Nullriver releases MediaLink for PS3 for $20!

[jaw04005]

Finally, a cheap uPNP server for PS3 users. It's $20, available now. From Nullriver,

MediaLink for PlayStation 3 now available!

Today, we are announcing our newest media streaming product for the PlayStation 3! Until now, streaming your Mac's media to the PlayStation 3 has been a chore. Not anymore. With MediaLink, you'll get the solid PlayStation 3 integration you'd expect from your Mac. The free trial is available for download today!

http://www.nullriver.com/

[jaw04005]

By the way, doesn't support streaming M4A music files. Also, keep receiving DLNA server error while streaming MPEG-4 files. :(

They'll fix it.

[nordesmic]

By the way, doesn't support streaming M4A music files. Also, keep receiving DLNA server error while streaming MPEG-4 files. :(

They'll fix it.

Yeah I've been waiting for this release and I'm a bit disappointed that it doesn't work straight off the bat. I kept getting the server errors as well. I couldn't stream anything whether it be DivX or MP4.

[MacRumorUser]

Looks like it needs more development time, at the moment its barely functional.

[spyker3292]

Hmmm... works fine for me.

[MacRumorUser]

Hmmm... works fine for me.

Just installed on my mac pro as well as my macbook pro.

I can stream no problem with my mac pro, but my mbp is still being a pain ? :confused:

I have connect 360 installed on both computers and it works with either. There must be some setting on my mbp that has gone crazy. :o

[MacRumorUser]

Update.... finally got rid of the DNLA error message from my mac pro.
I had to refresh the airport DHCP and disable and re-enable Apple Talk and finally the DNLA error stopped coming on the PS3 screen.

So it's working good, and I'm just sat working in my front room with the PS3 streaming music, whilst working on my laptop...

Great stuff :) $20 well worth it.



(ooh and I just found the new 'planet' visualiser on my PS3 which was a nice surprise too)



Further edit... still get the odd DNLA error. It doesn't seem to like A LOT of files and gets confused. Oh well and update should sort that I hope.

[jaw04005]

I emailed Nullriver about AAC (unprotected M4A) support:


AAC is not currently supported, as the PS3 is unable to play back iTunes format AACs. But we're working on a solution.

~

XXXXX XXXXX
Nullriver Software

support@nullriver.com
http://www.nullriver.com


Of note, I could have swore El gato's EyeConnect streams M4A from iTunes perfectly.

[2nyRiggz]

I still can't get the thing to see my itunes library....my itunes library is on an external but theres no option to point it in that direction....oh well.



Bless

[P-Worm]

Of note, I could have swore El gato's EyeConnect streams M4A from iTunes perfectly.

I could never get that to work. Only pictures, MP3, and some video. I'm going to give this a shot.

Edit: I can't get this thing to connect. It says I need to open ports 9385 and 9386. From what I can tell, I have done this. Is there a way to ping the ports or something to make sure that they are open and it isn't a fault of my own?

P-Worm

[e²Studios]

Care to elaborate? I like a most of the responses on the board have failed to get this product to work, an "awesome great product" should work and this one fails on even the basic level.

I'm sure Nullriver will get it right with updates, but they should have tested this more before releasing it and asking for money.

Ed

[MacRumorUser]

I still can't get the thing to see my itunes library....my itunes library is on an external but theres no option to point it in that direction....oh well.



Bless

Can you not add the folder you want in the preference pane on your mac under sources, press the + and then select the external drive / folder ?

[risc]

Just installed MediaLink 1.02. Everything I've tested works great. Time to buy it I think.

[P-Worm]

Version 1.02 broke the whole thing completely for me. It won't load in the system preferences anymore. The icon is there, but when I click it, the preferences just turns into a blank screen.

P-Worm

[MacRumorUser]

DNLA errors all day today. Getting annoying now :rolleyes: Nothing has changed so why isn't it working today ?

[Zwhaler]

I tried the trial and liked it. But I think I might wait awhile before buying so the bugs are worked out.

[nordesmic]

They have fixed the problem with the h.264 encoded files for me in version 1.1, although now it doesn't provide thumbnails of the videos.

