HTPC or PS3?

[Kelvarr]

Let me preface this by saying my primary goal/intent is to be able to play the DVD rips (ISO format) that I have made of my daughters' DVDs. I would like to be able to play directly from the ISO (I know ISO isn't a "format", but more of a storage method, similar to ZIP). Secondary usage of the machine would be to play Blu-Ray (most likely from disc right now...I don't have the storage space for BD rips). A smaller, tertiary, usage of the machine would be for MP3's.

Would a HTPC or PS3 work better for my needs? I don't really see me ever using the device as a DVR (I have one through cable company) as the amount of free HD channels available to me is rather pathetic, but the amount of HD channels available to me through my Cable Company's DVR is rather large.

I know the cost will be about the same (~$300 for PS3, ~$400 for HTPC). Note, that if I go HTPC route, it will not be used for gaming, as I already have a PC for that role. Obviously, the PS3 would receive some gametime, but not as much as my X360.

Thanks in advance.

 

[MrGuvernment]

get a ps3 - install PS3MediaServer on a computer that has the files and off you go (your gaming rig)

Now, if you dont already have a computer that can host the files, i would say go HTPC.

 

[BillNutz]

I think the issue here is the ISO format for your DVD rips. The HTPC can play them, but with the hassle of mounting them first before being played.
I'm not aware of any media player that would play an ISO directly. Forget about using ISO with the PS3.
If you decide to use a common container like AVI and use Divx/Xvid codec, then both will do just fine out of the box.

I use PS3 Media Server/TVersity to stream to the PS3, my media files are in MKV, AVI, MP4 containers and not ISO.

 

[uninja]

I went from a full-blown HTPC to a PS3 and I'm glad I switched.

I was mostly just streaming and playing dvd/blu-ray discs. Updating the PS3 has just been less of a headache and sometimes I'd have problems with PowerDVD playing new blu-rays. I don't have to mess with a keyboard/mice combo, just my Harmony and the PS3 controller - I haven't purchased the Harmony PS3 adapter yet.

I agree with the previous poster that mention ps3mediaserver, so far it's played everything I've thrown at it. I also do the Netflix streaming which is just icing on the cake.

 

[MrGuvernment]

PS3MediaServer plays ISO directly

 

[mryerse]

So now you're transcoding all the time... ehh.

Popcorn hour can play ISO for DVD's but not blu ray. But it doesn't have a blu ray player (although I think you can attach one with USB, if not the bigger one has a 5.25" bay for one). At that price (the larger popcorn hour) you're looking at a PS3 which can also play games. But if you don't plan to play games it may work better for you. I think it's power consumption will be much less than PS3.

 

[Kelvarr]

I think the issue here is the ISO format for your DVD rips. The HTPC can play them, but with the hassle of mounting them first before being played.
I'm not aware of any media player that would play an ISO directly. Forget about using ISO with the PS3.
If you decide to use a common container like AVI and use Divx/Xvid codec, then both will do just fine out of the box.

I use PS3 Media Server/TVersity to stream to the PS3, my media files are in MKV, AVI, MP4 containers and not ISO.

I have zero interest in converting all of my DVD's from ISO to another format (unless I absolutely have to). The ISO's additionally server as a backup for my daughters' DVD's (anyone with kids knows what kids can do to DVD's). The only other option would be to extract the VOB files from the ISO.

But it sounds like ps3mediacenter might do the trick. Any other thoughts?

 

[Menelmarar]

I have zero interest in converting all of my DVD's from ISO to another format (unless I absolutely have to). The ISO's additionally server as a backup for my daughters' DVD's (anyone with kids knows what kids can do to DVD's). The only other option would be to extract the VOB files from the ISO.

But it sounds like ps3mediacenter might do the trick. Any other thoughts?

Yes, PS3mediaserver you can leave in ISO format, using the PS3 you browse right into the ISO file and go through it's transcode feature, in the PS3 looks like a #TRANSCODE# folder when you browse into the ISO.

DVDFlick is a free program, and it can take divx/xvid I think any format that you have codecs/filters registered in and converts them back into vob format for burning onto a DVD. Very easy. Divx files take up much less hdd real estate than ISO.

