Make my PS3 the ultimate media center

Having a PS3 in the living room is great for gaming and bluray movies on the big LCD TV. However, sometimes the media you can get your hands on do not match the format that PS3 supports.. which makes PS3 media center experience somewhat jaded for the average consumer.

But behold the PS3 Media Server open-source software ( http://code.google.com/p/ps3mediaserver/)

It is DLNA compliant which means that you simply install this on your PC, Mac or Linux machine where all your media/videos are located at and PS3 will auto detect the existence of the server (if on the same local network/router)... and you will be able to browse all your content like folders on your PS3. Not only that, you can virtually play any video content - yes, even those that PS3 do not support. This is because the software on the PC/Mac/Linux end actually re-encodes the video in real-time to stream to the PS3... yummy..

One disadvantage so far is wireless connection may not be able to handle HD content smoothly... so I'd suggest a wired network connection.

WDTV firmware

*Update* New version 1.02.07 now available

The Western Digital TV media player is a small and interesting addition to your living room's arsenal of audio/video equipment. I find it to be an adequate performer to play HD content. No need media center PC in the living room any more.

Not only does Western Digital constantly add new stuff to their firmware which is currently found at http://www.wdc.com/en/products/wdtv/, you can also find ENHANCED third party firmware for the device at http://b-rad.cc/wdlxtv. The 3rd party firmware add network capability to the device (assuming you have the necessary hardware to enable it)....

3 thumbs up! ;)