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The Best Way to Stream MKV Files on My PS3

MKV files are the video file format for open-source Matroska files. These files are easy to watch on your PC, but aren't widely supported on mobile devices and consoles -- including the PlayStation 3. To stream MKV files, you need a media server that can transcode the files to a PS3-readable format. The simplest and most effective tool for the job is the PS3 Media Server project, which offers a simple media server for Windows, Mac and Linux computers that can play multiple video types, including MKV files.

Things You'll Need

PS3 Media Server
Home network

Instructions

- 1
  Download the PS3 Media Server for your operating system from Code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver. Install the program: In Windows, run the executable file; in Linux, extract the contents and run the "PMS.sh" file; and in OS X, mount the DMG file and extract the files.
- 2
  Turn on your PlayStation 3. If you haven't enabled media server support already, go to Settings > Network Settings > Media Server Connection.
- 3
  Run the PS3 Media Server on the same computer as the MKV files that you want stream to your console. After a moment, the server should find your PlayStation 3. If it doesn't, go to Video > Search for Media Servers. When found, PMS will display an image of a PlayStation 3 console with the status update, "PS3 Has Been Found!"
- 4
  Select the media server under "Video" on the PS3. It displays the name "PS3 Media Server" with the computer name beside it in brackets. Navigate to the folder where your video files are located and select the MKV file you want to play.
- 5
  Wait a moment; the screen will remain black momentarily before the video begins playback. Ensure that your computer will not go into sleep mode or disconnect from the network while your video is streaming; disconnection will stop your video playback.

PlayStation 3