PS4 media server. Multimedia functions of PS4: playback of various content on the console. PS4 media player - multimedia combine with support for DLNA media server

Everyone expects wide entertainment opportunities and rich multimedia functionality from the new generation consoles. Microsoft is trying to do this on multiple levels at the same time, offering entertainment for every taste and different types of users. Sony is not lagging behind, but there is one thing that has disappointed many, as the company has removed one multimedia feature from the PS4 that is found in the PS3 console.

For most, the PS3 is more than a gaming console, being a hub that exists thanks to the console's excellent server-side multimedia capabilities. The PS3 could be used to play both video files and music, thanks to software such as , which made it easier to access content. Despite this, Sony initially decided to abandon this multimedia functionality in the PS4, which caused a mixed reaction among potential buyers. Sony planned to transfer users to its paid services and online stores for watching movies and listening to music. It is worth considering that many people have rich libraries of multimedia files in other places and are not willing to pay for it again. At the same time, the PS3 allowed access to all content regardless of its location. Let's see what we have besides DLNA in .

As for basic multimedia functionality of PS4, I would especially like to note the following:

• There is no option to stream the game on YouTube
• Online services: YouTube, Tvigle
• Blu-Ray 3D support (since firmware 1.75)
• No support for external hard drives for storing games, but is supported
• Patches are downloaded even while playing
• The system is updated automatically
• 4K support for movies and photos only
• No support for audio discs (CDs)
• , but only with official PlayStation 4 support
• Support coming soon
• Remote Play and remote console control
• Ability to connect any wired headphones to the joystick

To play files from external storage devices, use "Multimedia Player" to play videos, photos and music stored on USB drives or media servers.

Video

When using a USB storage device, save all files to a folder (such as Video) so that the PS4 game console can recognize them.

The PS4 console supports the following formats and containers for playback from external drives:

• MKV
• AVI
  • Image: MPEG4 ASP, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level4.2
  • Audio: MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
• MP4
  • Image: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level4.2
  • Audio: AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
• MPEG-2TS
  • Image: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level4.2, MPEG2 Visual
  • Audio: MP2 (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2), AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
• AVCHD (.m2ts, .mts)

Photo

When using a USB storage device, save your files to a folder (such as Photo) so that the system can recognize them.

Sony spent a large amount of time developing a powerful piece of entertainment hardware with the PS4. One of a multitude of features available is the ability to stream from PC to PS4. Multiple PS4 media client apps currently exist on the market. A quick look and them and it"s easy to see howPS4 distinguishes itself as a leader in entertainment. Setup is a quick process and will work almost instantly with most server clients. Forget about clogging your limited Sony hard-drive space with movies, music , and game data, just use anyone of the programs below to stream your media content from your PC [. Read: ]

Table of Contents

Stream from PC to PS4

Here at htpcBeginner, we have taken the time to put together some of the best options for streaming everything inducing movies, television, music, and photos from a PC onto your Sony console. Multiple PS4 media client apps exist on the market, many are free and some offer premium streaming content and features.

Plex

Photo: windowscentral.com

Probably the number one media app for the PS4. Plex offers a wide variety of options, features, and content, while simultaneously acting as a means of accessing network media on PS4. It is intuitive and easy to use. Plex offers a simple design, easy navigation and intuitive interface. Some of its more advanced features include the ability to share files across the network and even adding .srt files to media content requiring subtitles. It is good for those not overly technical, and want a quick, organized means of accessing content.

Subscribers gain other feature including access to cloud storage. There is a big limitation of services offered for free users, however, the cost of Plex a month is minimal and well worth it. Paid content aside, Plex comes with enough basic features to keep PS4 users happy. Its primary purpose as a streaming content provider does little to interfere with its power as a media server. [ Read: ]

Emby

Emby is a media client app of distinction and another strong pick. Users who are looking for more than just a simple media server will enjoy the programs wide range of features, while the more technically savvy users will enjoy the advanced options.

