How to use your PS4 as a media streamer with or without DLNA

[Halcyon.]

Back when the PS4 first launched, Sony didn’t include any way to easily watch videos or listen to music from your other devices. It took well over year for the problem to get solved properly, but there are now multiple ways for you to stream your local media to your PS4. Today, I’ll be showing you two easy methods to stream your unprotected TV shows, movies, and music.

Let’s start with a handy little app called Plex. For free, this server-client pairing lets you stream just about any DRM-free video or audio file from your computer or NAS directly to your PS4. It only takes a few minutes to get going, so let’s jump right in.

Install the Plex server
First off, you need to install the Plex Media Server. Download it, install it, and then launch the executable. It’s simple enough, and it’s available on Windows, OS X, Linux, and FreeBSD. And while you’re at it, sign-up for a free Plex account if you haven’t done so already.

Configure server settings
Once the server is up and running, you can configure your settings as you please. Choose your server’s name, add your media folders to the Plex library, and tweak your networking options as you see 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. Most people shouldn’t need to tinker too much, but the options are available if you’re having issues. And if you can’t figure it out on your own, the Plex support page is a good place to start troubleshooting.

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 under the “TV & Video” section of the PS4’s main menu. Alternately, you can always go to the “Library” menu, and navigate to “Applications.”

Generate a code
Launch the Plex app on your PS4, and you’ll be greeted with four alphanumeric characters. You’ll need this code to pair your account with your PS4

Pair your PS4 to your account
Head 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, you’re ready to rock. If you get an error, go back to your PS4, and generate a new code in the Plex app.

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 “Channel” support, you can also stream videos from places like TED, YouTube, CNN, and our sister site IGN.

Using DLNA instead
Last year, Sony began offering DLNA support through an app called Media Player. If you’d prefer to use 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 find it under “Catalog.”

Enabling your DLNA server
Of course, you’re going to need a DLNA server to stream your media. Thankfully, the Plex server has DLNA streaming baked in already. Just go into the Plex server settings, find the DLNA tab, and make sure “Enable the DLNA server” is ticked.

If you already have a DLNA streaming solution in place, you’ll probably be able to use that without much tinkering. And if you want to be sure that you’re only using supported file formats, check the PlayStation 4 User’s Guide for a full list.

Select your server
Launch the Media Player app on your PS4, and select your DLNA server. If you’re using Plex, it should start with “Plex Media Server” in the server selection menu. From there, you’ll be able to navigate through your music, photos, and videos as long as you’re connected to the same network.

Stream as you please
Whether you prefer using the Plex app or Sony’s own Media Player, you’ll find that the PS4 is significantly more useful now than it was when it first launched. It compared very poorly to the PS3’s robust streaming offering before, but it’s a respectable set-top box these days. It’s definitely not as cheap as a Roku or Apple TV, but if you already have one for gaming purposes, it’s finally become a rock-solid media machine that’s easy to recommend.

Of course, the best part of using Plex (or DLNA) is that you’re not locked into any one platform. If you also have an Xbox One, smartphone, tablet, or laptop, setting up your streaming solution is just as easy. As long as your files aren’t locked behind any kind of DRM system, you’ll be able to watch whatever you want whenever you want on nearly any modern device.