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PS4 is currently an inferior media machine

MP3 playback capable of replacing in-game soundtracks and DNLA are a must for me, and I'd really like them to happen sooner rather than later.

It's really frustrating that these new systems managed to launch with *less* features than the consoles they are supposed to replace. There were no backward steps when going from Xbox --> 360 or PS2 --> PS3 in terms of features, so why now? It's frustrating and that frustration is felt by many on and offline.
 
Currently have 3 PS3s, so I've just been using one or more of those to meet my media needs until Sony patches in the stuff I use on the PS4. Not a huge deal IMO, but I'll be glad when DLNA/MP3/etc has made it's way to the PS4.
 
I dislike that I can't download films to the HDD through the Vudu app. The PS3 version was able to do it, why not the PS4 version?
 
While I agree it sucks that it has no DLNA support as of yet. I have a plethora of other devices that do, and I prefer using it off of my Samsung Smart TV over the PS3 anyway.
PS3 Cinavia = No thanks

I do prefer using Netflix on my PS4 better then any other devices I have.
I hardly use Amazon Prime video on any device (although all support it), they are all the same imo. I use prime mostly for the free 2 day shipping.

For music I just plug in my Iphone to my Onkyo receiver via USB and play Pandora.
I don't think I would use the PS4 for music anyway.

I have some 3D movies for the kids, I only play those using the PS3. I haven't even tried on the PS4 yet. I found the more things I use the PS4 for, the slower it gets until its completely rebooted. So I tend to only use it for Netflix and Gaming. Not sure if I can even play 3D Blu-ray's on the PS4.

PS4 did take a lot of steps backward from the PS3 so far when it comes to being a media player device, but I am hopeful these are things that will eventually get corrected as time goes by.
Luckily I have a myriad of other devices to choose from to play all the media I ever want.
PS4 is my gaming console of choice, and I think will be for the next 5-6 years to come.
 
I'm disappointed in the PS4's OS in general as far as media functionality and user friendliness (it's too simple with one bar of all your shit).

But I also don't understand why anyone is ditching their PS3 from their entertainment center. Still so much PS+ content and other games coming and it's been one of the best Blu-ray players on the market since day one.

It's not leaving my entertainment center for a long time. PS4 can't even do Netflix in 5.1 right now.
 
Dreams-Visions said:
There were no backward steps when going from Xbox --> 360 or PS2 --> PS3 in terms of features, so why now? It's frustrating and that frustration is felt by many on and offline.
Click to expand...

The Xbox and PS2 did hardly anything outside gaming and dvd and cd playing, so it wasn't easy to keep what you had already. But we've had 7-8 years of consoles being media boxes. From when the 360 had that update to suddenly play mpeg, the ball was rolling. However jumping platforms means you need to build up features from scratch. Just look how mobile phone platforms had to rebuilt features sets when they reset.. like Windows mobile>Windows phone and Blackberry6>Blackberry 10.
 
Yea....no if you want a media box go get a PS3. It was clear from the start Sony set focus on gaming...and not listening to songs/watching movies...I can do that on my computer/PS3 thank you very much. I would rather have my PS4 be for gaming, which is why it exists to begin with.
 
OP is right though. The older and cheaper PS3 is a better media machine then the PS4. I know it'll change.

I'm trying to think of any other consumer electronics device where the newer version had less features then the older one. I'm sure people can give examples but usually its pretty rare.
 
Prerogatives. Sony thought it was worth getting the game related features working first, and I'm happy they did. It's better than waiting for them to fix super long install times/required patching/etc.
 
Yeah, Im in the I use a game console to play games camp.

Sure, I have Netflicks and an occasional blueray, but other than that, nada.

Give me a powerful gaming console and some great games to go with it, and I'm your man.
 
styl3s said:
I never understood why anyone would want the mediocre media capabilities from gaming consoles. Buy a decent set top box. I have a WDTV that takes up less space than a controller and it plays back every single file format known to man with network capabilities.

Why would anyone want to put all their eggs in one basket? Is hitting that input button 1 more time that much of a hassle? video game consoles are always going to be shitty multimedia devices. Just go buy a fucking $80-100 set top box and stop being silly. You can't use space as an excuse because these boxes are so goddamn small you can put it anywhere. Hell, some people mount them on the back of their TVs. If you bought a video game console to play your pirated MKVs you are doing it wrong.
Click to expand...

