NOTE: 11/23/09 \\SOME THINGS STILL NEED UPDATING.... Most of what is posted here is relevant however, going forward I HIGHLY suggest NOT installing the additional software and codecs included with Tversity. I have some router advice to add (see LAST post) but for now, some updates have been made. I'll continue to edit it this week..
Also, rather than the codec pack included in Tversity, USE CCCP (combined community codec pack) found here: http://www.cccp-project.net/download.php?type=cccp
This MUST be installed PRIOR to Tversity and a RESTART MUST be done (because of codec registry entries) in order for it to work.
Lastly, DO NOT START TVERSITY MEDIA SERVER (UNCHECK THE BOX @ END OF INSTALL) BEFORE A SYSTEM RESTART (again, registry entries). This ensures proper functionality.
********IF YOU SEE THE WORDS REBOOT or RESTART, THEY ARE THERE FOR A REASON
********IF YOU SEE THE WORDS "DON'T", "DO NOT" OR "LEAVE IT ALONE", HEED THE WARNING.
********IF YOU SEE WORDS THAT ARE HUGE IN BOLD, COLORED LETTERS, THERE IS A REASON
KARNAG3'S PS3 TVERSITY GUIDE v3.2.1.11.23.09
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**********************************************SECTION 1: ADVICE & DISCLAIMERS
STEP 1: FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS, READ THOROUGHLY, DON'T ASK A QUESTION I'VE ALREADY ANSWERED
1A) DON'T BOTHER ASKING ME ANY QUESTIONS IF a) Your not using *edit 11/23/09* THE LASTEST VERSION of Tversity FOUND HERE: http://tversity.com/download. The newer version is very bug-free and resolved the "services.msc/logon" issue (in most cases). or b)you plan on taking various unconfirmed recommendations from others (who btw are asking questions, too, and therefore can't seem to get it right yet
) or c) aren't going to follow the steps.1B) For the last time, this is ONLY for PS3 and ONLY for Windows. MAC users, whateva, no hatin' on Apple, no beef w/Linux, that's just not what I'm doing here.
Don't bitch cuz I don't have a guide in here for Tversity running on your iPhone & Xbox on a Linux network. That's why its called "making it work on the {freaking} PS3". (some linux dude is gonna gimme the linux superiority speech after this, I just know it).1C) If you are still complaining about garbled sound from the **AC3 FILTER** after you read this, then you didn't read this. You will be removing AC3. If it still comes up (your little thing in the system tray...) then you didn't uninstall it.
1D) I suggest that ***during the entire process** you do NOT have your PS3 on
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=========DEBUNKING=======THE====HAALI=======MYTH=================================
*edit 11/23/09* 1E) I keep hearing this around the forums, so let me put a stop to it once and for all DON'T REMOVE OR DISABLE HAALI FILTER OR CHANGE THE SETTINGS IN CCCP BECAUSE SOME DORK TOLD YOU TO and then ask why MKV files won't work. You need it to play MKV. Its in the CCCP. Don't install it separately, don't touch it, don't even think about it.
There is an issue with a certain setting (NOT Haali) affecting subtitle playback - this is addressed at the END of the guide. READ thoroughly and DON'T follow that OTHER guy's advice on correcting subtitles.
STILL DON'T BELIEVE ME ABOUT HAALI? VISIT THE *CREATOR'S* WEBPAGE: http://www.matroska.org , it'll tell you ALL about Matroska(MKV) and even gives you a link to his codec....Haali Media Splitter http://matroska.org/downloads/windows.html (under "Filters"...right below the link for CCCP).
Now, please shut up about Haali breaking MKV files.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
**********************************************SECTION 2: REQUIRED DOWNLOADS
1) Download the latest version of Tversity here : http://tversity.com/download/
***EDIT 11/23/09 2) Download CCCP here: http://www.cccp-project.net/download.php?type=cccp if you haven't done it already
3) YES, YES, AND YES, you ONLY need CCCP. DO NOT INSTALL A CRAP-TON OF OTHER CODECS AND THEN ASK WHY IT WON'T WORK. Its because you didn't read.
3a) Additionally, if you wish to play Real Media Files (RVMB) you can install Real Alternative: http://codecs.com/download/Real_Alternative.htm. This can and SHOULD be (if used) installed immediately after CCCP; restart after both are installed.
