This guide has been updated since its original publication to reflect hardware and software updates. Multiple members of the Digital Trends staff contributed to this guide.
Like many people living in the digital age, my digital media was scattered among various drives, computers, and discs. I wanted seamless central control over all of it, so I decided to use my Sony PlayStation 3 as a media hub, with my 40-inch Samsung HDTV as a monitor. Now I can view or listen to all my photos, videos, and music via my TV screen, no matter where they are. Here’s a guide to building a digital media command center in your living room.
LEVEL 1: Connect to your home network
In the PS3′s main menu, navigate to Settings – Network Settings – Internet Connection, press X on your SixAxis controller and make sure it’s toggled to Enabled. Then go to Internet Connection Settings (also under Network Settings), and select your network name (SSID). Enter the network password if you have one.
If you have the original WiFi-less PS3 20GB, you can still connect it to your network by plugging the console into your router or extender (like an Apple Airport Express) via Ethernet cable.
Bonus Points: A Logitech diNovo mini Bluetooth keyboard comes in very handy for entering network passwords and any other text. There’s a complete guide to pairing and using it with a PS3 here.The pairing process is very similar to setting up a Bluetooth headset on a cell phone. You can check out our full Logitech diNovo mini review.
Logitech DiNovo mini
Extra Life: If your network consists exclusively of 802.11n-compatible hardware, bypass the PS3′s slower (802.11b/g) wireless connection by plugging it directly into your router or an extender (we used an Airport Express) via Ethernet cable. Adjust your router’s wireless settings to operate in 802.11n mode only. And if all your hardware supports it, switch to the 5GHz frequency band for a 60-100 percent speed bump and less interference. This can be a lifesaver when you’re copying lots of files to your PS3 over a network.
LEVEL 2: Connect to your computers
Go into the PS3′s Settings menu and navigate to Network Settings – Media Server Connection, and select Enabled. This allows the PS3 to detect networked computers running Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) server software.
Playstation Media Server Connection
WINDOWS 7/Vista: Windows users have a number of useful options when it comes to serving media files from their PCs. The latest version of Windows Media Player is generally the easiest option because it comes preinstalled with Windows, but a number of third-party applications also exist that offer better file compatibility and more advanced features. Plex and PS3 Media Server are two extremely popular packages that transcode file formats the PS3 doesn’t natively support. For instance, the PlayStation 3 doesn’t natively support playback of lossless FLAC files, but Plex will transcode them into other compatible formats on the fly.
For this particular tutorial, we used Plex. If you have media on either a Mac or a Windows computer (or both), we recommend Plex for its cross-platform compatibility, its clean and easily navigable interface and all the advanced connectivity features you can get. Oh, and did we mention it’s free?
First, you’ll need to download Plex. You can do that here for OSX and here for Windows. The important one is the Plex Media Server. The Plex Media Center is optional, but if you’re in the market for a new media center, it’s definitely worth a look.
After you’ve downloaded the Plex Media Server, click through all the necessary setup windows to install it. Following installation you’ll need to add media to your library. This process differs a bit for Windows and Mac.
MAC: After you’ve successfully installed the Plex Media Server, an icon in the shape of a black chevron should appear in your menu bar. Click on it to access a drop down menu and then choose Plex Media Manager.
A window will appear. At the bottom left you should see + and – buttons. Click on the plus button to add media. From here, you’ll need to tell Plex where your media is located. You can either drag folders into the list or click the + button to browse your folders in Finder. Find the right folders for your media and click Open to add them to Plex.
WINDOWS: After a successful install, a Plex icon will appear in your taskbar in the lower left. Select it and then click Plex Media Manager in the popup menu.
This will open up a new window in your default browser. From this point onward it’s simple. Just click on the sections for which you’d like to add media (movies, music, tv shows, etc.) and a drop-down window will appear. Click the Add button to add media. Another window will appear and you’ll be prompted to select the path to the folder where your media is. This can be done manually or by browsing your files.
Achievement: Use Plex’s list of metadata agents to find album art for your music, and posters pics for your movies. The added aesthetic makes everything look even more gorgeous.
