How To: Stream Any Video to Your Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Nintendo Wii
Posted 10/25/08 at 02:22:18 PM | by Will Smith
Whether you ripped your entire CD and DVD collection, purchase DRM-free content online, or you acquire your media from less legitimate sources, we'll show you everything you need to know to stream your audio, video, and pictures to any console you own.
The secret to streaming on all three platforms is a little program called TVersity. TVersity is a a standalone media streaming utility, designed to stream video to devices that support a number of different protocols, including UPNP, DLNA, and Flash video. The driving goal for the folks behind TVersity is to let you stream your media to any network connected device using the software. While it's still in beta and is in constant development, TVersity works reasonably well now; although it can be tricky to configure the first time.
The reason we love TVersity is that it automatically converts your content into the proper format for easy streaming, on the fly. This is important because none of the streaming boxes actually work with all the common audio and video formats. While the PS3 can play MPEG1 and MPEG2 video, it can't play WMV formatted files. The Xbox can play WMV, but chokes on many Divx and Xvid files. The Wii can only play Flash movies, using the downloadable Opera browser.
Getting the TVersity service working properly, and then configuring it for the best image quality is tricky, but it can be done. We're going to start by configuring TVersity and the codecs you'll need on your system, then we'll jump to console-specific sections after that.
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Answer to the PS3 problem
Submitted by spentnickles on Tue, 2008-11-04 19:15
So I've been dealing with this TVersity problem on the PS3 for about three days now... My XBox360 would stream fine - no problems from my Windows Home Server, but my PS3 would stutter and shake, stop and give me problems... After playing around with a LOT of different options (video encoders, settings in the TVersity XML file, etc...) I finally discovered the root of my problem. First off, here is my setup:
Windows Home server PP1 (standard Windows Firewall) hosting the TVersity program, CCCP codecs, and no other software loaded (all removed). I have since added PowerDVD and NERO back on. Settings for TVersity are as described in this article.
Gaming systems are hardwired, G-Bit LAN up to the switch for my PS3/X360/Will/etc., which is 100Mb because I like the speed of hard-wire..and haven't upgraded that part yet. Will try wireless later...
Xbox 360 would play almost any file encoded with NO Problems whatsoever (I have used SUPERC, NeroRecode, and finally PS3 Video 9 (which works for both systems - encoded at AVC720P AVISynth Settings). No matter what I tried the PS3 would NOT work.
The problem with the PS3 turned out to be with the hardwired network settings (for me) ON THE PS3. I had it set to Auto (why wouldn't Auto work?). I changed it to 100TX-Full and Viola' my video files work flawlessly. Once I order my upgrades I will manually set it to 1000-TX-Full...but that will come later. I was so torqued, that it was something so simple, but happy at the same time (so I thought I would share this). I'm going to pick up another Core or refurb'd X360 as a media extender and run it upstairs (cheaper than most other extenders out there).
I hope this helps with someone else's frustrations... I'm a Desktop Support Tech by trade BTW, and don't normally give up on problems until they are resolved - or I'm hungry... It's 3:15 in the morning here and I guess I'll go eat now...
Submitted by etsugua on Thu, 2008-10-30 09:54
I'm using it to stream video to my n800. Having trouble with the ipod Touch however. It's kinda cool to be able to play video on my portable device without having to down-grade it first and it plays great. This is nice since i've started ripping all my dvd's to a media server.
I'm gonna see if I can get TV tuner to steam using this...
Here's a real
Submitted by horzo on Wed, 2008-10-29 16:49
Here's a real challenge...
Find me a free streaming app (or even something commercial with a reasonable fee) that: 1) Runs in CLI/ncurses on Linux. No X-Windows! 2) Is DLNA compatible 3) Does transcoding.
xbmc
Submitted by ericmckenna on Wed, 2008-10-29 04:43
Still rocking XBMC on my modded xbox. Mostly interested in the higher resolution video that original xbox just can't handle.
Submitted by FRAGaLOT on Sun, 2008-10-26 01:48
Did G4 explain to you how to install it, explain the issue with conflicing codecs, and get it working like Will Smith/MaxPC did? I guess G4 didn't explain to you how to post comments properly, with out hitting the back button 4 times to dupe youe spaming post. Ya tard!
Submitted by ssgoku41121 on Sat, 2008-10-25 21:56
I've known about this for months through maximum pc. Good thing u refresh the hot topics now and again for the new users. Tversity combined with the pc and ps3 works for me.
Submitted by Sonickid101 on Sat, 2008-10-25 20:09
Most people especially the G4TV crowd knew about this monthes ago.
Questions about codecs
Submitted by Cthomasuscg on Sat, 2008-10-25 15:40
You have made it sound really simple, but I am lost when it came to codec sniper and figuring out which codec to remove. I removed all divx codecs I could find, yet WMP stills plays them!! I completely rebooted and uninstalled DivX from my machine. You have done a great job with overall walkthrough. Would you mind maybe posting some of the codecs you removed through codec sniper, it would help a ton!
