PS3 Media Server

PS3 Media Server is a DLNA-compliant UPnP Media Server that can enable users of all knowledge levels to easily share their audio/video collections with compatible home devices. With just a few minutes of configuration, you can make your home video collection ready to be streamed on-demand inside your home network with a simple press of a button.



Originally developed to serve as the official media server app for the media-friendly PlayStation 3 home console, the capabilities of this popular application were expanded to include any other compatible DLNA client device such as PCs, laptops, smartphones, tablets, network-aware music players, and smart TVs.
 
Hailed as one of the earliest examples of media sharing in the home environment, this Sony’s application paved the way for the adoption of many standards that are used today such as DLNA, UPNP, and secure handshakes with edge network devices such as DMP (Digital Media Players) and  DMR (Digital Media Renderers).

Written in Java and available on several operating systems, the tool offers one of the most comprehensive media server capabilities you can found on the market for free.

The app supports almost every media format you can think of, and if your client device cannot natively reproduce the specific video or audio codecs found in your files, then PS3 Media Server 32/64 bit can be configured to automatically transcode those files into client-ready formats. This is especially useful for weaker client devices that have modest onboard hardware. The transcoding service found in this media server app is based on FFmpeg, MEncoder, tsMuxeR, and AviSynth plugins, and thankfully users are not tasked to manually configure almost anything. Even the automatic transcoding of DVD and Blu-ray disc is natively supported! All that is needed is to activate the transcoding function and the app will do the rest.

The user interface of the PS3 Media Server is simple, but it packs an incredible amount of customization options that have the potential to scare off novice users. Thankfully the interface is intuitive and simple to use, with a visual representation of the app media-broadcasting and network connection status in its first tab called “Status”. Other tabs (Traces, General Configuration, Navigation/Share Settings, and Transcoding Settings) are there for tight control over the entire media sharing service.

Highlights

• Ready to launch and play. No codec packs to install. No folder configuration and pre-parsing or this kind of annoying thing. All your folders are directly browsed by the PS3, there's an automatic refresh also.
• Real-time video transcoding of MKV/FLV/OGM/AVI, etc.
• Direct streaming of DTS / DTS-HD core to the receiver
• Remux H264/MPEG2 video and all audio tracks to AC3/DTS/LPCM in real-time with tsMuxer when H264 is PS3/Level4.1 compliant
• Full seeking support when transcoding
• DVD ISOs images / VIDEO_TS Folder transcoder
• OGG/FLAC/MPC/APE audio transcoding
• Thumbnail generation for Videos
• You can choose with a virtual folder system your audio/subtitle language on the PS3!
• Simple streaming of formats PS3 natively supports: MP3/JPG/PNG/GIF/TIFF, all kinds of videos (AVI, MP4, TS, M2TS, MPEG)
• Display camera RAWs thumbnails (Canon / Nikon, etc.)
• ZIP/RAR files as browsable folders
• Support for pictures based feeds, such as Flickr and Picasaweb
• Internet TV / Web Radio support with VLC, MEncoder, or MPlayer
• Podcasts audio/ Video feeds support
• Basic Xbox360 support
• FLAC 96kHz/24bits/5.1 support
• Windows Only: DVR-MS remuxer and AviSynth alternative transcoder support

Features

• Cross-platform compatibility: Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
• Extensive codec support: Handles a wide range of audio and video codecs for smooth playback.
• Transcoding: On-the-fly transcoding of media files to ensure compatibility with target devices.
• Customizable settings: Users can tweak various settings such as bitrate, resolution, and subtitles.
• Subtitle support: Allows for the inclusion and customization of subtitles for multimedia content.
• Media library management: Organize and browse your media files effortlessly within the application.
• Real-time monitoring: Provides detailed information on media playback, including bitrate and buffer status.
• Plugin support: Extend functionality with plugins for additional features and enhancements.

User Interface

It boasts a user-friendly interface with intuitive navigation. The main dashboard presents options for media library management, device configuration, and settings customization. Clear labels and organized menus make it easy for users to access desired features without any confusion.

Installation and Setup

Installing this server tool is straightforward on all supported platforms. Simply download the appropriate installer from the official website or FileHorse and follow the on-screen instructions. The setup wizard guides users through the configuration process, including media library directories, transcoding settings, and device detection. Within minutes, users can have the application up and running, ready to stream media to their devices.

How to Use

• Launch the app after installation.
• Configure media library directories in the settings menu.
• Customize transcoding settings according to device compatibility.
• Select the target device from the list of detected devices.
• Browse and select media files from your library for playback on the chosen device.

FAQ

Can I stream media to multiple devices simultaneously?
Yes, it supports streaming to multiple devices within the same network.

Does PS3 Media Server support external subtitles?
Yes, users can include external subtitle files and customize subtitle settings during playback.

Is it possible to schedule media transcoding for offline viewing?
The tool does not offer built-in scheduling features, but users can manually transcode media files for offline playback.

Can I control media playback remotely?
Remote control functionality is not natively supported but can be achieved using third-party applications or plugins.

Does PS3 Media Server require a high-speed internet connection for streaming?
While a stable internet connection is recommended for optimal streaming performance, it primarily relies on local network connectivity for media playback.

Alternatives

Plex: Known for its comprehensive media management features and user-friendly interface, Plex offers a similar solution for media streaming across devices.

Plex Media Server: Upload media content to a media center to stream movies, music, photos.

Kodi: Formerly known as XBMC, Kodi is a versatile media player and streaming platform that supports extensive customization and plugin integration.

Universal Media Server: Another open-source media server with transcoding capabilities, compatible with a variety of devices.

System Requirements

• Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8 or 7
• Processor: 1 GHz or faster
• RAM: 512 MB or more
• Network: Local network connection for streaming

PROS

• Free and open-source
• Cross-platform compatibility
• Extensive codec support
• User-friendly interface
• Active community and plugin ecosystem

CONS

• Lack of advanced features compared to premium alternatives
• This product is not developed actively anymore
• Limited official support and updates
• Occasional compatibility issues with certain devices

Also Available: PS3 Media Server for Mac