LEVEL 3: Connect to extra storage
This part is simple — just plug in your thumb drive or USB hard drive to any of the PS3′s USB ports. My 300GB Maxtor USB hard drive showed up as “USB Disk (One Touch II)” in the PS3’s video, photo, and music menus. When navigating a USB drive’s folders, use the PS3 menu corresponding to the type of media you’re looking for on the drive, or the files won’t show up.
USB Device Connected
External drives must be formatted with the FAT32 file system for the PS3 to read files on it. Formatting a drive erases all the data on it, so if your PS3 won’t read your drive, make sure to back up all data before you format.
Memory cards (Memory Stick, SD and its variants, or CompactFlash) go in the labeled slots under the door on the PS3′s front, and they don’t require specific formatting. ‘
Secret weapon: If you have a network-attached storage device (like an Apple Time Capsule with a 500GB hard drive in it), you can access it by mounting the drive on a networked computer. Then select your media server in the main PS3 window, and navigate to Folders – Volumes, and select the networked drive you want. Note that this doesn’t work with Windows Media Player’s UPnP server, but it works fine with Plex.
PS3 Accessing the Network Drive
LEVEL 4: Start watching and listening
Access your content by navigating to Photo, Video, or Music on the PS3′s home screen, and scroll until you see your computer or external drive. If you don’t see your computer’s media server listed, try selecting “Search for Media Servers” from any of the multimedia menus.
PS3 Codec Support
Video: MPG, MP4, AVI, DivX (except v3.11), AVCHD, WMV
Audio: WAV, MP3, AAC, ATRAC, WMA
Photo: JPEG, BMP, GIF, TIFF, PNG
Not supported: Protected content, lossless audio formats (Apple Lossless, FLAC, etc.), RAW image files, or VOB movie files.
Next page: How to copy frequently used files to your PS3 and other tips.
Do I need to keep my pc turned on to keep sharing media?
do the ps3 have to be connected to the internet, to connect to the mediaserver?
Ummm i could not find the up np check box when directed to go throught the firewall setting …found the wmp check sharing….thanks How can i find or make it come up on that service list?
not sure what exactly you’re saying but in your firewall settings there should be an option to allow exceptions. Open it and allow exceptions for the program you’re going to use as the media server for your ps3. This is of course assuming there is no option to allow sharing from the program itself.
also which program / OS are you using for the media server?
By plugging in a FAT32 pHDD
I use my PS3 for streaming through PS3MS than I do for actual gaming.
Blu ray and streaming. No gaming
hope this helps just get a 8 to 32 gig flash drive and the program (any dvd converter pro) and just convert your movies to ps3 format then load it to the flash drive and then just put drive into open usb port on ps3 thats it now play them on ps3 u can also put pics and mp3s on the drive to tooo listen to music or view pics or you can copy them directly to the ps3 if your harddrive has anuff space for it plus if you have the program you can convert the vids to the wii and xbox 360 plus more with the program
Hi, I was wondering wheres the AOSS (AirStation One Tou ch Secure System) button is located for the ps3. Its something to do with wireless internet or wifi
my WMP doesnt recognize any devices when I open it, any thoughts on that, I go to Library, click Media Sharing but the box is empty, please help…
By plugging in a FAT32 pHDD
yep! Netflix and movies from a flash drive. Music too
I use my PS3 for streaming through PS3MS than I do for actual gaming.
I tried to follow the instructions to setup the ps3 but when it came selecting the ssid there was nothing like that on my screen. Where are the rest of the instructions to configure all the features you talked about?
but my meter counts the gigabytes… are you sure they won't count to my limit?
i hope my internet won't become slow one of these days =)
i have a program that counts the downloadactivity on my pc, and when i use the sharing my pc is uploading this data to the ps3. This is for everyone the same but my question is if this counts with my downloadlimit. I can download 75gb a month but 1 movie is 10gb worth of uploading. So if this counts, i can't watch many movies per month. I've been looking around a bit and i found that if it's connected to the local network, it's not counting. But if it's connected to the internet it does counts so if anyone could pull out their internetcable or turn internet off while sharing or watching a movie and comment their observations here and if it still works without internet (pc, not the ps3) it would be greatly appriciated.
thanx and greetings
It doesn't count at all. The bandwidth is only being shared between your PC and the PS3. Your router controls this and thus your internet provider doesn't even know that anything is being streamed even when you're surfing the web at the same time. Consider this your own personal internet that is free and is only limited by connection types and router control. Things like Netflix and Pandora on the other hand are completely different and are requesting bandwidth from an external (Internet) source (ie a Netflix server).