4) Download Media Player Classic here: http://www.free-codecs.com/download/Media_Player_Classic.htm Don't worry - this is only for testing you don't have to use it forever (although it completely smokes MP11 in my opinion). NOTE: Media Player Classic is NOT necessary to make Tversity work, but I recommend using it because any incompatibility issues w/codecs can be easily identified by test running the file in question w/MPC (there is an option to install this WITH the CCCP; you don't need to download it separately if you prefer)
5) *********STOP*****STOP*****STOP************ DON'T INSTALL ANYTHING
**********************************************SECTION 3: INSTALLATION & REBOOT, REBOOT, REBOOT
6) The first thing you need to do is uninstall *any* codecs you've ever installed. This means uninstalling anything that installs its own codecs. PS **NERO IS A KNOWN ISSUE**. It installs its own codecs for use in audio/video conversion for making those convenient pirate CDs and DVDs for you. I do not use Nero, so I am unsure if you can deselect installation of the codecs. I hate Nero, so the only advice I can give is *use something else*. Most conversion programs (I use Xilisoft programs a lot) use a codec package that borrows from your default package and may use its own program-specific codecs, in other words they don't interfere w/your "other/tversity" codecs that we're concerned w/here.
*edit 11/23/09* STEP 7 IS NOW HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. CLEAN YOUR REGISTRY. ITS DIRTY.
7) *REBOOT*. After rebooting after the UNinstall, I recommend using a registry cleaner. Right now I'm using McAfee's because it's easy and effective. This is *not* required, but if you do it *REBOOT AGAIN AFTER THE REG CLEAN*.
*THIS IS KEY* DO NOT INSTALL TVERSITY FIRST.*edit 11/23/09* Install your codecs first.. * do not change any of the default settings - again this will void your karnag3 warranty **Why in this order? *edit 11/23/09* Basically, registry entries. If you don't know what this means, or don't get it, then don't worry about it. Just follow the instructions EXACTLY and you'll be fine.
Do NOT install Tversity before you reboot.
Do NOT install Tversity before you reboot.
9) *REBOOT*. Do NOT install Tversity before you reboot. Why you say? "blah blah but but but tversity installs the codecs at the same time" ...yeah and the Tversity service is *not* running while that is done. This is key. If the program tries to access the codecs prior to reboot, it may cause issues, specifically w/registry errors.
10) Install Tversity. If you installed Tversity before you got HERE, then start over. Installation order is very relevant.
11) Add your folders/files to Tversity and make sure to select the file/folder and select Transcoding / When Needed under the Advanced tab. SUGGESTED *reboot*
**********************************************SECTION 4: POST-INSTALL SETUP & MKV SUPPORT
12) IF YOU WANT TO WATCH HD/MKV FILES AT THE HIGHEST-POSSIBLE RESOLUTION W/OUT STUTTERING[i]Edit 11/23/09 - this section used to be some rant about making MKV files work. LOOK, the biggest problem is that most people can't accept that regardless of the fact that they may be running 8 video cards, 20 Intel Quad Cores and a terabyte of RAM, they still can't FORCE a standard home network to run 15MB/s bitrates @ 1920x1080 resolution. Well, too bad. Accept it.
I recommend 1280x720 (720p) for HD resolutions *at the highest*, and only IF either your PC or PS3 (or both) are on a wired connection. If they're both wireless, I don't care if you OWN a satellite, forget it.[/i]
What you must understand is that for streaming, the PS3 maxes out at about 10MB/s *wired* (ethernet 10/100) and around 8.5-9MB/s wireless and the higher you push the resolution, the higher the bitrate. 1280x720 works great, and it looks awesome on my 42" plasma.
Still having issues? READ SECTION 7.
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The next step is *optional*, but recommended
13) Reboot and make sure that every file type works correctly w/Media Player Classic. *edit 11/23/09* This is totally optional, but a good test step. NOTE: In Vista, WMP11 (NOT Media Player Classic) doesn't like to "see" the Haali codec and so MKV sometimes won't play. This is why MPC is used.
Assuming that all is kosher and your videos play in MPC correctly, you should be good to go. HOWEVER, if for some reason Tversity doesn't start w/Windows then follow this guide, (which was also posted in a note above):
**********************************************SECTION 5: WINDOWS LOGON ISSUES - SERVER STARTUP ISSUES
****EDIT 11/23/09 *** This step is no longer necessary. If you are having issues with the server starting itself on start-up, set it to manual, restart, try starting it *manually* after restart.
If this doesn't work, you likely had "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service" (media sharing) enabled during Tversity install. Too bad. Start over, but next time open "services.msc" (Windows button + R key for Run box, then type services.msc, hit enter, find the correct service) and disable "Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service" THEN install Tversity.
If this STILL doesn't work, post a comment.
