Questions about PS3 (Media Capabilities)

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

I wasn't sure in which forum this topic belonged as while it's about a games console, it's not about games. I had some questions about the PS3 I was hoping owners could enlighten me on. With the announcement of the PS4, its predecessor is bound to drop in price and I'm interested to learn about its media capabilities from owners. I've tried searching for answers but my Google-Fu isn't up to the task.

I've been using an old XBox, modded, for many, many years as a media centre running XBMC. It does an admirable job but isn't able to handle HD and has no online capabilities of which to speak. I mostly use it to play XVids and DivXs, stored on a network share and played directly from there.

- Can the PS3 play things over a network? Can it use Windows (SMB) shares, with/without a username/password?
- What formats can it play? AVI, MP4, DivX, XVid, MOV, MKV, MPG, WMV, etc?
- Does the PS3 have a nice UI? Remote control? Is it quick? Can the remote turn it on from off/stand by?
- I'm fairly sure on this, but I could play a Blu Ray movie on it right? And they don't have regions like DVDs do, do they? I've never used a blu ray disc before.
- Are they loud?
- Would you recommend the old PS3? I ask because I'm given to understand they have backwards compatability with PS2/PS games. What model would you recommend?
- Any other interesting features? Can it play Youtube videos, iPlayer, 4oD, etc?

I have a 360 but frankly it's no good for media unless you have netflix or some such. I must admit, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by a handful of the exclusive games on it too, but I'm most interested in it's video/music capabilities so would be grateful for any and all advice, tips, tricks, anecdotes and answers about such. Many thanks in advance.

 

[votemarvel]

I'm a relatively new PS3 owner, had it for less then a month at this point. So please take everything I say with a pinch of salt, as the newness of it and that work has kept me away from exploring all the features.

- Can the PS3 play things over a network?

I've been streaming from my PC but over wi-fi was terrible, with the PS3 not even realising my computer was there. Note my Computer and PC are both less that a two feet from my router.

Connect by Ethernet and it has no trouble detecting my PC.

- What formats can it play? AVI, MP4, DivX, XVid, MOV, MKV, MPG, WMV, etc?

I've only tried .avi and .mp4. The PS3 seems a lot more picky over what .avi files it will play compared to my Xbox 360. Things the 360 will play without issue the PS3 simply refuses to even start.

My 360 wont stream .mp4 but will happily play them from a USB stick. The PS3 wouldn't even see the .mp4s I have, no matter where I tried to play them from.

- Does the PS3 have a nice UI?

No. With the praise the PS3 dashboard gets I expected something brilliant but it is cluttered and counter intuitive.

Sorry for nothing more but as I said, I'm quite new to the PS3 myself. The console has some great exclusives, currently loving Heavy Rain, but blu-ray aside I find it to be a worse media device than my Xbox 360.

If it wasn't for the fact that my TV only has two HDMI ports, I'd have my PC connected as well for making use of media.

 

[WhyWasThat]

The PS3's UI [called the XMB (Xross Media Bar)] is a bit barebones to look at but it's logically laid out and allows for fairly swift navigation.

PS3 supports Blu-ray. It's even the media format used in all of its games. They are not region locked either.

The PS3 runs very quietly for the most part.

I would definitely recommend the older PS3 model, specifically the 60GB SKU. This model is by far the best because it supports PS2 backwards comparability, has 4 USB ports (as opposed to 2) and also has memory stick slots. Plus it's the sleekest looking in my opinion.

PS3 has an Internet browser, which is sluggish but actually closer to the real thing than Xbox 360's hamstrung Internet Explorer app. PS3 also has official YouTube, iPlayer, 4OD, Netflix apps, as well as a few other niche ones - all of which work well.

 

[ScrabbitRabbit]

- Would you recommend the old PS3? I ask because I'm given to understand they have backwards compatability with PS2/PS games. What model would you recommend?
- Any other interesting features? Can it play Youtube videos, iPlayer, 4oD, etc?

Old PS3s are expensive now, I believe, and all PS3s are compatible with PS1 games. I have a very recent one and was playing Final Fnatasy IV on it the other day. If you can find one for a reasonable price, then the PS2 library is well worth it but, otherwise, just get a newer one.

My brother almost exclusively uses his PS3 as a Youtube machine and BBC iPlayer. I'm confident that 4oD is available but I don't actually know.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Thanks for the informative answers. It sounds pretty capable actually, though format support is still uncertain.

 

[Slvrwolfen]

Going by what Sony declares as the filetypes that a PS3 can play:

Memory Stick Video Format
- MPEG-4 SP (AAC LC)
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile (AAC LC)
- MPEG-2 TS(H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, AAC LC)
MP4 file format
- H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile (AAC LC)
MPEG-1 (MPEG Audio Layer 2)
MPEG-2 PS (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2, AAC LC, AC3(Dolby Digital), LPCM)
MPEG-2 TS(MPEG2 Audio Layer 2, AC3(Dolby Digital), AAC LC)
MPEG-2 TS(H.264/MPEG-4 AVC, AAC LC)
AVI
- Motion JPEG (Linear PCM)
- Motion JPEG (μ-Law)
AVCHD (.m2ts / .mts)
DivX
WMV
- VC-1(WMA Standard V2)

From my own experience, I've been able to play all but .mkv videos on my PS3.

