is too high for your network, this is optional. Those on Wifi may have hit-n-miss choppiness. If you are on a wired network, then I recommend leaving this unchecked.

NOTE: YOU MUST ALLOW TVERSITY ACCESS THROUGH YOUR FIREWALL. OTHERWISE YOUR PS3 WILL NOT BE ABLE TO SEE YOUR TVERSITY SHARES. YOU CAN EITHER A) DISABLE YOUR FIREWALL OR B)ADD AN EXCEPTION FOR TVERSITY TO HAVE ACCESS THROUGH THE FIREWALL.

Getting Started

First we need to download ourselves a copy of the install. Visit here.

Now once you finish the download, go head and start the install. Once you get to this prompt, STOP!! I want to explain some things to you first.

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select it to run as a Service. This way any time you restart your PC, Twonky will automatically run and can stream to your PS3. Now the other stuff I want to really explain is dealing with where your media is shared. You can either enter it all in at this prompt or elsewhere later. But I will explain it here first.

Configuring

Note where the arrows are pointing. You will see a +M|,a +P|, and +V|. Those three quantifiers are how Twonkymedia defines the shares you specify here. +M| stands for Music. +P| stands for Pictures. +V| stands for Video. You can set everything up right here if you want. I am going to give an example of how you can do it this way.

NOTE: YOU MUST USE COMMAS TO SEPARATE YOUR MEDIA TYPE.

Go ahead and finish the install now. Now we can go to the Web Interface to change some things.

First, click on the Sharing link on the left side. You will be greeted by this prompt. You should see your media as you specified earlier. But if you chose not to do it that way, you can manually enter it here.

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Now enter the location of where your media is at in the Content Locations prompt. You can manually type it in, or browse to the file(s) location. The choice is yours.

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So once you have selected your file location, click on the button Add New content directory. For each additional location where you want to share files, you must click the Add New content directory. There now you have added some of your media. Continue on doing this until you have added all the media you want to stream. You will end up with something similar to this.

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To make sure the Twonkymedia will now share all of our files, we have to Rescan the Content directories. So click that button.

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Make sure you Save Changes. Otherwise all your work will be lost.

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All of your content should now be shared. If by some reason it does not show up on your PS3, you may either need to refresh your PS3 or Rescan the directories. This is a very simplified guide for sharing your files. Twonkymedia can be highly customized on its setup, so if I have interest in me explaining on setting up other things within Twonky, please let me know.

This is very useful if you are like me and have a ton of artists out there, but you have them all sorted out into specific folders. You know where to find all the music you want within these folders and you just hate how Twonkymedia sets up the browsing on your PS3. Well here is the easiest way to fix that. Just change your settings to the image posted below.

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Getting Started

First we need to download Fuppes. If you are wanting to run this on Linux, make sure you get the appropriate one. But in my tutorial I am using Windows.

Let's install Fuppes now. Follow all your prompts to let it install. For the first time configuration, you can add your media via web browser. To get to the configuration menu, run the executable Fuppes. You should now see an icon in your taskbar.

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Configuring

Right-click on that icon. You need to select Show webinterface. A browser window should now pop up. Here is what it should look like.

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In order to add your media, you have to copy and paste the location of where it is stored into the Fuppes configuration. So click on the Configuration Menu. Here is what you will be greeted with. (Please note I already have my media added. My shared locations are simply from My Documents. Your location may vary.)

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Once you have pasted in the location of your media, click the Submit Query button below it. If you happen to make a boo-boo on the location of the files you are wanting to share, simply click on the box to the left. This will be under the Del column. Then hit Submit Query button again. Your mishap should now be gone. Below is where you need to click.

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So you now have a few locations set up one the media you are wanting to share. In my case it has been My Videos and My Music. Now we have to tell Fuppes to update its internal database on the media you are now sharing. So navigate to the Options link under Menu. Once you make it to there, click the update database link.

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You will have to give your PC a little bit of time to build up the list of files you are wanting to share. If you have gigabytes of data, this may take a while.

In order for Fuppes to play back most the media you have on your PC, you will need to configure some settings in the fuppes.cfg file. The best suggestion to find this file is to simply do a search for it. Once you locate it, load it up in your favorite text editor. We need to enable DNLA for Fuppes as well as transcoding. I am going to provide you with an internet link directly from the author on Fuppes on how you should edit these settings. Pay special attention to the transcoding section.

