PS3 or standalone blu-ray?

[adk highlander]

Ok here is the deal.

The whole HTPC deal was not a hit with the wife. To complex to use and she would just get frustrated. So I am going to sell off the touch screen case and the blu-ray drive was going to buy a PS3 or a standalone player like the new Samsung BD P1400.

I want the bitstream capabilities because my new prepro (if it ever gets here) will be able to decode and process the bitstream of TrueHD and DTS Master HD.

I was hearing that firmware updates may come out that will allow the PS3 to do this as well.

1) I want to hear from those who have the PS3 to let me know what they have been using the hard drive for and if it can work as a dvr (either hacked or out of the box).

2) Does anyone know about the bitstream firmware update.

3) I don't play many games so it is more the extra features that I am interested in but want to hear how people here are using them in an HT environment.

4) What proprietary things do I need to be concerned about. Are there special cables I need and what is the deal with the remotes. I think I remember that my 880 won't work with it?

After the low WAF factor of the HTPC I need to know the PS3 will be as easy to use as a dedicated blu-ray player.

Thanks all.

 

[avaserfi]

1) I want to hear from those who have the PS3 to let me know what they have been using the hard drive for and if it can work as a dvr (either hacked or out of the box).

I have all my music on the HD right now and some pictures otherwise its just for demos. As far as the DVR goes, if you install linux on the machine (which Sony made easy) you can turn it into a DVR. Also, Sony has announced plans to release a DVR device for the PS3.

2) Does anyone know about the bitstream firmware update.

Nothing has been fully announced, but there is quiet a bit of speculation that it will be coming out around the time Home is released with firmware 2.00

3) I don't play many games so it is more the extra features that I am interested in but want to hear how people here are using them in an HT environment.

I use it for games, Blu-ray, SACD, and as a streaming device from my computer to get movies, music and pictures. Also, if you have a wireless keyboard you can surf the web really easily on your TV.

4) What proprietary things do I need to be concerned about. Are there special cables I need and what is the deal with the remotes. I think I remember that my 880 won't work with it?

It uses a regular HDMI cable so no worries there. The remote is bluetooth so as of right now it doesn't work with universal remotes.

After the low WAF factor of the HTPC I need to know the PS3 will be as easy to use as a dedicated blu-ray player.

It is very easy to use as the media bar is very straight forward .

All in all I am very happy with my unit and my girlfriend likes it too as she can stream her music, after I showed her and set up the computer, when I am not around.

 

[gmichael]

All in all I am very happy with my unit and my girlfriend likes it too .

Cough cough...
Gaaaaagh...

Oops sorry. I was eating. Set me up again.

 

[avaserfi]

Cough cough...
Gaaaaagh...

Oops sorry. I was eating. Set me up again.

Heh, the only reason she likes it is because when I am not around she can play her crappy music since it is so easy to stream and I haven't had a chance to put it on the HD hooked up to my PS3 and I don't really have to since the streaming is working out. The reason adk is asking about this is because he needs WAF. I figured that might be a useful anecdote. BTW very useful post, you know keeping things on topic and helping people out when they ask a question.

Also, another plus of the PS3 over other BD players I forgot to mention is the PS3 automatically updates firmware and I am pretty sure most other BD players don't. Just one less thing to deal with.

Apparently, some women also enjoy the fact that the PS3 can play slide shows of stored images for guests and such.

 

[adk highlander]

I have all my music on the HD right now and some pictures otherwise its just for demos.

I have been using itunes and have most of my music in AAC and some in the lossless format. Can you play those files? Also do you know if the unit will play the analog connections at the same time as the HDMI so I can use it in my second and third zones? Most receivers will not allow the use of digital connections for the other zones and it would be a huge bonus to be able to use it to stream my music through the house.

Thanks again.

 

[gmichael]

Heh, the only reason she likes it is because when I am not around she can play her crappy music since it is so easy to stream and I haven't had a chance to put it on the HD hooked up to my PS3 and I don't really have to since the streaming is working out. The reason adk is asking about this is because he needs WAF. I figured that might be a useful anecdote. BTW very useful post, you know keeping things on topic and helping people out when they ask a question.

Also, another plus of the PS3 over other BD players I forgot to mention is the PS3 automatically updates firmware and I am pretty sure most other BD players don't. Just one less thing to deal with.

Apparently, some women also enjoy the fact that the PS3 can play slide shows of stored images for guests and such.

Sorry, I'll try to stay more on toppic. Just struck me funny that your girlfriend likes your unit.

OP,

I think that the PS3's represent a better deal than stand alone units.

 

[avaserfi]

I have been using itunes and have most of my music in AAC and some in the lossless format. Can you play those files? Also do you know if the unit will play the analog connections at the same time as the HDMI so I can use it in my second and third zones? Most receivers will not allow the use of digital connections for the other zones and it would be a huge bonus to be able to use it to stream my music through the house.

Thanks again.

I have no idea about itunes AAC files out of the box, but I have seen reports of people using linux to play all sorts of XMB (the PS3s "OS") unsupported files. After a quick google search it seems as if there is an apple specific DRM on the file the PS3 won't be able to play it. Surprise DRM screws us over again...