Music works very well. Photos are slightly more temperamental. It seems to disconnect occasionally but I think this might be due to problems on my wireless network.

The developers are clearly improving the product all the time and because of this I handed over the $20.

[rotlex]

Just adding another positive experience here. Downloaded this morning, and all is working without any issues at all! Actually better than connect 360, which I could never quite get to work right.

Anyone know if they plan on adding Aperture library support in the future? That would be one huge positive for me, as I hate having to use iPhoto for anything.

[snapper07]

Just downloaded the trial version of this and connects fine i can see the photos in iphoto but when i go to play a song from itunes it says there are no tracks. I've put all my songs on itunes using the apple lossless encoder, is it because of this that it won't recognize the tracks?
Also my podcasts don't show up ether.
Is there a solution to this?

Ta

[P-Worm]

Is anyone else getting the port error like I am? I have a Belkin router which I think is tripping it up, although I have opened up the ports it says to.

P-Worm

[Josh396]

Is anyone else getting the port error like I am? I have a Belkin router which I think is tripping it up, although I have opened up the ports it says to.

P-Worm
I'm getting the same problem as well. I'm using a Linksys router but the weird thing is that as soon as I installed MediaLink, I started to get the same problem with Connect360. Before today my Connect360 worked perfectly. Anyone have any input?

[bigbossbmb]

downloaded the trial this morning... worked great for the movies that i've encoded for the PS3. None of my music was working, kind of a drag. I think I may just throw all the movies onto an external USB drive and watch 'em from there.

[spreadthin]

Using the PS3 Setting...If I put them on the hard drive they work. Music is working (no cover art) pictures working (mostly), video starts to play, skips a bunch, then gives up. How are you encoding video?

[tobefirst]

Hey, what do you guys think are the best settings for ripping movies and tv shows? I've tried Handbrake's PS3 setting, but it isn't as high quality as I would hope for. What should I adjust?

[P-Worm]

Well, the newly released 1.2 is working for me now. I'm not getting that same error. However, all of my DVD's are currently ripped in h.264 for the AppleTV and those won't play through the PS3 yet. I guess I'll just give it some more time.

P-Worm

[e²Studios]

Well, the newly released 1.2 is working for me now. I'm not getting that same error. However, all of my DVD's are currently ripped in h.264 for the AppleTV and those won't play through the PS3 yet. I guess I'll just give it some more time.

P-Worm

Does audio just not work for you? Make sure that you have AAC selected in the audio settings. Otherwise any H.264 AVI file should play just fine on it.

Ed

[P-Worm]

Does audio just not work for you? Make sure that you have AAC selected in the audio settings. Otherwise any H.264 AVI file should play just fine on it.

Ed

AVI? Mine are made for the AppleTV so they are .m4v. I guess I could try changing the file extension to see if I can trick the PS3 into playing it. Right now I just get a black screen.

P-Worm

[e²Studios]

AVI? Mine are made for the AppleTV so they are .m4v. I guess I could try changing the file extension to see if I can trick the PS3 into playing it. Right now I just get a black screen.

P-Worm

Use the Apple TV settings and then change format to AVI, change codec to AVC/H.264/AC-3 Audio

That works for me :)

[P-Worm]

Heh. The problem is that I have already spent the time ripping 299 movies and 188 TV shows. I don't really want to do that again. ;)

P-Worm

[e²Studios]

Heh. The problem is that I have already spent the time ripping 299 movies and 188 TV shows. I don't really want to do that again. ;)

P-Worm

Updates to the current mpeg, AVC and divx codecs will come with the next update, maybe hang tight till then :)

Ed

[P-Worm]

I figured. Sony wants to take over the living room and it would definately help their cause to support everything. I'll just have to hang tight for the time being.

P-Worm

[2nyRiggz]

I finally got the thing to work....all of my files are working(the ones I've checked) I'll play around with the photos and movie section later.


Well at least PS3 owners got something to work with. Has anyone tried using http://66stage.com/ on the PS3?



Bless

[Optimus Rhyme]

I downloaded the trial and I'm impressed. Works just like the Xbox one, yet I'm thinking of selling my 360, so I won't use that anymore.