Submitted by FRAGaLOT on Sat, 2008-10-25 11:28
This sounds great since I have a mass collection of old TVshows encoded in some odd divx format that my Xbox360 can't play, usually due to audio. Since this transcodes audio this should overcome this problem.
Another thing that people don't seem to realize that in order for your 360 to play divx files is you MUST be online to Xbox live for the codec to be authorized by microsoft to even function. So if you're offline, or XBL is offline for maintenance, or you no longer pay your $50 a year XBL membership, you're completely SOL for playing any of your content on your 360, other than .WMV formats. This will overcome that.
Someone mentioned clipping problems when using this software. Chances are this is NOT TVersity fault, it's either your 360 or your HDTV causing the overscan. Check the display options on your 360 while you're playing a video, and go though all the different modes so that the video fits your screen. Also most HDTV's have a similar function for this, usually stretching 4:5 into widescreen, and overscan settings.
For those of you just saying "I can't get it to work, I have a router and windows.." well no kidding? Try telling us something that we don't already know. Like if you have a 360 or a PS3, and more that just a two sentience that tells us nothing to help you.
Lastly to the douchebag who thinks deleting all your codecs is a "retarded" idea. I find it extremely retarded that you spent that much money on a codecs then they are already free. However that dosen't mean you can't use your over-priced codecs with TVersity. Since most people don't waste $100 on codecs, Will is just providing links to a set of codecs that are known to work with TVersity. As well as making a point that you shouldn't have conflicting codecs if you have more already installed. So please stop the douchebaggery, acting like you know everything.
Submitted by dgrmouse on Sat, 2008-10-25 10:19
The suggestion to uninstall any existing codecs is just plain retarded. I paid good money for my Cyberlink and NVidia directshow decoders, and I quite like being able to play 1080p video with full hardware acceleration and 5-10% CPU usage on a three year-old system. It would be smarter to investigate streaming with a codec agnostic or codec aware application, like VLC or Media Player Classic HC, transcoding prior to streaming, or just laying out $100 for a MediaMVP that can do it right.
Submitted by textscape on Thu, 2008-08-21 00:06
So will this enable me to watch 'regular' TV recorded on my media centre ... running Microsoft Media Centre to record it ... in one room, on my HDTV in another room through a PS3? Thanks
Submitted by peterh14 on Mon, 2008-08-11 11:51
I'm planning on trying this out soon on my Directv HR20 box, now that it has the ability to play streaming audio and video. I'll let you know how it goes.
Submitted by peterh14 on Wed, 2008-08-13 12:52
This streams to my HR20 box perfectly. I've been able to stream MP2, 3, and 4s, AVIs, and DivXs. I haven't tried XVids, WMAs or H.264s yet.
Submitted by Frash on Thu, 2008-03-27 20:51
So after a few times of trying to get this to work I finally got it to. My 360 kept connecting then disconnecting. I just refreshed my library and it works great. I've watched some episodes and Its much better to watch on my 40 inch Sony than on my 24 inch Dell.
Submitted by Basto on Tue, 2008-02-19 07:34
But i cant get it to work at all.
I'm using a router and w/ no luck at and im using vista is there anything else i have to check ?
Submitted by David Willis on Fri, 2008-02-08 14:39
Yeah right, printed many pages, went through it,, get this to work you must be a computer programer,,or work for company selling this software,,, better if providing step by step for making something works, or just stick to general comments on how nice it is ...WHEN it works... Dave
Will Will Will bad bad bad
Submitted by coldracerx on Thu, 2008-01-31 12:54
Ok now this is really bad that Maximum Pc would do a write up on the streaming for the Xbox 360 when we all know that it does almost all videos native. It may not workin the MC Extender mode but from the dashboard it is great. The cropping or resize is bad but it works. Now as for subs and some of the lesser used formats maybe but that is not a big issue to get TVersity or Crapveristy as I call it. I tried this app on both my PS3 and 360 prior to the systems updates it was trash. Nero Mediahome server worked better and was much easier to configure. Oh well Will has his one slip for 2008. Dont let it happen again.
Submitted by devereauxx on Wed, 2008-01-30 22:32
i've been using tversity for about a month now with my 360. i've been able to play .mkv files at 1080p and 720p, .mp4 at 1080p and 720p and all my xvid and divx files seem to be running great. mp3 files are fantastic too. now if tversity would play dvd isos i might never leave the couch!! tversity is a tough product to get working right the first time but after all the work is put in it is well worth it and allows for the viewing of files that the 360 cant view on it's own.
if i had to rate tversity i'd give it
2.5 stars out of five for ease of use
4.5 stars out of five for video compatability
5.0 for cost it's free!! take what you can get and dont look a gift horse in the mouth!!