TVersity BEST, PROGRAM, EVER! if you're having trouble with windows media player don't even bothed, d!cked around for hours with it, install TVersity and wollah, done,
How do you move control to your remote from the controller?
you need a blue tooth ps3 remote
i keep trying to do this but my ps3 wont show up in the share my media box. can someone please help me? what can i do to make the ps3 show up in the box?
reply please
need more info on how exactly you are trying to connect & what OS. my guess is your firewall is set to never allow exceptions or your anti virus is blocking you. make sure exceptions are allowed for the program you are planning to use as the media server for your ps3.
PS3MediaServer works great on OS X too. Not sure why the article only mentions the windows version. Watching a movie from my Mac right now.
OK.. thxs… About PC! = windows you are very right… my bad. it's the oversimplifications of life that get us in tight spots.
Your PC is the server serving the media through the network to the PS3 which is the client. Yes, the person who wrote the article is dumb.
Yes, you are very correct. This would not make the PS3 a media server, this would merely setup your PC as a media server to be used with your PS3.And a Mac is a PC (personal computer)… PC does NOT = windows
Maybe not technically does PC=Windows, but in reality it does. It is so common a usage in our society that it has become interchangeable with Windows/Microsoft. You hear it all the time. "Do you have a PC or a Mac." I would suggest getting used to it since it has been in use for well over a decade and doesn't look like it's going anywhere. Personally, I think you make perfect sense, but just get passed it and save yourself the frustration.
Oh, now I see you were just clarifying an earlier post. Nevermind.
you need to do mac for both ps3 and the computer,not just the one
I am having the same problem. any suggestions
hi guys im quit stupid,when it comes to computer things, can anyone explaine to me how to wireless send itunes about 35gb worth to my ps3 80gb, the blue wireless light is not on any more after i used a lan cabel,to try to link the too im fed up with it the ps3 picks up 8/9 wire less cons all securty protected i have to use a dongel for internet access, marc
Were is the server? A server serves media through the network to other clients. This looks mor like a client
Quite right
Try Tveristy.
is there something free that will allow you to stream hulu?
hmm not sure. I use Tversity for streaming movies to my PC, I find it works better and more smoothly than the native built in Windows Media Player capabilities of the PS3. Plus Tversity is free.
i had problem after problem and spent half the day trying to get WMP 11 to work. I installed PS3 Media Server and within minutes, i was watching a movie on my HDTV via my PS3 and home network. i recommend it 100%
ten feet maybe. Negative. like right now i downloaded house and have been watching it and it hasnt stuttered once. so i guess it only does it on some movies. also, i removed it from my computer and re downloaded pms. do you think that might have fixed it?
try using a different band width or get a better router. my guess is the larger / higher res. items are not indexing fast enough.
How far away are you streaming it from? Does it do it with all movies?
sorry not enough info…..i have a 80gb ps3 and ps3 media server and i am streaming from my laptop computer and when i'm watching a movie it stops or stutters every few seconds. how do i fix this problem?
bandwidth your using isn’t transmitting fast enough, try changing your router settings or get a better router
i have an 80gb ps3 and ps3 media server but when i watch movies it studders all the time. how do i fix this?
try a proxy, different bandwidth, or better router
also tversity uses different coding software, could work a little faster for you.
1/31/10 downloaded PS3 Media Server, and it works GREAT !!! THANKS !!!
