Play Local Video and Music on PlayStation 4 - Guide

Playing Media on Your PlayStation 4

Similar to devices like the Roku and Chromecast, the Sony PlayStation 4 offers the capability to play both video and audio files.

Media sources can include a USB drive or other computers connected to your network.

Utilizing the Media Player

The PS4’s built-in Media Player app facilitates this functionality.

Notably, this app was introduced over a year and a half following the initial release of the PlayStation 4 console.

Streaming with Plex

Beyond the Media Player, the Plex app provides an alternative method for streaming videos.

Plex allows you to access and play video content stored on another one of your personal computers.

Currently, the Plex app is available for free to PlayStation 4 users.

Background Music Playback

A unique feature of the PS4 is its ability to play local music files in the background.

This allows you to enjoy your favorite tunes while simultaneously engaging in gameplay.

Compatible File Types and Codecs for PlayStation Media Player

Sony provides a comprehensive list of video and audio codecs supported by the PlayStation Media Player. Successful playback of media files on your PlayStation requires adherence to these specified file formats. Files not meeting these criteria will necessitate transcoding to a compatible format prior to use.

Acceptable music file formats include MP3 and AAC (M4A). Image files are supported in JPEG, BMP, and PNG formats. For video content, the following formats are recognized:

MKV

• Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2
• Audio: MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)

AVI

• Video: MPEG4 ASP, H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2
• Audio: MP3, AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)

MP4

• Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2
• Audio: AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)

MPEG-2 TS

• Video: H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile Level 4.2, MPEG2
• Audio: MP2 (MPEG2 Audio Layer 2), AAC LC, AC-3 (Dolby Digital)
• AVCHD: (.m2ts, .mts)

Given that these represent frequently used video file types, transcoding may not always be required. The PlayStation Media Player offers broad compatibility.

Ensuring your media adheres to these specifications will guarantee a seamless playback experience on your PlayStation console.

Choosing the Appropriate File System for Your USB Drive

Related: FAT32 vs. exFAT vs. NTFS: Understanding the Differences.

Having the necessary files is only the first step; transferring them to your PlayStation is crucial. Begin by connecting a USB drive to your computer. Ensure the drive is formatted using either the exFAT or FAT32 file system, as the PlayStation 4 lacks compatibility with NTFS.

Connecting a drive formatted with NTFS will result in an error message on the PlayStation 4. The system will be unable to recognize or utilize the drive.

Verifying and Changing the File System

To confirm the current file system, right-click on the USB drive within Windows File Explorer and choose "Format." If the drive is currently using NTFS, select the exFAT file system for formatting.

Important: Formatting will erase all existing data on the drive. Therefore, it is essential to back up any important files before proceeding with the formatting process.

Organizing Media Files for PlayStation 4 Compatibility

A crucial detail often overlooked by Sony is the necessity of organizing your media files within folders on your USB drive. We discovered this requirement through direct experience; simply placing a video file directly into the root directory of the USB drive will prevent the PlayStation 4 from recognizing it.

For successful playback, all media must reside inside a folder structure on the drive. The PS4 will not be able to access files that are not contained within folders.

Specific Folder Requirements for Different Media Types

To ensure proper detection, audio files require a specific folder name: "Music". The PS4 will only identify and play audio files when they are located within a folder labeled "Music" on the USB drive.

Video files, however, offer more flexibility. While they must be contained within a folder, the folder name itself is not predetermined. You can create a folder named "Videos" or utilize separate folders to categorize different video types.

Similarly, photos also necessitate folder storage for visibility on the PS4. Any folder name can be used for storing your image files, providing organizational freedom.

Utilizing the PS4 Media Player

After the file transfer is complete, the USB drive can be safely disconnected from your computer. Subsequently, connect it to one of the available USB ports on your PS4 console – several are conveniently positioned on the front panel, often used for controller charging.

The PS4 Media Player application can be launched, and your connected USB drive will be presented as a selectable option. The application icon is found within the PS4’s content area, the row of icons displayed on the main screen.

Select the icon with your controller to initiate the application. Should the media player not yet be installed, selecting the icon will redirect you to the PlayStation Store, where a free download is available.

Playback Controls

Once the USB drive is selected, navigate through its contents to locate the desired music or video files. Utilize the controller buttons to manage playback functions.

During video playback, the L2 and R2 shoulder buttons facilitate rewinding and fast-forwarding. The "Options" button reveals a comprehensive playback control panel, while the triangle button displays file information.

While enjoying music, pressing and holding the PlayStation button during gameplay grants access to quick media player controls. This allows for convenient song skipping and pausing without exiting the game.

Utilizing DLNA or Plex Servers as an Alternative

For users who prefer not to directly connect USB drives to their PS4 for media file transfer, streaming videos and music from a DLNA server presents a viable solution. The PS4 Media Player application is capable of identifying compatible DLNA servers on your network.

These servers will then be displayed as options within the app, alongside any USB storage devices that are connected, when the Media Player is launched.

Should you choose this method, a guide for establishing a DLNA media server is available for your reference. Alternatively, Plex offers a more comprehensive streaming experience over your network.

Notably, Plex is now accessible on the PlayStation 4 without requiring a Plex Pass subscription.

Expanding Your Streaming Options

• DLNA: A simple method for streaming media from servers on your local network.
• Plex: A feature-rich platform providing a more robust streaming solution.

While the PlayStation 4 provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and Amazon, the ability to play local media files is a valuable addition.

It’s a feature that took Sony considerable time to implement, but now allows users to enjoy their personal media collections directly on their console.

Image Credit: Leon Terra on Flickr, PlayStation Europe on Flickr, PlayStation Europe on Flickr