**********************************************SECTION 6: GARBLED SOUND, AC3 FILTER AND TOO MANY CODECS
YOU SHOULD NOT HAVE INSTALLED AC3 FILTER, OR SHOULD HAVE UNINSTALLED EARLIER WHEN I REQUESTED THAT YOU UNINSTALL ALL YOUR OLD CODECS
The primary cause of garbled sound w/Tversity, as many know, is due to overlapping audio codecs. This is due to you not uninstalling, or uninstallation failing for, old codecs.
The 2nd cause is almost always AC3 Filter. YOU DO NOT NEED AC3 FILTER, IF ITS INSTALLED, START OVER, uninstall it all and and install from scratch. Suggested: USE A REGISTRY CLEANER after uninstalling and before reinstalling.
If you have garbled sound in BOTH WMP AND TVERSITY (DURING STREAMING) then you likely have a bad audio codec and/or AC3 Filter installed. If you have garbled sound ONLY when streaming, this is because you have MULTIPLE AUDIO CODECS handling the SAME file type and Tversity doesn't know what codec to use.
I swear if anyone else says "AC3 Filter is causing me garbled sound" I'm gonna scream. Please read thoroughly
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(added 11/23/09)***************************************SECTION PRE-7: WHAT NEEDS TO BE TRANSCODED?
The following file types are natively supported (i.e. can be played directly BY) the PS3:
MP4 - ONLY H.264 compliant with AAC audio (i.e. an Apple-ish MP4)
MPEG 1 & 2 - AVI's that have MPEG 1/2 video streams with MP3 or AAC audio usually play fine
AVI - Now, this is hit/miss at best. AVI comes in as many forms as good beer: Divx, Xvid, standard AVI, MP4 in AVI... the list goes on.
That's it. Anything else MUST be transocoded. I know, I know, someone out there is crying about how PS3 plays FLASH. WRONG. The browser has a plug-in that allows you to view SOME Flash, specifically YouTube. This is NOT a codec, it will NOT play Flash video streams from Tversity. Flash and other internet video MUST be transcoded. What does THIS mean? When adding the RSS feed or internet URL for an internet-based video, select the "Advanced" tab on that folder and put transcoding on "Always".
I'd suggest doing the SAME for MKV files and maybe even putting them in their OWN folder to isolate them from non-transcode-requiring files.
Setting the folder to "Always" for transcoding is the #1 resolution for most people's "Data Corrupt" messages with MKV & MP4 files.
**********************************************SECTION 7: HD TECHNICAL ISSUES
Before you ask:
1) Yes. You ONLY need *edit 11/23/09* CCCP codec pack.
2) NO. You do NOT need (and shouldn't use) AC3 Filter any longer. PCM & other file types handled by AC3 are handled by *edit 11/23/09* CCCP.
3) NO. HD Video is *not* currently possible w/Tversity @ a 1920x1080 format, *edit 11/23/09* but is possible @ 1280x720 (720p). Why? See "Frame Rate, Bit Rate & Streaming Limitations" below.
4) IF YOU WANT SOMETHING OTHER THAN 2.0 CHANNEL SOUND, YOU CAN CONFIGURE THIS IN *edit 11/23/09* CCCP CODEC, but keep in mind **the default setting is 2.0**. This is the most common complaint from people with sound issues, other than garbled sound. Also, this can be tweaked in the FFDShow pack included in CCCP, found under the Start menu, CCCP, Filters, Audio Decoder settings.... but if you don't ALREADY know what you're doing, leave it alone.
5) You do not need to configure ANY of the codecs installed to get MKV / HD files to work. You can (AND SHOULD) leave them with default settings. *edit 11/23/09*: Just leave the damn default settings alone. They work fine. DO NOT mess with Haali settings; you never need to touch this codec once its installed.
___________________________________________________________________________________
A little formula to explain WHY you can't use full scale HD resolution
Frame rate x file size x video bit rate x audio bit rate = streamed packet size. In other words, the higher your resolution of the transcoded video, the larger the amount of video required to sufficiently buffer before the video plays; i.e. large resolutions=higher likelihood of stuttering.
------------------------FAQ & SECTION FOR THOSE STILL CRYING ABOUT MKV & HD------------------------
A little formula to explain WHY you can't use full scale HD resolution
Frame rate x file size x video bit rate x audio bit rate = streamed packet size. In other words, the higher your resolution of the transcoded video, the larger the amount of video required to sufficiently buffer before the video plays; i.e. large resolutions=higher likelihood of stuttering.
*FRAME RATE, BIT RATE & STREAMING LIMITATIONS*
The *frame rate* for HD when combined with the necessary *bit rate* for HD results in a much higher (than "standard" video) packet size, and therefore a higher stream rate (hit select while watching a video on PS3 and you'll see a "bit rate" measurement in the upper right corner - this is your stream rate). This means the PS3 would need to accept a streamed video rate of approximately 12-15MB/s in order to run HD.