 

[Cyant]

The best is Western Digital WD TV Live + Standalone blue ray player
If you don't play games then forget about an HTPC and forget the hassle of PS3mediaserver having to transcode you movies all the time cause the PS3 media support suck. Playing ISO work with a PS3 but it's sucky at best even on a good computer it will take a lot of resources to playback one if you are playing a game at the same time.

WD TV Live play ISO just fine from a SMB share or attached USB key/hard drive. When you play back an ISO it wont open the menu tho, it start the movie directly. It can play MKV and the likes with full bitstream sound to your receiver etc... All that with no transcoding from the computer that host the files.

Trust me you don't want to mess with PS3mediaserver or an HTPC after you tasted the WD TV Live box. Ever.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?DriveID=735

 

[uninja]

I just leave PS3mediaserver running in the background on my main desktop. It's an older Q6600. I can just browse on the PS3 to my movie folder and hit play.

I generally don't use that PC while I'm in the other room watching TV, is the negative about PS3MS is that it uses a lot of resources on the transcoding computer while you're watching a movie?

I bought the PS3 more for the blu-ray playback and the occasional game, so the streaming movies/Netflix was more just a cool benefit. I was having issues with my LG blu-ray drive in my traditional HTPC not playing some of the new movies I purchased with PowerDVD. The free trial of TotalMedia played them all just fine, but then I was looking at shelling out $100 for new software or just buying the Playstation.

 

[Cyant]

Yeah he said it's mostly for his daughter's to watch DVD ISO that he ripped. I'm speculating that he doesn't want to watch the movie and might be using the transcoding computer while she watches the movies. In that case transcoding is bad if he does have to use it at the same time. Gaming will have much lower frame per seconds and the movie playback won't be smooth on the PS3.

 

[heatlesssun]

And PC will kick the shit out of a PS3 if you spend the money. Yes, the PC will cost more if you do it right and will make the PS3 look like a toy.

There's just some much more you can do with a PC. Real web browsers, the ability to rip, burn and play DVDs and BDs, Zune, iTunes, Netflicks, dare I say even torrents? A decently HTPC with about $1500 worth of hardware and software will just be so much more powerful, versatile and fun. Not that much work really. Just get ArcSoft TotalMedia Platinum 3 and AnyDVD. I'll be getting a CableCard tuner when they go on sale in the spring so now I get all of my cable TV channels, BD, and everything on the web.

Its a lot more money than a PS3. Its a lot more powerful too boot.

 

[Cyant]

I tought we established that he doesn't need a HTPC.

 

[heatlesssun]

I tought we established that he doesn't need a HTPC.

He did mention DVRing and does it, but he didn't seem to be aware that this spring you'll be able to hook his PC up to his cable and get the encrypted channels. To me this is a BIG deal if you have a premium cable subscription. You get first run shows in their best quality, better than anything online at the moment, and you have the ability to transcode and watch the show on an Zune, iPod or device.

There's good slinging software in Orb, though they are still working on their Windows 7 release it would seem.

Just mentioning the possibilities. A PS3 may still be what the OP wants. I'm just a functionality freak and there's just so many possibilities with an HTPC that just aren't on consoles.

 

[MrGuvernment]

And PC will kick the shit out of a PS3 if you spend the money. Yes, the PC will cost more if you do it right and will make the PS3 look like a toy.

There's just some much more you can do with a PC. Real web browsers, the ability to rip, burn and play DVDs and BDs, Zune, iTunes, Netflicks, dare I say even torrents? A decently HTPC with about $1500 worth of hardware and software will just be so much more powerful, versatile and fun. Not that much work really. Just get ArcSoft TotalMedia Platinum 3 and AnyDVD. I'll be getting a CableCard tuner when they go on sale in the spring so now I get all of my cable TV channels, BD, and everything on the web.

Its a lot more money than a PS3. Its a lot more powerful too boot.

Your comparing apples to oranges

$300 to play movies vs $1500 to play movies???

 

[Kelvarr]

And PC will kick the shit out of a PS3 if you spend the money. Yes, the PC will cost more if you do it right and will make the PS3 look like a toy.

There's just some much more you can do with a PC. Real web browsers, the ability to rip, burn and play DVDs and BDs, Zune, iTunes, Netflicks, dare I say even torrents? A decently HTPC with about $1500 worth of hardware and software will just be so much more powerful, versatile and fun. Not that much work really. Just get ArcSoft TotalMedia Platinum 3 and AnyDVD. I'll be getting a CableCard tuner when they go on sale in the spring so now I get all of my cable TV channels, BD, and everything on the web.

