All Mode
Besides playing Virtual Reality games on the PS4, the next most exciting thing to do on the new addition to system will be watching VR movies. X rated content is already widely available; however, non-adult fare is trickling out too.
The hardest part is finding content compatible with the PS4. Unless a video is specifically designated as “PSVR compatible”, your next best choice is what is known as “Smartphone 30fps.” Luckily, VRPorn.com has free trailers available to download so you can figure which files work and which ones don’t.
Most blogs I’ve read talk about using a thumb/jump drive to move video files from your computer to the PS4. This is cumbersome, inefficient and difficult, especially for Mac users (because of different drive formats). Who wants to keep running back and forth? This is where Plex helps.
The Plex Media Server “…can stream every single movie, TV show, home video, song and photo in your collection to any device, anywhere. Whether your files are scattered across computers and the cloud or perfectly cataloged in one place, Plex organizes it all and presents it beautifully on any screen. This means your phone, tablet, or PC, as well as your big screen through your PlayStation, Xbox, or favorite streaming device.”(Plex.tv)
This is a fantastic solution for those looking to put VR content on their gaming console. I’ve been using it with the Playstation for years to watch HD Movies from my computer. Recently, I figured out that Plex will recognize the VR video files and play them through the PS4’s Media Player.
To get started, download the Plex Media Server from www.plex.tv. onto your computer. Follow the instructions on how to set it up according to your specific operating system (Windows, Mac or other). It’s very simple. Plex will ask you to create a library (or select an already existing folder) and it will automatically scan that folder for your videos and keep it updated automatically as well. This is handy because when you download PSVR content, you can easily slide it into your library folder and bang– it is immediately available on the PS4. Once you set up your library and added content, you are ready to stream. Larger libraries will take longer to set-up, but it is worth the wait.
Now go to your PS4 console and download the Playstation’s Media Player App. Once installed, open it and wait a few minutes as it searches for available media servers. Plex should come right up, click on it and locate the file you wish to play. For VR content you will have to first hit the “options” button on the PS controller so you can select “VR mode” in order to watch it in full 180-360 degree virtual reality on your headset.
After playing around with this for three days now, I must admit that I’m impressed. This is the future of media entertainment. Whether you are watching adult films or experiencing parachuting over the Nevada desert, VR video is a wild new experience. Enjoy!
It is really easy. And its free, so there’s no risk in trying it out.
This is pretty useful. It can get old having to do the usb drive shuffle. But honestly it sounds a little tricky to setup Plex and maintain it.
Very excited when this came out but i might still have to stick with my phablet for a while