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PS4

Back when the PS4 kickoff launched, Sony didn't include whatever mode to easily lookout videos or listen to music from your other devices. It took well over year for the problem to become solved properly, but there are now multiple ways for yous to stream your local media to your PS4. Today, I'll be showing you two easy methods to stream your unprotected Idiot box shows, movies, and music.

Let'south start with a handy piddling app called Plex. For free, this server-client pairing lets you stream only about any DRM-free video or sound file from your computer or NAS straight to your PS4. It only takes a few minutes to get going, then let's jump right in.

Download Plex Server

Install the Plex server

Starting time off, you demand to install the Plex Media Server. Download it, install it, and and then launch the executable. It's simple enough, and it's available on Windows, OS Ten, Linux, and FreeBSD. And while you're at it, sign-upwardly for a free Plex account if you haven't done then already.

Plex Server Config

Configure server settings

One time the server is upwards and running, you can configure your settings equally you delight. Cull your server's name, add together your media folders to the Plex library, and tweak your networking options equally you meet fit. If you need to change the port configuration, you'll need to toggle on the advanced mode by clicking the "Show Advanced" button in the upper right. Nearly people shouldn't need to tinker too much, but the options are available if you lot're having issues. And if you can't figure information technology out on your own, the Plex support folio is a good place to start troubleshooting.

Plex PS Store

Download the Plex app

Now that your Plex server is properly configured, go into the PlayStation store, and navigate to the "Apps" section. You'll find the Plex app is free, so initiate the download. Once it's done installing, you'll find the Plex app nether the "Telly & Video" section of the PS4's main menu. Alternately, you can always go to the "Library" bill of fare, and navigate to "Applications."

Plex Link

Generate a code

Launch the Plex app on your PS4, and you lot'll exist greeted with four alphanumeric characters. You'll need this lawmaking to pair your account with your PS4.

Linked

Pair your PS4 to your account

Caput on over to the app linking page on the Plex website, sign in with your account, and enter the four characters being displayed on the PS4. Press the "Link" button, and you'll be greeted with a message. If it tells you that the app was linked, y'all're ready to rock. If you lot get an fault, go back to your PS4, and generate a new code in the Plex app.

Plex Finish

Start streaming

Finally, you'll be able to stream movies, Tv shows, and music on your PS4 quickly and easily. And since the app also has "Aqueduct" support, you tin can also stream videos from places like TED, YouTube, CNN, and our sis site IGN.

Download Media Player

Using DLNA instead

Last year, Sony began offering DLNA back up through an app chosen Media Thespian. If you'd prefer to utilize that instead of the Plex app, here's how to do it. First off, you'll need to search on the PlayStation Store for the Media Player app. Navigate to the "Apps" section of the store, and you'll observe it under "Catalog."

Turn On DLNA

Enabling your DLNA server

Of course, you're going to demand a DLNA server to stream your media. Thankfully, the Plex server has DLNA streaming baked in already. Just go into the Plex server settings, notice the DLNA tab, and make sure "Enable the DLNA server" is ticked.

If y'all already have a DLNA streaming solution in place, you'll probably be able to utilize that without much tinkering. And if you desire to be certain that you're but using supported file formats, bank check the PlayStation 4 User's Guide for a full list.

Select DLNA Server

Select your server

Launch the Media Player app on your PS4, and select your DLNA server. If you're using Plex, information technology should start with "Plex Media Server" in the server pick card. From at that place, you lot'll exist able to navigate through your music, photos, and videos equally long as you lot're connected to the same network.

Stream every bit y'all please

Whether you prefer using the Plex app or Sony's ain Media Player, you'll find that the PS4 is significantly more than useful now than it was when it first launched. Information technology compared very poorly to the PS3's robust streaming offer before, but it's a respectable set-top box these days. It's definitely not as cheap every bit a Roku or Apple tree Television set, just if you already accept one for gaming purposes, it's finally become a rock-solid media car that's easy to recommend.

Of form, the best role of using Plex (or DLNA) is that you're non locked into whatever ane platform. If you also have an Xbox One, smartphone, tablet, or laptop, setting upwardly your streaming solution is merely as easy. As long equally your files aren't locked behind whatsoever kind of DRM organization, y'all'll be able to scout whatever you want whenever you want on most any modernistic device.