Its a lot more money than a PS3. Its a lot more powerful too boot.

Ok...first, I don't need to do all that stuff on an HTPC (should I build one). I already have a gaming machine that is capable of almost everything you mentioned. The HTPC would be the front end for playing rips, and maybe be the storage point for those rips (most likely they will be stored on a different machine).

Not only that, but $1500 is WAAAAY over my price point of $300-$500 (which I know I didn't specify, but I did mention a $300 PS3 and $400 HTPC).

He did mention DVRing and does it, but he didn't seem to be aware that this spring you'll be able to hook his PC up to his cable and get the encrypted channels. To me this is a BIG deal if you have a premium cable subscription. You get first run shows in their best quality, better than anything online at the moment, and you have the ability to transcode and watch the show on an Zune, iPod or device.

There's good slinging software in Orb, though they are still working on their Windows 7 release it would seem.

Just mentioning the possibilities. A PS3 may still be what the OP wants. I'm just a functionality freak and there's just so many possibilities with an HTPC that just aren't on consoles.

I wasn't set on a PS3...in fact, I was leaning more on a HTPC. I was just curious if a PS3 would suit me better.

As for the DVRing, I was not aware that I would be able to receive encrypted channels coming up. This could drastically change what I use this for. Any links to this development?


The WD Live has me intrigued, if for nothing else, than I can use that on other PC's in the house.

 

[devman]

I went from a full-blown HTPC to a PS3 and I'm glad I switched.

I was mostly just streaming and playing dvd/blu-ray discs. Updating the PS3 has just been less of a headache and sometimes I'd have problems with PowerDVD playing new blu-rays. I don't have to mess with a keyboard/mice combo, just my Harmony and the PS3 controller - I haven't purchased the Harmony PS3 adapter yet.

I agree with the previous poster that mention ps3mediaserver, so far it's played everything I've thrown at it. I also do the Netflix streaming which is just icing on the cake.

I just did the same thing I spent months trying to get my HTPC to do everything I wanted it to, but the media and cable industries just have to tight a grip. So I replaced my HTPC with a TivoHD and a PS3 and it has been awesome.

 

[royce321]

i just go with both as while the ps3 can store my videos and music my htpc file server can hold terabytes of data

since i have a ps3 i didn't need to use any optical drive in that htpc/sff rig, as the ps3 is a decent dvd and bluray player

 

[pre1014]

umm, neither.
A PS3 would require transcoding on a pc to stream the dvds.
A PC is "overkill".

Something like the popcorn hour (you can add a blu-ray drive to the c200 apparently) would be perfect.

Although....the PCH c-200 is the same price as the acer aspire revo which could also play blu-rays after the addition of an blu-ray drive (external of course).

If you were only playing DVD isos and MP3s i would say a modded xbox with xbmc- and then get an affordable stand alone blu-ray player.

 

[wjogert]

I have a PS3 for the kids, and use it to watch movies when they go to bed.

Also have a HTPC build in progress.

One thing I have noticed right away is... BD / HD-DVD playback requires Cyberlink PDVD.
PDVD does not integrate with Media Center or any other media players that have a readily available remote. So, I'm forced to keep a wireless mouse and keyboard handy while watching a movie on the HTPC. It's not horrible, but rewind / pause / play functions just take too much effort compared to pressing a single button on a remote.

We watched a movie on the HTPC just the other night. There were a few scenes where the wife said, "can you go back, I missed what they said". She sat there and watched as my mouse pointer became visible, scrolled up to the screen, right click, scroll to "rewind", scroll to the "2X", and click.
By now we are like 10 - 15 seconds past when she asked me to rewind.
That might not seem like a big deal, but in the middle of a movie, she was like "WTF!??"

So, until I get the user interface to be more "user friendly", looks like we'll continue to watch movies on the PS3.

 

[wjogert]

BTW, I also have a TT HTPC case that comes with the iMon remote controller.

That remote has a thumb pad that simulates mouse functions. That is 50% of my decision to buy the case.

Well, watching me fumble with the thumb pad in the middle of a movie, as my pointer stuttered around the screen till I hit my mark... up, up, down, left, left, right, left, down, up, left, right... click (finally)... well, she literally wanted to take my remote and beat me with it!!