Question, my brother and I are tinkering around trying to get the PS3 Media Server to work. I tapped into the router and enabled MAC Address Cloning and what happens is the PS3 can connect to the computer through the router, however, I can no longer access the Internet through the computer. When I disable MAC Address Cloning I can no longer connect to the computer through the PS3, however, I can resume use of the Internet on the computer. Any thoughts on how I can use the computer as a media server AND be able to connect to the Internet on the computer?
duh!!Gr8 Tut!But I still prefer PS3 MediaServer. The only 1 where I got working subtitles.Does anyone knows if it's possible to capture the PS3MS stream on my WM6 PDA (HTC TYNYII)?
The point is being able to watch your movies that are on a hard drive on your TV, or to listen to your music through your home theater system instead of having to watch them on your computer.
HI THERE WHATS THE POINT OF HAVEING CONSOLES AS MEDIA SEVERS DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE HOW LONG A HARD DRIVE I WOULD ONLY USE ONE IF I COULD CAN GET ONE WITH A LIGHTING FAST SSD SOLID STATE FLASH DRIVES 10,000 RPM VOLOCI-RAPTORS OR 15,000 RPM CHEETEAS HARD DRIVES OR LASER HARD DRIVES 160 TB/S OR 160 TERABYTES PER SECOND OR NANOSPHERS AT 2.5 TIMES FASTER THEN LIGHT SPEED I REALY WANT LIGHTING FAST ACESS TOO MY MEDIA FILES
what?
I use Tversity at home and it seems to work fine. I haven't accessed Hulu in a while, but it worked last time I tried.
Is there anything out there to integrate the HULU and Netflix for MAC? Playon is simply PC.
Well… just tell me one thing I must be getting wrong:Where does this setup configure PS3 as a MEDIA SERVER? I could see as a mediastreamer, a media player of networked files… but a server?I wish I could use it as a web SERVER, a mail SERVER, and a file/media SERVER (replacing a NAS)… without loosing it's beautifull interface (i.e. by installing linux)… I could then offload all the content of my computers to the PS3, play them on the tele and Stereo when desired, and still have them available on my laptops when the computers are on the network… this is a media server type of usage… not the one you describe.But never the less… great piece! very detailed, and lot's of alternatives for MEDIA SERVER software for your PC and Mac… not for PS3.
Great how to – worked like a charm, took 10 min to setup – thanks for mentioning the mystery dlna errors.
the set up its the easiest with mac os x and the ps3 playing music and pictures is extremely easy however the videos buffer too much its choppy and you cant really enjoy watching a movie or video of any sort.
Matt you just have to share the folders with your files in them. right click on the folder you want to share then properties, sharing tab then enable. easy as………
not a very good guide but it gets the general idea out there. was still quite a challenge.i finally got it to find my pc, but all the folders were empty. anyone know the folder on my pc i got to put my files in to so my ps3 can find them?
Deano, you'd have to setup static ip addresses for each and use a crossover cable to connect the two.
hi i dont have a routour just a laptop with wirless a HDTVand ps3 and i was wondering can i use my ethernet cable through my laptop to the ps3 and share my media through that i tried it once but it failed and does it need to be connected to the internet through the cable if i want to put my movies and music onto the ps3 from my laptop :)
an external drive for your ps3 may be the way to go for you, if you don’t want to spend the cash take just passing through’s advice or get a router hooked up
@james
Yes, it is.
As far as am concern play stations is d best keep it up.
Chris, is that better than Tversity you think?
PlayOn from http://www.themediamall.com/playon fixes that Hulu problem for PS3 users. It allows you to stream HULU as well as Netflix on the PS3 after entering your netflix account information.
PS3 Media Server and PlayOn are the way to go!
Hey i have a ps3 and cant seem to be able toplay in either wmp or real player, also it wont play in flash hd. what can I do? thanks.
With WMP, you need to make sure sharing is enabled, there are plenty of youtube videos showing how to do this. Also, make sure you're under "music" in the XMB if you're playing music, video if video etc. otherwise, the ps3 won't see the files.
I've never set it up with real player, so I'm no help there.
As for flash hd, I assume you mean usb thumbdrives or harddrives, you need to make sure the files are in a folder located inside the root folder that the ps3 file system can understand. example: E:MUSICmusicfile.mp3
Make sure you create a folder called MUSIC for music, VIDEO for videos, and PICTURE for pictures, otherwise the ps3 can't see the files…