How to stream DivX from a Mac to a PS3 with EyeConnect
Update: see my note at the bottom about native DivX support on your PS3.
Ah, the PlayStation 3 and the iMac G5: two great looking machines packed with powerful hardware and huge potential for media-centre magic. But getting them to talk to each other can be something of a hassle. And getting DivX films to play on your PS3 is still impossible, unless you go down the even more problematic Linux avenue. I spent ages trying to find a good system which would allow me to not only share multimedia content with the PlayStation 3 but which could also transcode DivX/XviD to a readable format for the codec-deficient console.
And I’ve found it! The solution is to use two applications, one to share your media and one to do the transcoding work. After testing a couple of media server apps, including TwonkyMedia (which I found to offer a very unstable connection), I settled with EyeConnect, a powerful and easy to use media server for Tiger and Leopard which combines a clean, simple interface with a stable network connection to the PS3.
After installing EyeConnect, make sure that it can ’see’ your PS3. If it can’t, make sure that your PS3 is properly configured to access your home network and that it is set to ‘look for’ media servers. If you use a firewall, you might also need to make sure that the port EyeConnect wants to connect with is open. Once you can see your PS3, take a look at the other settings in EyeConnect which cover folders, filetypes etc. There’s no need to change any of them, though.
Next you need to download a program that can transcode your DivX files to a readable format. The best solution I’ve found is VisualHub. Once installed, VisualHub is very easy to use: just add your DivX file to its queue, select an output folder (pick the same folder EyeConnect is using for movie files) and then select your transcoding options. The best quality will be found using the ‘VCD‘ template at maximum. Once you’ve started transcoding, take a look at the relevant folder on the XMB. You should see the DivX file you picked already there, even though the transcoding isn’t complete. In MPG format, there is some slight loss of quality but you can play with the display size in the PS3’s video menu to get optimal performance.
Hopefully, the PS3 will introduce native support for DivX, rendering the transcoding step unnecessary. But for now, this is a fairly simple system that works. Enjoy!
Update: DivX is coming to the PS3! Not sure when, but this would definitely negate the need for VisualHub. More news on this as it comes.
Update 2: DivX is now fully supported by the PS3. Make sure you install firmware 2.1 and you’ll be able to stream DivX/XviD movies straight from your Mac to your PS3 with EyeConnect. So there’s no need for VisualHub now. Incidentally, after a few weeks, I’m still really happy with EyeConnect. After the trial ran out, I didn’t hesitate to purchase a licensed copy. Which is pretty unusual for me.
Posted at 12:55 am on Jan 4th
I used to be able to stream photos and MP3s from my MacBook to my PS3 over my wireless G network. The wireless network wasn’t fast enough to stream video.
But then I upgraded EyeTV to 2.5, and the PS3 to 2.1, and now I can only stream photos — the music has died. I get “Media Server Error 80710736″ whenever I try to stream music.
DLNA and Mac/PS3 compatibility needs to improve.
I’m running:
MacBook with EyeTV & Eyeconnect
PS3
Airport Extreme LAN (PS3 is wired / MacBook is wireless)
Posted at 1:07 pm on Jul 11th
I was using the PS3 as a media centre to stream music and video from my mac. Now it no longer works. Can see photos and the names of the files. But any attempt to play a music or video file results in a 80710736 error.
eyeConnect 1.5.1
PS3 - 2.4.0
iMac with os 10.5.3
The whole setup was working fine until PS3 Firmware update 2.40.
Any ideas?
Posted at 9:14 am on Jul 12th
Hi Mark - I just checked on my PS3 and it’s happening to me too… I’ll look into it!
Posted at 6:25 pm on Jul 14th
Same for me. I’m using Just installed 2.4.1 and now no .avi files will play. I’m using a mac, EyeConnect and Airport Extreme. “Media Server Error 80710736″.
Posted at 9:22 pm on Jul 18th
Same here , got to work PS3 with eyeconnect about 4 months ago , since last ps3 update a week ago am getting “Media Server Error 80710736″.am using Imac with , EyeConnect and Airport Extreme.
Posted at 4:50 pm on Jul 20th
Same here, Imac, EyeConnect and Aiport Extreme. Error 80710736. No problems before this update. Any fix?
Posted at 6:57 pm on Jul 20th
I’ve looked into it and I can’t find any solution. I reckon that EyeConnect needs to be updated.
I’ve tried with Nullriver MediaLink and everything works fine. Disappointing that Elgato don’t seem to offer much in the way of updates for EyeConnect.
I’ll speak to Elgato and try to find out what the problem is.
Posted at 10:11 pm on Jul 22nd
Same error/problem here. Just downloaded the EyeConnect trial today for my leopard Macbook Pro, and a newly updated PS3. “Media Server Error” “80710736″
Posted at 4:22 pm on Jul 23rd
There’s a knowledge base post on Elgato’s website which says that they’re aware of the issue. They say:
So it looks like we just have to wait. In the meantime, Nullriver’s MediaLink is still working properly.
Posted at 8:59 pm on Aug 1st
have the same probs as the guys above me but i have bought this programm to stream movies to my ps3 and now it is not working wouldit not be great that this compagny would payed the persons there money back because i think a solution will be a thing for a long breath if they will find a solution so lets c if there is in 2 months from now a solution so 1 oktober
Posted at 2:54 am on Nov 13th
I have the full version of EyeConnect with the newest update for the PS3. I am streaming a movie from my Macbook and have no problems with exceptions to and annoying Network Error 80710736 in the top right corner. Other than it being annoying there are no other problems with playback. It does have a hard time with rew/ff, but it catches up after a bit.