 

[Alakaizer]

I'll answer as many of these questions as I can that haven't been answered already.

- Can the PS3 play things over a network? Can it use Windows (SMB) shares, with/without a username/password?

The PS3 can access media files stored on shared folders, but you may have to tell your PC to recognize it. I've usually just transferred files onto the PS3 instead of trying to stream them, since the controls became a bit laggy.

- What formats can it play? AVI, MP4, DivX, XVid, MOV, MKV, MPG, WMV, etc?

This link may help clear things up: http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/filetypes.html

- Does the PS3 have a nice UI? Remote control? Is it quick? Can the remote turn it on from off/stand by?

I like the UI well enough, especially once I put my Ratchet and Clank theme up. Definitely shell out for a Blu-Ray remote. That way anyone who has never used a game controller to control a media player can still operate it efficiently. Yes, the remote can turn on the PS3. Sometimes it can be a bit toosensitive.

- Are they loud?

That one is a bit trickier, since different recordings can be at quite different volumes, but overall my TV volume gets to stay in the lower regions.

Oh, yeah. The machine runs very quietly, until it needs a dusting. Only needed it once in the four years I've had it.

- Would you recommend the old PS3? I ask because I'm given to understand they have backwards compatability with PS2/PS games. What model would you recommend?

I wish I could answer this one, unfortunately, the one I use was purchased by somebody about as technologically illiterate as...

 

[Ragsnstitches]

I wasn't sure in which forum this topic belonged as while it's about a games console, it's not about games. I had some questions about the PS3 I was hoping owners could enlighten me on. With the announcement of the PS4, its predecessor is bound to drop in price and I'm interested to learn about its media capabilities from owners. I've tried searching for answers but my Google-Fu isn't up to the task.

I've been using an old XBox, modded, for many, many years as a media centre running XBMC. It does an admirable job but isn't able to handle HD and has no online capabilities of which to speak. I mostly use it to play XVids and DivXs, stored on a network share and played directly from there.

- Can the PS3 play things over a network? Can it use Windows (SMB) shares, with/without a username/password?
- What formats can it play? AVI, MP4, DivX, XVid, MOV, MKV, MPG, WMV, etc?
- Does the PS3 have a nice UI? Remote control? Is it quick? Can the remote turn it on from off/stand by?
- I'm fairly sure on this, but I could play a Blu Ray movie on it right? And they don't have regions like DVDs do, do they? I've never used a blu ray disc before.
- Are they loud?
- Would you recommend the old PS3? I ask because I'm given to understand they have backwards compatability with PS2/PS games. What model would you recommend?
- Any other interesting features? Can it play Youtube videos, iPlayer, 4oD, etc?

I have a 360 but frankly it's no good for media unless you have netflix or some such. I must admit, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't tempted by a handful of the exclusive games on it too, but I'm most interested in it's video/music capabilities so would be grateful for any and all advice, tips, tricks, anecdotes and answers about such. Many thanks in advance.

Yes it can play things over a network (Videos, Images, Music). It can operate as a media HUB and, in fact, in Japan it is marketed as one too (over here it is marketed almost exclusively as a games console). You will still need a media server set up to do this, but there are plenty of guides out there to help you. It's not particularly streamlined though, so don't expect to plug it in and get it going without a little effort. Port forwarding is necessary too.

It can play AVI, MP4 and WMV... it can also play MKV but it can be a fickle affair. I'm not sure about the others, but I don't recall having much luck with Divx.

The UI is basic, but straight forward. You won't take too long getting familiar with the layout, but it won't wow you or anything. You can loosely customise it with Themes and wallpapers, but most themes cost money and aren't really worth it.

As for remote controls... there are a few peripherals for media use on the PS3 (Remote, Mouse and keyboard, Microphone and so on), but the PS3 Dualshock Controller can fill the same purpose as the remote, making the remote seem like an unnecessary accessory. The UI is built around using the controller. The only major issue is typing text. It's just clumsy.

NOTE: I should also add this... PS3 does not like certain hardrive formats. It can only read FAT32.

PS3 is a bluray device so yes you can watch films. I know that Bluray wasn't region locked initially, but in recent years I think region lock has been added to newer discs. I suggest you look into this yourself if it's a major concern.

Only the 60gb model is backwards compatible and you would be lucky to even find one at all, let alone at a reasonable price and they don't sell them new anymore. In fact, the old fatties aren't sold new at all, with the slims and superslims taking priority (with no backwards compatibility.

The fatties are all, relatively, loud... I switched to a 160gb slim and they are significantly quieter.