Fuppes wiki page

Once you have completed the editing, make sure you save the file. Great!! You are almost done. We just have to get a dll files to allow playback of mp3 files. Download lame_enc.dll

Once you download the file, extract it to the Fuppes application folder. This will probably be as follows: C:\\Program Files\\Free UPnP Entertainment Service\\magick-modules

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We only have a couple steps left to do till Fuppes is sharing files on to your PS3. Bare with me here. Double-click on the Fuppes icon in the taskbar again.

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You will get a window that pops up. It will selected as disable. Now change that to normal. You should see Fuppes start streaming some random information down the log screen.

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Success !! You just set up Fuppes to stream music and movies to your PS3. So go to your PS3 now and Search for servers. Fuppes should pop up. If you run into any snags, give me an email. Hope this helps.

*Note - If by some chance that your .mpg files do not have FF/RW abilities, simply restart your PC and rebuild your database in Fuppes. I ran into this issue and so did someone else.

Getting Started

First you must meet the requirements for WMP11. This means that you must either be running Windows XP or Windows Vista. If you are running an older form of Windows you are out of luck. I would try either Tversity or Twonkymedia at this point. So if you can meet the requirements, you need to download the WMP11 installer.

After the verification process completes, go head and install the program. When you finish the installing process open up WMP11. You will have a window open up similar to this.



Configuring

Now it is time to configure the sharing. Navigate to Tools > Options. You should have a window come up. Now navigate to the Library tab. You will see an option to Configure Sharing. Click on that box.



Another window is going to pop up. Click the little box to Share my media. Now you should see an Unknown Device pop up in that same windows. This is WMP11 seeing your PS3.



Select the Unknown Device and then select the Allow button. You have just now set up part 1 of the sharing portion for WMP11. Click OK.

While the Options window is still open. Select the Monitor Folders button. You will then have to add your media accordingly. Here is how I have it set up. You can do it however you like though.



Once you select OK, WMP11 will then begin scanning the directories for media. This can take a while depending on how much you are attempting to share.

Pat yourself on the back. You just finally set up WMP11 to share all your media. But let's make sure that our media is being shared. Go back to the WMP11 default screen. You will then have to click to the little tab to the right of the media icon like below.



You will have to verify for each media type to ensure that WMP11 is sharing the files. But here is how you now that videos are able to be shared. This is just a sample showing that I have video being shared through WMP11.

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Enable H.264-MP4/M4V/M4A previews in WMP11

This registry patch will tie MP4/M4V/M4A files into Windows Media Player [WMP11] and Windows Media Center [WMC] allowing them to play this file type but also stream from WMP11 these file types to the Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 However there are caveats as it is not possible to tie a third party codec 100% into WMP without developing some sort of plug-in. Also available are patches for Flac, M2TS and MKV/MKA. I have moved M2TS off into it's own entry to keep it separate if you are looking for it click that M2TS link.

This process is compatible with 32/64-bit Windows XP/Vista with WMP11 present, Windows Home Server if WMP11 is installed should work as well. I would recommend though it is not necessary that you create a system restore point before applying these just so you have a point to return too.

Step 1: If running 32-bit Windows download this MP4/M4V/M4A registry patch.

If running 64-bit Windows (see FAQ entry) download this MP4/M4V/M4A x64 registry patch. The 64-bit registry patch includes the keys for 32-bit compatibility.

Step 2: Uninstall any codec packs or prior installs of ffdshow and Haali media splitter.

Step 3: Download ffdshow tryouts & Haali Media Splitter then install both. Alternatively if you wish to have thumbnails for MP4's in the PS3 XMB or Windows Media Center then see thumbnail entry in FAQ below.

Step 4: Double click on the registry patch to apply and it will make the changes to add MP4/M4V/M4A support to WMP11.

Step 5: Reboot your computer (don't skip this).

Step 6: Now start WMP11 and if all goes well you should see any MP4/M4V files that are in monitored folders appear in the video library & M4A in the audio library, now enable file sharing and you should be able to stream the audio & video to the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360.

That's all there is to it, if you are still having problems see trouble shooting section at the end of this page also there is a FAQ a little further below which I strongly recommend reading.