Does your WDTV do a nice job playing back 3D blurays? How's the DVD upscaling performance? Does it replace the soundtrack of a game with your own MP3's? Those are the features the OP is looking for. He's not bitching about the PS4s inability to play pirated MKVs.
 
Let me just chime in here as a representative of moderation and note that the first post was not, in fact, a great "close thread" worthy post. It's totally ok if you are happy with your product and think the missing/lacking features will be addressed, or if you just don't care about them at all. But let's make something clear: participate in the thread in earnest or find another discussion. If you don't care about media functionality, then this isn't the thread for you. If you think it's reasonable that not everything was perfect out of the box, suggest that in a non "you're an unreasonable idiot" fashion.

Carry on.
 
johnny956 said:
OP is right though. The older and cheaper PS3 is a better media machine then the PS4. I know it'll change.

I'm trying to think of any other consumer electronics device where the newer version had less features then the older one. I'm sure people can give examples but usually its pretty rare.
Click to expand...

The best example is videogame consoles. Mostly tech builds on itself and features are easily brought forward then added to. Videogame consoles tend to be custom devices with differing hardware from gen to gen. When they just played games it didn't matter too much although it could mean losing BC (as with PS3 and 360) but with apps/media it's going to be pretty noticable (as it is right now with PS4 and XB1).

That being said I think with Nintendo's recent statements and the less esoteric design of the PS4 (and to a lesser extent the XB1) we'll hopefully see this improve with future hardware (assuming there is future hardware of course).
 
Sony played it right, played it smart. They went as a laser-focused gaming machine first and foremost compared to their competitor who went the opposite route, and it helped pay off for them, look at the demand still for it.

Now, that's not to say I don't miss those older capabilities, but hey, they focused on gaming, they did what they had to in order to get the machine out at the same time as their main competitor, and in the right time for the market. Luckily, all that stuff most likely can and will be patched in at a later date.

I'm cool with their approach, and I think the market agrees. Good on them. Just so they don't drag their feet, which I doubt they will.
 
TheRook said:
That's what I want to know....I know the PS4 as this amazing console with a library of nothing.
Click to expand...

Maybe you have a narrow taste in games. If we strike the PC off the list for arguments sake since many console owners are a different market segment:

*) Best version of AC4, which is actually a really great game and a valid GOTY candidate for 2013. I burned 100 hours in that one and never got bored.
*) Best version of Ghosts, if you for some reason like what they did with it. I don't but many do.
*) Best version of BF4, which despite the bugs is actually an awesome game to play.
*) Best version of Tomb Raider.
*) Killzone campaign mode is actually quite nice.
*) FIFA is /really popular/ because a lot of people like football games.
*) And the indie stuff, etc. I liked Contrast personally, less so Resogun.

Focusing on first party just means you miss the big picture - there are some good cross platform games and almost without exception the PS4 has the best console version.
 
EGM1966 said:
The best example is videogame consoles. Mostly tech builds on itself and features are easily brought forward then added to. Videogame consoles tend to be custom devices with differing hardware from gen to gen. When they just played games it didn't matter too much although it could mean losing BC (as with PS3 and 360) but with apps/media it's going to be pretty noticable (as it is right now with PS4 and XB1).

That being said I think with Nintendo's recent statements and the less esoteric design of the PS4 (and to a lesser extent the XB1) we'll hopefully see this improve with future hardware (assuming there is future hardware of course).
Click to expand...

Very true. Even basic things that are standard across tech devices are missing from the PS4. The ability to pause a download? Even a basic game library that you can organize instead I have a library full of apps, demos, and games mixed together. I understand Sony will get them added but it took almost 3 months to get headset support so I hope most of the missing features show up in 2014. 3d blu-ray support, DNLA, ability to sort/organize your library (basic folder support would be enough for me) and pausing downloads are the features I miss the most.
 
Tabris said:
I have to say, I am slightly disappointed with the lack of OS updates (really on both sides), but especially with the PS4. We are still missing the following:

  • Social media integration with media playback (my activity feed should show I watched a blu ray movie)
Click to expand...

Why would you do this to your friends?
 