 

[july007a]

And PC will kick the shit out of a PS3 if you spend the money. Yes, the PC will cost more if you do it right and will make the PS3 look like a toy.

There's just some much more you can do with a PC. Real web browsers, the ability to rip, burn and play DVDs and BDs, Zune, iTunes, Netflicks, dare I say even torrents? A decently HTPC with about $1500 worth of hardware and software will just be so much more powerful, versatile and fun. Not that much work really. Just get ArcSoft TotalMedia Platinum 3 and AnyDVD. I'll be getting a CableCard tuner when they go on sale in the spring so now I get all of my cable TV channels, BD, and everything on the web.

Its a lot more money than a PS3. Its a lot more powerful too boot.

i agree htpc would kick the shit out of PS3. but 1500? I dont know what kind of HTPC you are talking about about my HTPC is about 500-600. and I can play any content I want.

 

[neurobash]

I have a PS3 for the kids, and use it to watch movies when they go to bed.

Also have a HTPC build in progress.

One thing I have noticed right away is... BD / HD-DVD playback requires Cyberlink PDVD.
PDVD does not integrate with Media Center or any other media players that have a readily available remote. So, I'm forced to keep a wireless mouse and keyboard handy while watching a movie on the HTPC. It's not horrible, but rewind / pause / play functions just take too much effort compared to pressing a single button on a remote.

We watched a movie on the HTPC just the other night. There were a few scenes where the wife said, "can you go back, I missed what they said". She sat there and watched as my mouse pointer became visible, scrolled up to the screen, right click, scroll to "rewind", scroll to the "2X", and click.
By now we are like 10 - 15 seconds past when she asked me to rewind.
That might not seem like a big deal, but in the middle of a movie, she was like "WTF!??"

So, until I get the user interface to be more "user friendly", looks like we'll continue to watch movies on the PS3.

not sure what version of powerdvd you're using, but v9 integrates with media center and my remote works fine with it. arcsoft's totalmedia theater works in a similar fashion (and does it much better imho)..

 

[wjogert]

Using version 7.3 Ultra OEM... came with the LG drive.

Guess I'm in need of an upgrade.

So you are controlling PDVD 9, via the Media Center remote? or a different remote??

 

[neurobash]

Using version 7.3 Ultra OEM... came with the LG drive.

Guess I'm in need of an upgrade.

So you are controlling PDVD 9, via the Media Center remote? or a different remote??

I'm using the media center remote... well, technically a logitech harmony remote. just a heads up, they removed the ability of powerdvd 9 to play hd-dvd's, so if that is a requirement for you I'd recommend totalmedia theatre.

 

[samduhman]

The best is Western Digital WD TV Live + Standalone blue ray player
If you don't play games then forget about an HTPC and forget the hassle of PS3mediaserver having to transcode you movies all the time cause the PS3 media support suck. Playing ISO work with a PS3 but it's sucky at best even on a good computer it will take a lot of resources to playback one if you are playing a game at the same time.

WD TV Live play ISO just fine from a SMB share or attached USB key/hard drive. When you play back an ISO it wont open the menu tho, it start the movie directly. It can play MKV and the likes with full bitstream sound to your receiver etc... All that with no transcoding from the computer that host the files.

Trust me you don't want to mess with PS3mediaserver or an HTPC after you tasted the WD TV Live box. Ever.

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.asp?DriveID=735

I think you should look into this. I've been fighting an uphill battle trying to stream dvd rips from my WHS to my TV using PS3mediaserver and TV Versity. Nothing but one issue after another. I'm getting tired of trying to get a good configuration working. Sure its been a learning process since its all new to me but so far its been way more complicated than I thought it would be.

Hands on Review http://www.maximumpc.com/article/web_exclusive/handson_wd_tv_live_media_player?page=0%2C0

 

[dustNbone]

I don't think TVersity needs to actually transcode the video to play an ISO out to the PS3. I'm pretty sure (though not totally till I check it out) that it just takes the VOBs from the ISO and feeds the PS3 those. I know the PS3 can play a DVD VOB file if you just extract the filesystem from the disc into a shared folder, so I don't see why TVersity wouldn't just do that on the fly instead of recoding the video stream. What would it encode it to? MPEG-2 same as the source just in a different container? Seems pretty dumb.

Dustin