Finally check out my H.264 video encoding guide for the Xbox 360/Playstation 3 as it will generate a compatible H.264 video & it covers pretty much all you need to know plus the limitations peculiar to each console though I primarily focus on cross compatibility in the guide. Also Windows media center extenders have the same H.264 profile as the Xbox 360.

*** Important***

* MP4 = H.264/AAC & is playable on both the Playstation 3 & Xbox 360.
* M2TS = H.264/AC3 & is playable only on the Playstation 3 (Read more about M2TS at this link).
* M4V = H.264/AAC & is playable on the Xbox 360, to play M4V files on the PS3 you must rename the file type from .M4V to .MP4 on your PC and only then will it play on the PS3.
* M4A = AAC audio & is playable on both the Playstation 3 & Xbox 360 (X360 only supports AAC LC).

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VISIT HERE FOR THE PATCHES

Getting Started

I have not forgotten about the mac users out there. There is one program available to you for streaming to your PS3. It is a program called Medialink by Nullsoft. It is trialware with a 30-minute time limit. Should give you ample time to try it out before you buy it. If you do choose to buy it, it is only $20.00 and comes with free upgrades. On a brighter note, it has iLife integration. So your iPhoto, Aperature, and iTunes are completely integrated into the sharing abilities of this software. This is a nice little function. In addition, you have very simple folder sharing.

NOTE: This software does not do transcoding like Tversity. So you must stick with PS3 compliant media.

Configuring

After you load this baby up it will only be accessible in your System Preferences pane.

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Once you click on the Medialink icon, you will be greeted with this screen.

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So let's break this down on what you would like to share. If you have any Aperature photos you want shared, you would want to select the folders you want to share. The same would apply to iPhoto. I am going to concentrate on the Folders section since that is how I share my movies.

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You should be greeted with something similar to this under the Folders section. So let's add some folders we want to share. You simply hit the + button in Medialink. Once you do that, you will get a new window to pop up.

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You are now placed into your Home directory to share your media. Where ever you save your movies you would simply need to navigate there and hit the Open button. Viola, you just shared your folder !!

Since you now have everything configured, simply click the Start button at the top to begin sharing. Everything should be up and working now. This has to be the simplest way to share media out of all the programs I have used.

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So let's make sure your PS3 is recognized. Hit the Devices tab.

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Yep sure enough my PS3 can see my Medialink shares. Enjoy your streaming goodness on the Macintosh platform!!

Getting Started

I know very little about EyeConnect from elgato.com. But I am sure that the software will be able to do everything a user could want. Stream their movies, pictures, and music to their PS3. So let's take a look at how to install this software.

Configuring

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Well right off the bat the program automatically starts sharing your files. That is a definite plus. You can see from the photo that it is showing my PS3 up as a capable client but it is not being identified correctly. I am not sure why. Medialink was able to tell that I had a PS3 connecting to it. After you set up everything how you want it, you can come back to this page and click the lock button to prevent any accidental changes.

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First we need to edit which directories we want to have media shared with. You can see that it will automatically share items from your Home folder ie. Music, Movies, Pictures. Now I don't plan on using EyeTV, so that share is completely useless. Let's nuke it or you can leave it as is. But let me show you how to share different folders.

We first need to stop the sharing of EyeConnect. Otherwise you will end up with this little error.

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So navigate back to the Start/Stop tab.

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So click the Stop button. Okay now we can start configuring our shares if you need to point EyeConnect to different locations. Ready?

Navigate back over to the Content tab.

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Now we need to click the + button just above the lock button. And when you hit the + button, you will get this prompt.

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Now you have to utilize the drop-down bar where it says EyeTV. Select Folder as your option.

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Now click the Add button. Once you do that, you get another prompt.

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They give you the opportunity to name you share to follow the K.I.S.S. method. I renamed my share to Seagate Freeagent Drive.

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Now we need to select the Folder we want to share. So at the Folder: menu, select the drop-down box. Select Other Folder... and then you will head to another screen.

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So this is your opportunity to select the folder you want to share.

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Then select the exact folder you want to share. So select the Choose button. Once you have selected the folder you want shared, you will be brought back to the folder select screen. They want you to confirm that is the folder you want to share. So click Ok.

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Then you will see the folder you are sharing pop up in the Content tab.

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So finish up whatever folders you would like to share then click on the Start/Stop tab.

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Click the Start button and you should be set. Check your PS3 and you should be sharing the files that you selected. Enjoy !!