I may actually purchase this as it's a good price, not unreasonable like $100 or something crazy like that.

[nordesmic]

I'm looking at running an ethernet cable from the PS3 to my iMac for streaming video etc. using Medialink. The iMac and the PS3 are both connected wirelessly to a Modem/Router which is wired to a PowerMac. Is it possible to put ethernet directly from the iMac to the PS3 or do I have to go through the Modem?

Cheers

[longfeloow]

I'm looking at running an ethernet cable from the PS3 to my iMac for streaming video etc. using Medialink. The iMac and the PS3 are both connected wirelessly to a Modem/Router which is wired to a PowerMac. Is it possible to put ethernet directly from the iMac to the PS3 or do I have to go through the Modem?

Cheers

I don't know if I am the only having issues but I have a wired connection and if I encode using the PS3 settings in handbrake the files will skip. I bought the PS3 because i read about this software, but I am bummed because the 50+ movies i have encoded with avi will not work but worked awesome with my Phillips dvd player (usb thumb).

Can anyone tell me how to take a Video_TS folder and encode to make it stream and look good for the PS3?

I have tried using Visual Hub to re-encode the 50+ avi files i have but cant get a good visual/stream. Any suggestions?


I am going to try the Apple TV encoding with handbrake right now.

I am fairly new to OS X but these boards are great thanks for the help.

[jhsfosho]

I bought the PS3 because i read about this software, but I am bummed because the 50+ movies i have encoded with avi will not work but worked awesome with my Phillips dvd player (usb thumb).


You bought a PS3 for media streaming? I would have looked into an Apple TV if you are strictly using it for media streaming.

[longfeloow]

You bought a PS3 for media streaming? I would have looked into an Apple TV if you are strictly using it for media streaming.

Well a blue-ray player and a good console for 279 dollars didnt hurt either.

[jhsfosho]

ok, that makes a lot more sense now. are you saying that you got it for 279? If so do you mind letting me know how? i would like to pick one up for a blu ray player as well. :)

[longfeloow]

ok, that makes a lot more sense now. are you saying that you got it for 279? If so do you mind letting me know how? i would like to pick one up for a blu ray player as well. :)

go to slickdeals.net, you need to get the 5% amazon trick (make a new amazon account) and sign up for the sony card. I recieved my credit 4 days after my purchase. Its all covered in this thread.

link (http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=711313&highlight=ps3)

read the thread. the PS3 is pretty cool and you can add linux for free and it wont void the warranty. Hope that helps.

[gslrider]

I downloaded the trial, didn't work. Opened up all the ports as suggested, didn't work. Ended up buying the license, as someone mentioned the trial could have expired. So now I have (or should have) a fully working copy of MediaLink, doesn't work.

Is there something I need to do on the PS3 itself? Everytime I try to search for Media Server, I keep getting nada. But MediaLink is recognizing my PS3.

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[iKwick7]

I downloaded the trial, didn't work. Opened up all the ports as suggested, didn't work. Ended up buying the license, as someone mentioned the trial could have expired. So now I have (or should have) a fully working copy of MediaLink, doesn't work.

Is there something I need to do on the PS3 itself? Everytime I try to search for Media Server, I keep getting nada. But MediaLink is recognizing my PS3.

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Gotta be something with the router. Mine worked without me having to do anything.

[gslrider]

I downloaded the trial, didn't work. Opened up all the ports as suggested, didn't work. Ended up buying the license, as someone mentioned the trial could have expired. So now I have (or should have) a fully working copy of MediaLink, doesn't work.

Is there something I need to do on the PS3 itself? Everytime I try to search for Media Server, I keep getting nada. But MediaLink is recognizing my PS3.

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

So I finally got the PS3 to recognize my Mac. I see all the files. But when I try to play any MP3 or Video, it just hangs. Then I get a DLNA protocol error. And "null" pops up in the device window of MediaLink. This is all new territory for me. Have no clue what's going on now.

[iZoom P5]

So I finally got the PS3 to recognize my Mac. I see all the files. But when I try to play any MP3 or Video, it just hangs. Then I get a DLNA protocol error. And "null" pops up in the device window of MediaLink. This is all new territory for me. Have no clue what's going on now.