As far as analog and digital I don't think that is possible. The PS3 does use a proprietary connection for analog audio (L/R audio only no multi-channel analog)/component and when you turn one type of audio/video connection on others are turned off.

Sorry, I'll try to stay more on toppic. Just struck me funny that your girlfriend likes your unit.

Sorry for going off. I completely missed the joke there! I guess "the unit" would have been the better choice. That was a good one .

 

[j_garcia]

Nope, Itunes is not able to share to the PS3. If you want something that does more than just play movies, then the PS3 is a great solution, not to mention it can even be used as a web browser too (not a great one, but works). The automatic updates are definitely a plus and the hardware is a bit more advanced than the typical BD player so they can add and modify characteristics about the player that may not be able to be added to a regular player.

 

[adk highlander]

I have no idea about itunes AAC files out of the box, but I have seen reports of people using linux to play all sorts of XMB (the PS3s "OS") unsupported files. After a quick google search it seems as if there is an apple specific DRM on the file the PS3 won't be able to play it. Surprise DRM screws us over again...

As far as analog and digital I don't think that is possible. The PS3 does use a proprietary connection for analog audio (L/R audio only no multi-channel analog)/component and when you turn one type of audio/video connection on others are turned off.

Oh that stinks. I guess I will still need to figure out something with my music files. It is frustrating that each time I think I find the correct solution that I am looking for either DRM or some proprietary cable bites me.

Appreciate the help avaserfi.

Oh and the unit joke was funny.

 

[adk highlander]

The automatic updates are definitely a plus and the hardware is a bit more advanced than the typical BD player so they can add and modify characteristics about the player that may not be able to be added to a regular player.

Thanks j. Do you know anything about the bitstream update?

 

[gmichael]

Sorry for going off. I completely missed the joke there! I guess "the unit" would have been the better choice. That was a good one .

I must be slow too. I didn't think you were "going off on me" so much as you were just joking back.
No worries.

 

[fmw]

Oh that stinks. I guess I will still need to figure out something with my music files.

That's easy, leave them where they are now and get one of these:

http://www.slimdevices.com/pi_squeezebox.html?

 

[Davemcc]

I have all my music on the HD right now and some pictures otherwise its just for demos. As far as the DVR goes, if you install linux on the machine (which Sony made easy) you can turn it into a DVR. Also, Sony has announced plans to release a DVR device for the PS3.

I use it for games, Blu-ray, SACD, and as a streaming device from my computer to get movies, music and pictures. Also, if you have a wireless keyboard you can surf the web really easily on your TV.

It uses a regular HDMI cable so no worries there. The remote is bluetooth so as of right now it doesn't work with universal remotes.

I just ordered the 40g PS3, but I had no idea that it had all this extra capability. Once it arrives, I'm going to have to pick your brains to set it up to take advantage of some of these functions.

I don't think I can use it for SACD because my receiver is HDMI 1.1 that won't take SACD over HDMI and there are no multi-channel analog outs.

The web browser part is cool. To you need a specific wireless keyboard or will any one do the job?

 

[j_garcia]

I just picked up a generic slim USB keyboard and it works perfectly. I haven't tried my wireless mouse yet.

No news on the bitstream update, but I'd expect it to be sometime in the next few weeks.

 

[avaserfi]

I just ordered the 40g PS3, but I had no idea that it had all this extra capability. Once it arrives, I'm going to have to pick your brains to set it up to take advantage of some of these functions.

I don't think I can use it for SACD because my receiver is HDMI 1.1 that won't take SACD over HDMI and there are no multi-channel analog outs.

The web browser part is cool. To you need a specific wireless keyboard or will any one do the job?

Without having an HDMI receiver you will not be able to take advantage of SACD on the PS3.

As far as web browsing you can use the controller although it is a pain. As far as my experiences go most any USB keyboard/mouse will work just fine with the system. Also, Logitech has some bluetooth keyboards and mice that are supposed to work like a charm although they are pricey IMO.

All in all the system is a great toy enjoy!

 

[GlocksRock]

How can I get my PS3 setup to stream music from my media pc? It seems to have found the media server, but it won't display any of my music folders.

 

[avaserfi]

How can I get my PS3 setup to stream music from my media pc? It seems to have found the media server, but it won't display any of my music folders.

This thread should help as it is a walkthrough for both WMP and TVersity: http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=158357

Also, make sure you are looking for the media server under the "Music" tab on the XMB otherwise it won't find the audio files.

 

[gmichael]

I just ordered the 40g PS3, but I had no idea that it had all this extra capability. Once it arrives, I'm going to have to pick your brains to set it up to take advantage of some of these functions.

I don't think I can use it for SACD because my receiver is HDMI 1.1 that won't take SACD over HDMI and there are no multi-channel analog outs.

The web browser part is cool. To you need a specific wireless keyboard or will any one do the job?

Sorry, no SACD on the 40GB units. That was the deal breaker for me. I'll have to go with the 60 or 80GB.


The rest is all good though. A powerfull little box isn't it?