A neat thing I just noticed with EyeConnect was that it will not share files to the PS3 that it cannot accept. I tried adding a MKV sample to a share folder and it would not even display the file on the PS3 browse option. This should take some frustrating things out of media playing. I also noted that MP4 video files take a bit longer than normal to play, but it makes up for it for terms of browsing speed. This thing is as quick for showing you your files as Fuppes is.

On the downside, I have noticed that if you start playing a game then quit, and then you want to use EyeConnect again it is no longer available. The only way to get the service started back again is to Start/Stop the program. Also, EyeConnect cannot play M2TS files unless there is a hidden setting that I have not found yet. Please keep this in mind if you are using MKV2VOB.

Getting Started

Looks like there is a new player in the free market to allow streaming to your PS3 now. The name is PS3mediaserver. The coders of this project completed it entirely in Java. I know some of you may go *ugh*, but it is a very smooth interface. I was quite happy with how quickly it got me up and running. One of the best features of this program is that it allows thumbnail generations of the video files. Plus it will put some notes on video files to give you a brief description as to if they are .avi, .m2ts, or .vob.

Configuring

Download yourself a copy from the PS3mediaserver website. After you open the .dmg, you will have to drag the application over to your Applications folder.

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After you completed the installation, start up PS3 Media Server and open up the program from your taskbar. You may receive a pop up saying that you must install Java, but PS3 Media Server will install it for you.

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My PS3 is currently turned on, so do not be alarmed by the big red X right now. Just turn on your PS3. First we need to set up our media. Click on the Navigation/Share Settings.

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Now follow the directions I have set up in the picture above. Click Thumnails Generation, Enable Media Library, and Hide #Video Settings# Folder. After that, click on the + button you can choose the media you want to share.

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So we have everything set up now. Just Click Save, then Restart the HTTP Server. Then you are done !! Just hop onto your PS3 and view your files.

Getting Started

The publishers of the famous Twonkymedia which has been available for Windows users have decided to port their popular program over for Mac users now. Let's get started and let me show you how to set up Twonkymedia for OSx.

First things first. Download a copy of the Macintosh client from HERE. Make 100% sure you downloaded the Macintosh version.

Configuring

After you have restarted, open up your Applications and look for Mediaserver.

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Now execute Mediaserver. It will now launch your default web browser. Mine is set to open up Firefox. Here is what you will be greeted by.

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Now click on the TwonkyMedia Settings icon. That would be the "wrench".

You will now be transferred to a page that looks like this snippet.

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You can see that you must first enter your registration code if you have one. If you are just wanting to continue the trial, click on Sharing under Basic Setup.

By default, Twonkymedia automatically shares everything from your Users folder. So if you have everything stored in their respective places in your Home folder then you are all set up. Nice huh. But if you have a few externel drives like me and you want to share them, here is what you have to do.

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Right below the /Users line there is a blank prompt. Click on the Browse button there.

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Now I made this very simple. Just navigate to the /Volumes directory. Here you can see I have my external FreeAgent Drive, HDD, and Untitled. I want to get some of my media off of the FreeAgent Drive. Just hit your appropriate drive, navigate to the folder you want shared and then hit Select.

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After you hit the Select button, you will be brought back to the original prompt for where the location is.

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REMEMBER TO HIT THE SAVE CHANGES BUTTON. After you do that, the directory will be saved. If you don't then you will have to navigate to the directory again. If you have any other directories you want to share, simply hit the Add new content directory button which is just below the directory we just added. Just repeat the steps we did to add the content. Hit Browse, navigate the /Volumes directory, select the drive, and the directory you want to share.

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If you noticed, you can filter out the directories to allow only Video, Pictures, or Music. The choice is up to you on this as you can share everything from the whole drive at once and simply let Twonkymedia deal with it. But I prefer to micromanage things. That is why I set my share to be Video-only. This comes in handy if you have a ton of stuff on one drive or want to keep things simple.

And now you are done !! You should be sharing your media to your PS3. My PS3 automatically found the shares. Let me know if this tutorial was a little too quick as I already have one listed for Windows users which follows the exact same guidelines pretty much.

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Well some additional individuals need to comment in here and I will nuke the remaining posts if we want to keep just the PS3mediaserver as the main means.

Let me work on reupping this stuff. My biggest issue is the limit on files I can upload at one time.