One thing to keep in mind, although you can 'see' all of the files on the PS3, you have to be on the right section of the XMB. Make sure you're under video to watch movies and music tab to listen to iTunes.

Hope that helps.

[gslrider]

One thing to keep in mind, although you can 'see' all of the files on the PS3, you have to be on the right section of the XMB. Make sure you're under video to watch movies and music tab to listen to iTunes.

Hope that helps.

Thanks for the tip iZoom, but unfortunately that doesn't help either. That's already what I was doing. I've read from the Playstation forums that the issue could be within the latest PS3 firmware itself. Some have claimed that prior to updating to v2.1, there streaming video worked fine. Any validity to this?

Should I be contacting Sony or Nullriver?

[gslrider]

So here's how it's worked out so far.

I tried logging in as usual Mac came up on PS3, MediaLink showed PS3 in Devices. And as before, I can see the files, but they just wouldn't play, kept getting the DLNA error, and then the message "unsupported file format" came up. Then the null came up on the Devices window.

But here's were it gets wonky, I turned off Firewall as suggested by Nullriver. Picked a song from the list, it hung for a bit, got the DLNA error, but then a few seconds later the song played. Then I tried playing an AVI file, got the DLNA error message again, but after a few seconds of blank screen the video played. Fast forwarding caused the whole thing to crash. Well, at least I think it crashed because a minute went by and nothing was happening. So I thought maybe I should hardwire it to the gaming adapter, taking into account opinions about the PS3 wifi being sub-par. I also turned the Firewall back on in my Mac.

After reconfiguring the console to wired network connection, MediaLink connected okay, played a song, got the DLNA error, but still played, and same with the video. Fast forward was lagged, but it didn't crash. However, some AVIs that I've burned onto disc plays fine on my standalone DVD/Divx player, but says it's unsupported when streaming to the console.

So it seems like the problem was with the wi-fi connection. Hardwiring to the gaming adapter even fixed the slow connection with Playstation Store. I'm back at normal speed. And can download directly to the console. And I haven't been disconnected yet. Wondering if the wi-fi issue with the PS3 is hardware or software related.

[i.shaun]

I feel left out

I got MediaLink, and am running iTunes 7.6.2(9)

OS X 10.4.11
iPhoto '06 (Im getting '08 soon)





my problem is medialink, It will not find the PS3. Everything loads, but "Devices" remains blank

I have a D-Link Router with UPNP Enabled, what else could be causing this?

[gslrider]

I feel left out

I got MediaLink, and am running iTunes 7.6.2(9)

OS X 10.4.11
iPhoto '06 (Im getting '08 soon)





my problem is medialink, It will not find the PS3. Everything loads, but "Devices" remains blank

I have a D-Link Router with UPNP Enabled, what else could be causing this?

You also have to configure your PS3. Make your router's IP address as your primary, and enable UPnP.

[i.shaun]

You also have to configure your PS3. Make your router's IP address as your primary, and enable UPnP.



I need some additional help with this..


What do you mean by make the router IP as primary?

set the playstation IP as the router ip? rather than a network address given by the router

I just entered the mac and surrounding PCs into the "workgroup" domain so they can work together

the PS3 should pick that up




I just cannot find the MAC at all on the PS3. I am running Tiger 10.4.11 with iLife '08, and MediaLink is ON. It even shows the PS3 in devices section.

Firewall Log shows the following:


Initializing NRCDSSourceContainer: MLFoldersSource...
2008-05-08 00:45:44.186 System Preferences[2886] Initializing NRCDSSourceContainer: MLiPhotoSource...
2008-05-08 00:45:44.198 System Preferences[2886] Initializing NRCDSSourceContainer: MLiTunesSource...
2008-05-08 00:45:44.335 System Preferences[2886] *** Illegal NSTableView data source (<DNDArrayController: 0xd60ec90>[object class: NSString, number of selected objects: 0]). Must implement numberOfRowsInTableView: and tableView:objectValueForTableColumn:row:
2008-05-08 00:45:46.887 System Preferences[2886] CFLog (0):
CFPropertyListCreateFromXMLData(): plist parse failed; the data is not proper UTF-8. The file name for this data could be:
/Library/PreferencePanes/MediaLink.prefPane/Contents/Info.plist

[Zwhaler]

Why don't some of the tracks work in Medialink.

