Options for improving PS3 media streaming

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lokhor

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Topic # 109527 21-Sep-2012 11:46

Hi all,

I have a TP-Link TD WD8960N upstairs that has a wired connection to my PC.

My PC is running PS3 Media Server so that I can watch content on my PS3.

The PS3 is downstairs and connected via 802.11g (as PS3s don't support 802.11n)

My problem is that when trying to stream HD content often the connection is not very stable and I get stuttering or have to pause and wait for it to cache.

What's the best way for me to increase the speed of the connection to my PS3?

I am renting so can't wire the house up.

I am considering the following
-ethernet over power
-some sort of wireless bridge with ethernet ports to connect up to the PS3
-a wireless to ethernet adapter like this: http://www.amazon.com/Cisco-Linksys-Dual-Band-Wireless-N-Gaming-Adapter/dp/B0010TEOLQ

Be good to know what other people are using for this

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All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

NonprayingMantis

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Reply # 689328 21-Sep-2012 11:52

I use ethernet over power and it works pretty well.

check what speed your Ps3 is reporting in the settings.

I suspect that the couse of the problems is more likely to be your PC struggling to transcode the HD file into a useable PS3 format than it is the wifi. (I had the same problem)

But if you are going to invest ~$200 in power over ethernet, then you might as well just buy a dedicated media player that has a built in hard drive. Shift content over to that as you acquire it, and then direct conect it to the TV. That way you don't need to worry about transcoding or wifi signal strength.

lokhor

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Reply # 689354 21-Sep-2012 12:33

NonprayingMantis: I use ethernet over power and it works pretty well.

check what speed your Ps3 is reporting in the settings.

I suspect that the couse of the problems is more likely to be your PC struggling to transcode the HD file into a useable PS3 format than it is the wifi. (I had the same problem)

But if you are going to invest ~$200 in power over ethernet, then you might as well just buy a dedicated media player that has a built in hard drive. Shift content over to that as you acquire it, and then direct conect it to the TV. That way you don't need to worry about transcoding or wifi signal strength.

My TV will play media from HDD or USB stick but I prefer just being able to stream what is already on my PC.

My PC is a 3.4GHz Core 2 with 4GB ram so I don't think that is causing the problems. The issues become worse when my PC is downloading torrents or doing anything with a large number of connections.

My friend recommended I get a wireless bridge like this: http://www.ascent.co.nz/productspecification.aspx?ItemID=398025

Senior Consultant @Intergen
All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

jaymz

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Reply # 689359 21-Sep-2012 12:42

I second the motion for Ethernet over Power.

I have used it, and put it in place for others and haven't had any issues with it.

I used to stream media from my laptop to my PS3 via wireless (wireless from laptop, wired to PS3 if that makes sense) and had no end of troubles with it pausing, and taking longer than normal to load.

Once i moved to ethernet the issues disappeared.

If i was you i would invest in ethernet over power and run with that. Rather than investing in a wireless device that "Might" fix the problem.

lokhor

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Reply # 689371 21-Sep-2012 12:53

jaymz: I second the motion for Ethernet over Power.

I have used it, and put it in place for others and haven't had any issues with it.

I used to stream media from my laptop to my PS3 via wireless (wireless from laptop, wired to PS3 if that makes sense) and had no end of troubles with it pausing, and taking longer than normal to load.

Once i moved to ethernet the issues disappeared.

If i was you i would invest in ethernet over power and run with that. Rather than investing in a wireless device that "Might" fix the problem.

are there any preferred devices for this?

Senior Consultant @Intergen
All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.

jaymz

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Reply # 689484 21-Sep-2012 14:48

lokhor:
are there any preferred devices for this?

I used NetGear devices before. they do cost a bit more than the cheaper TP-Link but haven't let me down :)

gcorgnet

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Reply # 689496 21-Sep-2012 15:12

jaymz:
lokhor:
are there any preferred devices for this?

I used NetGear devices before. they do cost a bit more than the cheaper TP-Link but haven't let me down :)

I got the netcomm np204 (about $130 from PBTech IIRC) and it works pretty well. Wouldn't rate it as fast and stable as a good old ethernet cable but certainly does the job!

Although apparently those devices are sensitive to the quality of your wiring and whether your endpoints are on separate circuits so YMMV...

lokhor

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Reply # 689515 21-Sep-2012 15:43

Ok I think I might go for the wireless bridge option as I don't know the quality of the wiring in my place.

Senior Consultant @Intergen
All comments are my own opinion, and not that of my employer unless explicitly stated.