PS3 Media Server

Ok, so you got a ton of media (movies, pictures, music, etc...) saved on your PC hard drive, or portable HD's.  Well, it would be nice to watch it all on your big, high def TV without having to purchase an expensive media server from one of the bigbox electronic stores wouldn't it?  If you have a PS3, your in luck.  PS3 media server is a free, extremely easy to use media server, that will stream just about any type of video, picture, or music file, from your PC, to your PS3, over your home network.  Get it here: http://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/downloads/list

It works on Linux, Windows, and Mac os.  This setup is very helpful, if you have an older PS3 like I do, with a smaller HD, or you just can't afford to have a portable HD,  formatted specifically for your PS3.  Remember that your PC, and PS3 use different file formats.

I have used this server for over a year now, and have had zero problems.  The instructions are simple to follow, and setup is quick and easy.  I have found that the PS3, and PC seem to communicate better, when the PS3 is turned on first, before you open the server program on your PC.  But that may very well be my network.  Also, I have found it best to have the PS3 hard wired to the network if you are streaming larger high def movies.  I have noticed some lag, when connected wirelessly.  Again though, could just be my network.  Yours could be faster!!  Happy streaming!

Want to play Halo 2 online again??

On April 15, 2010, Halo 2 officially went offline for the original Xbox.  A sad day indeed.  Halo 2 was the undisputed champion of online gaming on the OG Xbox.  The game was played by millions around the globe, and sky-rocketed the Xbox into the lead, of the console war.

How would you like to play it online again??  Now I have to admit, Halo isn't exactly my cup of tea.  I mean, I like the Halo universe, and have played all the games to their conclusion, but I am just terrible at playing them online. 

XBConnect is a free service that will allow you to play OG Xbox games online.  It also supports a few 360 games, and some PSP games.  I have used it in the past to play Rallisport Challenge 2, and it works quite well.  Obviously, the more popular the game, the more people playing.

http://www.xbconnect.com/index.php

Follow the instructions, and enjoy!!

Potable Hard Drives, and your PS3

So, let's get started with an easier one.  Most portable hard drives (HD) come from the factory pre-formmated with a file system called NTFS.  This works great for your PC, but is not compatible with the PS3.  The PS3 uses a file system called FAT32.  Useing the HD formatting tool that comes with windows, will only allow you to use 32 gigs (give or take a few bites) of the available space on the HD.  So how do we get around this?  Simple.  HP makes a simple little HD formatting tool, that will allow you to format your portable HD, up to 2 terrabytes, with the FAT32 file system.  Get it here:  http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,64963-page,1/description.html

After you have installed this little gem, open it up.  Make sure your portable HD is connected to the PC.  In the first menu, choose the HD you want to format.  In the second menu, choose FAT32.  Now, hit the start button.  In a few minutes, (time varies with size of HD), your HD is ready to go.  Load it with media compatible with the PS3, and enjoy.  File size is limited to 3.9 gigabytes, so some larger high def movies may not be compatible.

And remember, anytime you format a HD, the info contained on it will be erased.

Getting that little extra out of your video game console.

Ever wonder how to get your PC to serve up that massive collection of media you have stored to your PS3, or Wii for that matter?   Wondered where to go to find info, or get ideas for modding your Xbox 360?  Having trouble getting your PS3 to read the media stored on a portable HD? I have.  And in looking for the answers, I have stumbled across a massive amount of info, on how to get my consoles to do the things above, and a whole lot more!  I have plowed through a ton of information on the web, hours at a time, sifting through the junk, to find the answers.

So I'd like to share that info with you people in the hopes that I can save you a few hours.  A lot of you may know this stuff, but a bunch of people don't.  That's who I'm aiming at.  I am not claiming this information as my own.  I am simply trying to wade through the mass of mis-information on the web, and just get the relevent info out to you.  And of course, get it all in one place, so it's easy to access.