[Chodite]

I can't get this software to work to save my life.

My network is pretty basic. Linksys wireless-G router. PS3. Macbook.
Medialink software.

No static IPs because last time I did that (I gave the PS3 a static IP), it screwed up my whole network. So DHCP for me.

I also have an Xbox 360 and having Connect360 installed on my Macbook. Apparently the new version of Medialink was supposed to fix any port conflicts between Medialink and Connect360.

But when my PS3 scans for media servers, it cannot find any.

The Medialink software recognizes the PS3 on the network though. UGH!

Any help?

[Anrev]

My biggest problem with this software is the 30 min time limit! I paid $20 for this and only get 30 min at a shot? I cant even watch a movie.

[Chodite]

My biggest problem with this software is the 30 min time limit! I paid $20 for this and only get 30 min at a shot? I cant even watch a movie.

LOL!
The 30 minute time limit is only for the trial version.

[dazziola]

I paid $20 for this particular Nullriver uPNP product and had nothing but satisfaction...for the first day. Ever since, I've been unable to play any .avi files via my MacBook on my PS3 due to server errors. Also when it does work (which is rare now), it informs me that many of the video files which I want to watch, are of a data type(.avi) of which is not supported, even after playing a .avi video minutes prior.

Anyone have any solutions or should I take my problems to Nullriver themselves.

Thanks,
Newbie MacForum User/Long-time lover.

Dazz

---------------------------------
MacBook Late 2008 - 2.4ghz, 2gb ddr3 ram, superdrive.

[e²Studios]

I paid $20 for this particular Nullriver uPNP product and had nothing but satisfaction...for the first day. Ever since, I've been unable to play any .avi files via my MacBook on my PS3 due to server errors. Also when it does work (which is rare now), it informs me that many of the video files which I want to watch, are of a data type(.avi) of which is not supported, even after playing a .avi video minutes prior.


AVI can be encoded in many different ways. The PS3 is DiVX certified but it cannot play some (mainly the newer ones) of the codecs that are out there in the wild. I have AVI's that play perfectly fine, then others that display the "data type" prompt. Nullriver isn't the problem, the PS3's codec set is what is preventing you from playing some AVI's.

If you are having the "network DLNA" issue restart the nullriver service and either restart the PS3, or select "find media servers". That has fixed it whenever I received the error.

[Chic0]

Just went onto Medialink site as I was going to try email them with regards to Network errors I keep getting during playback.

Anyway it seems they have just released and update v1.6. Hopefully they have fixed the problem

Just thought give you guys the heads up.......:)

[gslrider]

Ever since I upgraded my router from the Linksys WRT54G, to the Linksys WRT330N Gaming Router, my connection has been stable (as in actually being able to connect and stay connected). Signal quality for WiFi is at 90%, compared to the previous 45%.

The only thing I'm having issues with is when I stream divx movies. Sometimes it will play flawlessly, most of the time it will play but will get intermittent freezing.

Maybe the lastest update will fix this issue. Thanks for the heads up.

[~Shard~]

Excellent news, I'll download the update when I get home today. I love MediaLink and it's always nice to get new updates! ;) :)

[Chic0]

hmmm...with MediaLink v1.6 seems that they still haven't fixed the annoying error that pops up when streaming movies :(

[~Shard~]

hmmm...with MediaLink v1.6 seems that they still haven't fixed the annoying error that pops up when streaming movies :(

Which error is that? I haven't seen that before...

[Chic0]

Which error is that? I haven't seen that before...

Whenever stream movies to ps3, a network error randomly pops up now and again in top right corner of screen. Movie still plays fine, its just irritating.

This only seemed to happen when upgraded to v1.59 few months back. I thought they may have fixed it in this new one, but they havent.

A number of other peeps on here are experiencing it too. Maybe it only occurs on a particular setup.