Submitted by sbellville on Wed, 2008-01-30 16:17
Great write up! I hope Maximum PC continues to write these "how to's."
Would it be too much to ask to have future how to's in a pdf format?
Submitted by ZombieSkin on Wed, 2008-01-30 10:41
"The Xbox can play WMV, but chokes on many Divx and Xvid files."
Pretty disappointing, I checked to make sure the date of the article wasn't from last summer. The last update for the 360 enabled native support for most any format you need to watch.
http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/xbox-360-divx%5Cxvid-test/xbox-360-divxxvid-playback-tested-verdict-its-almost-perfect-329769.php
Edit: Yeah, this article adds more support, but it seems moot. I've thrown everything at my 360, including old porn, and it can stream anything. Seems like a waste, and an ugly one.
In my testing, the Xbox
Submitted by willsmith on Wed, 2008-01-30 12:39
In my testing, the Xbox still has some significant problems with Divx files encoded with certain quality settings post update, and it will outright refuse to play certain audio and subtitle formats. TVersity will handle all that stuff for you.
Submitted by kludge on Wed, 2008-08-06 09:52
Hi Will,
I was pulling my hair out trying to make certain files play on my PS3. on my Vista Box - WMP11 works fine for any AVI, MPG and most MP4's ripped from personal DVD collection using PS3 template (using HandBrake or Nero Recode). It will play all AVI's (RAW & DIVX)& MPEGs natively, but you
have to add a couple of video codecs (FFDSHOW & Haali Media
Splitter) to get it to see and play standard MP4 movies.Both
HandBrake and Nero Recode both have an MP4 - PS3 output template making
it a snap to rip your collection to your hard drive.--The Problem--
I also have a bunch of videos that we viewed with AppleTV, but since i found out about the PS3's media playing capability - the Apple TV is going elsewhere. These MP4's are somehow different than the Handbrake and Nero Recode made MP4's. it looks like they use another codec called 3IVX which I
guess QuickTime uses. The PS3 simply does not play these video files.-Set up TVersity on an XP box so it didn't mess up my WMP on Vista (Quicktime not loaded on this XP box if that makes a difference). They seem to play fine using Nero Showtime on this XP PC, but when I configured TVersity to transcode everything and stream it to the PS3 the Aspect Ratio is slightly off. It is not unbearable, but highly annoying.
I have Configured the FFDSHOW Video sizing to a 16x9 aspect, and I have played around with several of the sizing settings, but none of my changes make any difference. I delete all the Temp files and restart TVersity before trying again, but the skewed aspect remains exactly the same no matter how I change it.
Also, one of the MP4 3IVX videos that is about 2.3 GB has a completely messed up picture, but the sounds seems ok.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Submitted by popstop785 on Wed, 2008-01-30 08:40
Funny thing is is that I was thinking about how I could stream my movies from my pc to my tv downstairs just a few days ago.
This will be my little project for the week.
Thanks!
Submitted by russorat on Wed, 2008-01-30 06:38
Ok, this is basically an advertisement for TVersity, which might be a good product, but i have yet to find a video that i need to "convert" to work on my 360. I've played divx, xvid, mp4, and wmv and no conversions were needed (and of course all were downloaded with written permission from the MPAA :). It could be useful for the Wii or maybe the PS3, but 1. who wants to stream to a Wii? and 2. who even owns a PS3? Ok, i kidd, i kidd. Also, what's with all the "quality settings"? It's much easier to set things up with Media Player 10 (or Connect360 for a mac). No strange settings, and the videos look amazing. I've even streamed 1080p video to my 360, no problem. So my main point is that while this may work for the 360, there are other options which are easier and may work better than TVersity, so make sure to check around first.
Submitted by xpose on Wed, 2008-01-30 00:17
Nice writeup about Tversity. The fact you actually used CCCP for the codec gives you extra points. I didn't see mention of the CoreAVC codec that supports more than one core for decoding. (It does cost money) This usually improves performance. However, I have not used it with tversity and a console to test it.
Maybe the next writeup you have should be about how incredibly easy and cheap it is to output audio/video directly from your home pc to your HD tv. (No not a media center PC, just something simple)
Submitted by textscape on Wed, 2008-08-20 19:53
Hi - you mentioned that it's easy to and
cheap to output audio/video directly from your home pc to your HD
tv, and not neccessarily a media center PC. Can u let me know how? All I really want to do it play regular TV from my PC (which is a media centre) in one room, to my TV. Also have a Ps3 which I was hoping this TVersity will do. Thanks.
Submitted by DiRTDOG on Wed, 2008-01-30 06:51
I have been trying to use TVersity for a long time to stream HD content from my PC and TVersity always chokes and its not due to a slow PC the forums have been some help but not much. So my question to you is what do you use to stream the HD stuff?
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