*PS3 LIMITATIONS ON VIDEO STREAMING*
Right now, the cap appears to be between 8.5 - 10MB/s. I don't know if this is a limitation of the PS3 network config, the network adapter (in the PS3) or if its a PS3-end processing issue. I can assure you that if you can watch the video @ a certain bit rate/resolution on your PC, then you can stream it at the same rate, in most cases, however, the size of the buffer required to watch such a video from a network stream increases dramatically when you factor in transcoding and high resolutions. The PS3 does not appear to be able to buffer at higher than a 10MB/s rate on streamed video, and this is why you get stuttering.
*CAN I ADJUST MY PS3-END NETWORK SETTINGS TO IMPROVE THIS?*
The one thing that seems to happen over and over with both PS3 and Xbox 360 and Tversity is that one day Tversity will work, and the next it won't. Sometimes, after many restarts of the server, the PS3/360 and the router, it eventually works. I've isolated an issue that may or may not affect you but that you can make sure to avoid. The PS3 uses a UDP ports 3478, 3479, 3074, 3075 and 3658 for various connections. One of these is necessary for accessing the Media Server and if it is in use on the router by another IP address, it WILL NOT connect to Tversity. Some routers do NOT drop the UDP port right away and may keep it open (advertisement period) for up to 30 minutes by default. This is a function of UPnP and can be your friend, but WILL be your enemy if your PS3's last-used IP happens to be taken by another device on the network. To solve this, set your PS3 to use a specific IP on your network via your Network Settings on the PS3. Then set your router to "reserve" that IP address. It does NOT matter if you are on wireless on the PS3, you will usually need to reserve the address under your LAN connections. While this is supposed to be only for LAN, if you reserve IP address 192.168.1.X for MAC address AB:12:CD:34:XX:00 (YOUR PS3's MAC address) it will only be given out when that MAC connects. If you don't have address reservation on your router, simply use an IP address that's rather high up like 192.168.1.150. This ensures that the address will not be given out by automatic IP assignment by the router as the router assigns IPs in numerical order...unless you have 149 other devices connected, you'll be okay. (**edit 11/24/09)
*EDIT 11/23/09*
*I GET A "DATA CORRUPT" MESSAGE WHEN I TRY TO PLAY SOMETHING*
The most common cause of this is one of three things:
1) This is a file type that must be transcoded, but the folder its in in Tversity Library is either set to N/A, Never, or When Needed for transcoding. Double-click the folder in Tversity Library and hit the "Advanced" button and set it to "Always". RESTART the media server. Don't know if the file needs to be transcoded? Read below.
2) You've changed SOMETHING about the library, such as the folder name where the file is held, or for some reason the library has lost its marbles. Correct this in Tversity by going to Settings/Media Library and hit "Recreate Library". This can take a LONG time, so alternatively, you cant TRY deleting then re-adding the folder where the file is held, then RESTART the media server.
3) The file needs to and HAS been transcoded before but you stopped part way through. This can be done, but its hit-and-miss whether it'll play again where you left off; some AVIs will allow it, but that's about it (usually Divx and/or Xvid but still hit/miss). Go to Tversity/Settings/General, Temporary Media Files, VIEW files, then delete the entire contents of this folder (unless you know the SPECIFIC file that was for the video in question). RESTART the media server, try again.
*EDIT 11/23/09*
*MKV SUBTITLES DON'T WORK*
Copied from this guide: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=27398
(DO NOT FOLLOW *THAT* GUIDE IN THE LINK, JUST THE STEPS BELOW - PART OF IT IS *VERY* WRONG)
Step 3. Navigate to Start > Programs > Combined Community Codec Pack > Filters > VSFilter. On the 'General' tab, under 'Loading', chose 'Do Not Load'. Press OK and close the window. This ensures VSFilter never loads, although if you use the same computer for playback when not on your PS3, you can change this back to 'Load when needed' later.
Step 4. Navigate to Start > Programs > Combined Community Codec Pack > Filters > FFDShow Video Decoder Configuration. Scroll down to 'Subtitles' and check the box beside it. In the window on the right (with 'Subtitles' selected), check 'Accept embedded subtitles', 'Accept SSA, ASS, and ASS2 subtitles (experimental)', and 'Decode closed captions'. Also uncheck 'Letterbox'. Press OK and close the window.REBOOT AFTER THIS CHANGE.
*I INSTALLED AC3 FILTER AND MY SOUND IS ALL GARBLED*
Do not pass go. Do NOT collect $200. FAIL. Start over. READ this time.
---------------------------------------------------------last edit 11/24/09