My ext HD is connected via USB to my Extreme. I use medialink on my MBP to stream to PS3 from ext HD.

[~Shard~]

I see, interesting. Sounds like a tricky one to troubleshoot, I hope you figure it out...

[gslrider]

Latest version, still has intermittent freezing when playing videos. Some days are worse than others. One day it'll be a couple of times it freezes (which is pretty good), then other times it will be freezing every minute. Audio will go out of sinc first, then the video will freeze. Anyone else, having this issue? Playing MP3s is fine. AVI's are a different story.

[eclipse525]

Whenever stream movies to ps3, a network error randomly pops up now and again in top right corner of screen. Movie still plays fine, its just irritating.


I get the same damn thing. The movie will play fine for about 15-20minutes and then I get that radom "error" message on the to right corner and soon after the whole video will freeze and say "error: unsupported media". I just don't get it. Below is my set up but I don't think anything is off. Especially since I have access to my photos, music and videos.

SET UP:
• iMac connected via WiFi using a Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. (located in living room about 20-30 feet away)
• PS3 connect via ethernet cable directly into the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router (located in bedroom)
• Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router (located in bedroom)
• Cable Modem (located in bedroom)
• Sony LCD TV (located in bedroom)


A while back they mentioned the router being the issue but I'm not sure if that's the case. Any idea's?


~e

[gslrider]

I get the same damn thing. The movie will play fine for about 15-20minutes and then I get that radom "error" message on the to right corner and soon after the whole video will freeze and say "error: unsupported media". I just don't get it. Below is my set up but I don't think anything is off. Especially since I have access to my photos, music and videos.

SET UP:
• iMac connected via WiFi using a Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router. (located in living room about 20-30 feet away)
• PS3 connect via ethernet cable directly into the Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router (located in bedroom)
• Linksys WRT54G Wireless-G Router (located in bedroom)
• Cable Modem (located in bedroom)
• Sony LCD TV (located in bedroom)


A while back they mentioned the router being the issue but I'm not sure if that's the case. Any idea's?


~e

It could be. Can't say for sure for me. But I used to have that same router, and had a bitch of a time trying to get streaming to work properly. Then I picked up a Linksys WRT330N Gaming Router. Although I still get the choppiness/freezing every now and then, it's far less severe as well as less frequent. Most of the time I would be able to watch a whole movie with freezing only twice and for only a few seconds. But as stated before some days are better than others. Wi-fi connection is also more stable, and signal strength went from 42% to 68%. Online gaming is also more stable. I still get the DNL server error every now and then, but it doesn't affect media streaming. I just get signed out of the PS3 servers.

What I'm looking to do is find a way to get the freezing down to zero.

[neoserver]

I get the same thing now except I think I know what caused it. The system worked perfectly prior to firmware 3.0. As soon as I upgraded to firmware 3.0, I started getting Network errors all over the place while streaming. I think there must be a slight incompatibility with 3.0 and Nullriver just needs to issue an update. My iMac and PS3 are both wired through a WRT54G. Like I said before, it USED to work flawlessly prior to 3.0 so I suspect its the firmware thats the culprit.

[njclifford]

Old post I know, but hopefully you are all still out there.

Am new to MediaLink... I love it!!!, but when watching AVI's, every 5 minutes or so it will freezing - audio still ok, and then after about 10 seconds will start up again...

It seems it is buffering???

PLEASE ADVISE!!

Thanks

Nick.

[eclipse525]

Apparently it's a "Router" issue. At least with me it's a router issue. If you own a Linksys router, they have firmware hacks that configure your router to run more efficiently. Haven't tried it yet but I personally think it's totally BS that you'd have to go to such lengths to make this work. I wrote to Nullriver and I'm still waiting to hear back.

[dukebound85]

ps3 media server is flawless and free. no stuttering like i had experienced with medialink

[njclifford]

I think the router thing is an excuse... I have a billion router and have never had an issue doing ANYTHING... so streaming a little movie should not kill it.

Am over in the Whirlpool forum as well (Aussie one), and everyone has their favourites.... I think I will try the PS3 MS... especially now as supports iTunes.