There is no integrated features that add much else, but there is a browser that can be used to watch youtube and view other sites/content. However, i recommend you avoid it... it's a buggy mess and prone to crashing the system.

I recommend you get the slims. If the network idea doesn't pan out (can happen) you can still view films on your PS3 by transferring media files over via hardrives (FAT32 format only) and playing directly from the PS3. Also, there is a library of content on the PSN store, including PSone and PS2 titles (and Vita/PSP). It's not a terribly comprehensive library when it comes to classic games, but you may find some of your favourite classics on it.

 

[SnowyGamester]

If you're looking for a media box you'd probably be much better off simply using a slimline PC (or a full size one if you aren't concerned with size). You'll ultimately have far fewer issues with networking and playing various video formats. Get a PS3 if you want to play PS3 games.

 

[KingsGambit_v1legacy]

Thanks all for the fantastic advice. Threads like these restore my faith in the Escapist and its community. I'm still torn, though only because of the great but conflicting suggestions! In truth, with the oddities and random limitations suggested, I'm not sure if it's an "upgrade" from a Raspberry Pi (running XBian) which I've just got setup. Fickle format support and odd behaviours are testing my patience.

Maybe an HTPC is the way to go, but a PS3 is cheaper, Blu Ray enabled and opens up a whole new area of gaming previously denied to me. More thought I think before I commit but my sincere thanks again for the great advice.

I'm surprised there aren't more posts about the media capabilities and intricacies of modern consoles on here.

 

[Little Gray]

Only the 60gb model is backwards compatible and you would be lucky to even find one at all, let alone at a reasonable price and they don't sell them new anymore. In fact, the old fatties aren't sold new at all, with the slims and superslims taking priority (with no backwards compatibility.

A little correction here there was actually a 40gb, 60gb, and 80gb that are all backwards compatible.

 

[TehCookie]

- Can the PS3 play things over a network? Can it use Windows (SMB) shares, with/without a username/password?
Yup, works like a charm for me. Easy to download and use and ran smoothly (and I'm on Wifi). It does use a lot of resources so I wouldn't expect to do anything major with it running in the background like gaming (unless you have a great rig), but you can still browse the web and stuff.
- What formats can it play? AVI, MP4, DivX, XVid, MOV, MKV, MPG, WMV, etc?
http://manuals.playstation.net/document/en/ps3/current/video/filetypes.html
However if you're streaming from your PC format doesn't matter.
- Does the PS3 have a nice UI? Remote control? Is it quick? Can the remote turn it on from off/stand by?
I found the UI to be uncluttered and easy to navigate so yes. I'm sure a remote exists but never looked. There's a bit of load time when going through large lists (say pics or music) but that's the only time I noticed it. I know the controller can but as I said before, I don't know about the remotes.
- I'm fairly sure on this, but I could play a Blu Ray movie on it right? And they don't have regions like DVDs do, do they? I've never used a blu ray disc before.
You can play blu ray on it, though I think region locking is up to the company. Take with a grain of salt.
- Are they loud?
There's a hum, but not as loud as a generic PC.
- Would you recommend the old PS3? I ask because I'm given to understand they have backwards compatability with PS2/PS games. What model would you recommend?
Depends on the money and the games the person wants to play. The only reason to pay more for an older one is to play PS2 games, newer PS3s still can play PS1 games. If you have a functional PS2 or don't care about older games I'd get a newer model.
- Any other interesting features? Can it play Youtube videos, iPlayer, 4oD, etc?
Has internet browser so yes to youtube, and you view your PS3 from your PSP (while interesting I never used it much).

 

[SnowyGamester]

Maybe an HTPC is the way to go, but a PS3 is cheaper.

Only if you go for something marketed as a HTPC. I mean for my media centre I'm running an old AMD Sempron 1.6Ghz CPU and a RADEON 9550 256MB GPU (that's AGP shit right there) and while it doesn't display 1080P (maybe with alternative drivers) it usually doesn't have any trouble playing back full HD content at 1366x768 (though admittedly some videos do run into stuttering issues but what do you want for twenty bucks). Really you will have more than you need with just a slimline PC running a high end Pentium 4 and decent nVidia 8000 series GPU, though ones that early may not have HDMI output and the better ones may not be able to fit in a slimline case...a GT210 is probably a good choice though since they're pretty cheap and I know can be low profile. You could even add a bluray drive if you're into that...they've gotten fairly cheap as of late. Regardless buying a 'HTPC' is a rip-off.

 

[ultrabiome]

since no one has the PS3 remote, i'll give my input. although not necessary, when you want to just play a Blu-Ray, it makes it very simple as you don't have to use the dualshock controller at all, even for power. also good if someone else who isn't a gamer wants to use it as you don't have to worry about remembering what is play, stop, FF, rewind, etc, as it is setup like a normal remote, except it's Bluetooth so you don't even have to point it at the PS3, like normal IR-based remotes. works with netflix or hulu+ as well, and probably will work with the streaming controls as well.

i thought the remote was worth getting.