It also offers mobile access to stored media through the Emby app on your phone, tablet and mobile device. Its interface seems somewhat cluttered at times but is more than capable of managing thousands of files as needed. Simply download Emby onto your PC.

Like Plex, it there is premium content and features available for a monthly subscription fee. However, the free version is more than capable of media management and does allow users to stream from PC to PS4. All around a good choice when looking for more than just a media server. [ Read:

Universal Media Server

Photo: Universalmediaserver.com

Universal Media Server is a veteran program when it comes to streaming content to PS consoles. Built from the PS3 Media Server application, this version remains true to the original. It is a simple looking, bare bones and utilitarian system, it does one thing well, stream media from a PC to PS4.

It uses a UPnP media server created for the newest models of PS4. The server is compliant with DLNA standards. Currently, PS4 Media Server only functions with a PS, but its predecessor for the PS3 was quickly expanded to work across platforms. The server is often updated to keep out the bugs that come with streaming content. Users should have no problem when looking to access network media on PS4. Universal Media Server is a media server capable of serving videos, audio, and images to any DLNA-capable device.

It is free, regularly updated and has more features than any other media server, including paid media servers. Universal Media Server streams to many devices including Sony PlayStation 3 (PS3) and PlayStation 4 (PS4), Microsoft Xbox One and 360, many TVs (Samsung, Panasonic, Sony, Vizio, LG, Philips, Sharp), smart phones (iPhone, Android, etc.), Blu-ray players, and more.

Madsonic

Photo: Madsonic.com

Madsonic is an open sourced web-based media library manager and media server for the PS4. It uses Java and is compatible with Windows, MacOS, OSX, Linux and Unix variants. Unlike many other options for media servers, there is Bandwidth control for those who have to take that into consideration but for audio only. The bitrate of streamed music can be lowered. Madsonic will then automatically scale down the music to a suitable bitrate.

It offers a few other fun features, like its much-touted jukebox mode, but all around is just a basic media server. All around a good working program. Its drawbacks mostly stem from being a web based application. There are some consistent problems with maintaining the servers connection and lagging, which has it falling behind other PS4 media client apps.

Sony has finally added a separate media player to the PlayStation 4, as they announced on their blog before the E3 press conference began. The application supports many different formats, including MKV, AVI, MP4, MPEG3, MP3 and AAC - very convenient for playing files downloaded directly from torrents. Perhaps Sony is thereby hinting that they have come to terms with piracy and will no longer create serious obstacles, as they did before.

PS4 Media Player app in action

For many Sony fans, it has always been strange that the PS4 initially did not have a media player, but still, the device was positioned from the very beginning as a game console, and not a media hub. Microsoft's Xbox One, for example, began supporting various file formats, including MKV, back in August. In order to play the desired files through the PlayStation 4, you need to connect a home media server to the console or simply plug in a USB flash drive.

Photos

• JPEG (DCF 2.0/Exif 2.21 compliant)

PS4 Music

• AAC (M4A)

PS4 Media Player – Installation & usage

The PS4 Media Player button should show up directly on your PS4 screen. If it doesn’t, search for “Media Player” in the PSN store. The download is pretty straightforward (just like any other app on the PS4).

Once installed, you will need to connect either a USB storage, or have a Media Server up and running on your network.

• If you press the PS button while music is playing, you can start a game, the Internet Browser , or other applications while continuing to listen to the music in the background.
• While music is playing in the background, you can pause playback, adjust the volume, or change other settings on the screen that is displayed when you press and hold the PS button for at least 1 second.
• Background music is not included in video clips or broadcasts.
• Some languages ​​are not supported in Media Player.
• For details on connection methods for media servers, refer to the instructions supplied with the device you use.

PS4 Media Player – Limitations

The PS4 Media Player only accepts FAT formatted usb drives. So long for my NTFS disk…