Is There a Better Media Player for PS4? Discover Options Beyond the Official Player

Level Up Your PS4 Media Game: Is There a Better Player Out There?

You’re in your gaming room, PS4 humming softly. You wonder, “Can this beast do more than just gaming?” Yes, it can. Your PS4 isn’t just a console; it can be a media hub. But is the built-in player the best option, or are we stuck in the past?

Media Player on PS4: It Exists!

For any confusion, yes, there is a Media Player for PS4. It’s not an Easter egg; it’s a real app. You must it from the PlayStation Store. Consider it DLC for your relaxation time.

VLC for PS4: The Dream That Isn’t Quite Real (Yet?)

VLC plays everything, even grandma’s 1998 home videos. You might wonder, “Is VLC available for PS4?” No. For now, Xbox gets VLC while Sony’s PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch wait.

But wait! There’s hope. Jean-Baptiste Kempf hinted at a possible change for PS4. Keep your fingers crossed; maybe someday the orange cone will arrive on our PS4s. For now, we explore other options.

Installing the Official Media Player: As Easy as Pie (or Unlocking a Trophy)

Getting the official Media Player running is easy and faster than defeating a tutorial boss.

1. Go to the content area on your PS4 dashboard.
2. Scroll to ‘Library’ or find ‘Media Player’ directly.
3. If you miss the , tap ‘’.
4. Wait for it to finish; it’s usually quick.

Boom! Media Player installed. You can find it in your content area or under ‘TV & Video’.

Beyond VLC: Exploring Media Player Alternatives (and the Mighty Plex)

No VLC on PS4; what’s next? For PC s looking for alternatives, consider PotPlayer and MPC-HC. They often get compared to VLC. PotPlayer is like VLC’s customizable cousin for Windows s. It features codec for viewing preferences. MPC-HC is also lightweight and solid.

But those options target computers, not directly for PS4. For PlayStation, let’s think outside the box. Enter Plex.

Plex on PS4: Your Media Center Superstar

If you want media on your PS4, know Plex. Think of Plex as your personal Netflix for your media library. It organizes and streams videos, music, and photos from your computer or NAS to your PS4 (and other devices).

Plex is available on PS4! Even better, the Plex app is free. Set up a Plex Media Server on your computer where your files exist.

How to get Plex on your PS4? Follow these steps:

1. Go to the ‘TV & Video’ section on your PS4 menu, or check ‘Library’.
2. Search for the Plex app in the PlayStation Store.
3. the free Plex app.
4. Launch the Plex app on your PS4.
5. Follow instructions to link yourPS4 Plex app to your Plex Media Server. Ensure both devices are on the same network.

With Plex, stream your entire media collection in one smooth interface. It’s much better than just using USB drives.

PS4 Media Player Deep Dive: USBs, File Formats, and Streaming Secrets

Let’s dive into what the PS4 Media Player can do.

Playing Media from USB: Plug and Play (Almost)

Want to watch videos or listen to music from a USB drive? The PS4 Media Player can help. Here’s how:

1. Create a folder in the root directory of your USB drive. Name it “Movies” or “Music”.
2. Drop your video or music files into this folder.
3. Plug the USB drive into your PS4’s USB ports.
4. Launch the Media Player app from your PS4 content area.
5. Select ‘USB’. Your USB drive will appear.
6. Navigate to your folder, choose a file, and press play.

Simple! Ensure your USB drive is formatted correctly (more info below).

Can PS4 Play Media from USB? Affirmative!

Yes, the PS4 plays media from a USB drive. Access the Media Player app, select your USB device, and enjoy!

USB Troubles? Why Your PS4 Might Be Ignoring Your Drive

If your PS4 can’t find your USB drive, check the file system format.

Your PS4 prefers certain USB formats. It loves FAT32 and exFAT. Unfortunately, it dislikes NTFS. NTFS is common for Windows. If your USB hasn’t been reformatted, chances are it’s in NTFS.

The fix? Reformat your USB drive to exFAT or FAT32. Use a PC or Mac to do this. Caution: Formatting erases everything on the drive. Backup important files first!

File System Formats: PS4’s Preferences

To sum up, use FAT32 or exFAT file systems for USB drives that work with your PS4.

What Media Files Can PS4 Actually Play? Decoding the Formats

Media compatibility extends beyond USB drives; it includes the files themselves. Here’s what the PS4 Media Player s:

• Video Formats: MKV, AVI, MP4, MPEG-2 PS, MPEG-2 TS, AVCHD, and XAVC STM.
• Music Formats: FLAC, MP3, and AAC.
• Photo Formats: JPEG, BMP, and PNG.

The coverage is decent. Yet there is an issue with MP4 files…

MP4 Playback on PS4: Codec Caveats

The PS4 can play MP4 files. However, MP4s can hold various codecs. The PS4 looks specifically for MP4 files encoded with H.264/MPEG-4 AVC High Profile (AAC LC).

If it uses another codec like HEVC (H.265), playback fails. That is why some MP4s refuse to cooperate with the PS4.

The solution? If facing MP4 issues, consider converting to a PS4-friendly format via software. It can be easier but sometimes required.

Streaming Media to Your PS4: Cutting the Cord (Sort Of)

You can stream media from your computer to your PS4 without USB drives! The PS4 Media Player facilitates streaming over home networks via DLNA.

This is how it works:

1. Create a DLNA media server via PC software or Windows Media Player.
2. Share folders with media files.
3. Ensure both PC and PS4 are on the same Wi-Fi network.
4. On your PS4, open the Media Player app.
5. Your media server should appear; select it.
6. Breeze through shared folders and stream!

This method simplifies access to your media library without shifting USB drives constantly.

Playing Movies and Discs: Blu-rays, DVDs, and Streaming Apps Galore

The PS4 also plays discs and streams apps.

• Blu-ray and DVD Playback:Your PS4 plays standard Blu-ray and DVD discs. Insert a disc; it recognizes it instantly. For Blu-rays, expect an internet connection for certain features.
• You control disc menus with your Dualshock 4 controller. Note: The PS4does not 4K UHD Blu-rays or play burned discs or audio CDs.
• Streaming Apps:Your PS4 allows access to streaming services like Netflix and Disney+. these apps from the PlayStation Store, , and access tons of content.

Can You Play Movies on PS4? The Final Verdict

Yes! From discs, USBs, streaming apps, or media servers, the PS4 is a capable media player. The built-in Media Player may lack features found in dedicated PC players. Furthermore, despite VLC’s absence, options such as Plex elevate the PS4 into a competent media hub.

So, does a “better” media player exist for PS4 than the default? It depends on what you need. For basic USB and disc playback, the built-in player suffices. However, if you prefer serious media management with streaming capabilities and ease of use, Plex is superior. It changes your PS4 into a versatile entertainment device. Now if only we could get VLC on there…