BigDug13 said:
I'm disappointed in the PS4's OS in general as far as media functionality and user friendliness (it's too simple with one bar of all your shit).

But I also don't understand why anyone is ditching their PS3 from their entertainment center. Still so much PS+ content and other games coming and it's been one of the best Blu-ray players on the market since day one.

It's not leaving my entertainment center for a long time. PS4 can't even do Netflix in 5.1 right now.
Click to expand...

I completely agree with the OS I hate navigating it. I want to ditch the PS3 to simplify the entertainment center for my wife. To many devices mean text messages to me at work on how to use it lol. Once diablo 3 comes out for the PS4 the PS3 get retired to the bedroom for media and PSN gaming for me and the wife.
 
Tabris said:
I have to say, I am slightly disappointed with the lack of OS updates (really on both sides), but especially with the PS4. We are still missing the following:

  • Social media integration with media playback (my activity feed should show I watched a blu ray movie)
I'm a patient person (I did buy a PS4 without games as I knew the good games would be coming in Spring) but I was really hoping for the media fixes. In the meantime, PS3 remains my media console of choice.

What are your thoughts on this? When do you expect we'll get updates? Any positives you've had with the media playback?
Click to expand...

Do people really want this?
 
Yea... it sadly is. Although its Netflix app is goddam great! Insanely fast and good quality, which is all I want. But yea, no media remote is really killing it for me and the PS3 had so much more integration/functionality. I miss the XMB... I love the seperation of categories while still maintaining speed, so switching over between Game and Movies was simple. It is such an odd choice to throw everything in one big row. Why is the Video-App section a separate thing, but nothing else? Should be able to create folders like that, while pinning some apps to the main row for quick access.
 
Until they include an RGB output option for DVD/Bluray playback (like PS3), I can't watch anything on the PS4 through my receiver.
 
Nafai1123 said:
Prerogatives. Sony thought it was worth getting the game related features working first, and I'm happy they did. It's better than waiting for them to fix super long install times/required patching/etc.
Click to expand...

That's the thing, isn't it? There was only so much time until launch. Features will be added. Primary concern is games, and the PS4 already excels there, imo. I guess for some people, media is critical to their moderns lives. I'm not too fussed, but going by many of the replies in here, it would seem it's very important to more people than I'd have imagined.

Saying that, I find the total lack of DLNA and 3D bluray (which I don't like myself, but each to their own) odd, I would have expected them at launch.
 
ArkkAngel007 said:
Eh, Xbox One, for all its faults, would probably be superior as it seems to do just about everything the Wii U does better and more, except off-screen functionality.

That is except for nearly everything being behind a pay wall.
Click to expand...

is the web browser just as good? The main thing I like is how quick and seamless web videos are as well as the touchscreen interface.

I use the Plex browser page to stream media off my computer to the wiiu. I can rewind, pause, move the play head exactly where I want, hit the dpad to move the playhead back a few seconds, etc. and it picks up and plays immedialty w/o hardely any delay or issue. Its very interactive.
On 360/PS3 through DLNA, media streaming was very finicky. half the time if I tried to pause or rewind it would just error out and quite back to the OS. And it would never really show you visually how fast you were rewinding or forwarding, and if it did work it would take like 10/20 secs to actually stat playing again. WiiU is instant playback, with instat feedback and very smooth. And no messing with any settings codecs/etc on your server.

And using an organized touchscreen interface, its much quicker to navigate/search and find the media I want, with no hassle, as well as showing a bunch more info for the media(posters, subs, resolution, summary,etc). I can also continue to browse and load up other videos and web pages, while the main video/movie plays on the TV with no interuption.

here it is in action on WiiU, though they have just recently updated and made a better web interface.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=4cBWwCSqF4Q#t=648

Even Netflix I can turn on the WiiU, launch the app and play a movies much faster than I could on my other platforms by the fact alone of the touchscreen and not having to scroll through menus are press buttons, i just directly touch what I want, the instant the icon is loaded up.

And I dont have to pay anything extra for this features. And you also have a very nice TV remote already in your hand for udjusting inputs, volume etc.

I should say I havent touched an Xbox one yet. But I know some of these things the Xbox One cant do. But I am sure it would be nice for TV/Cable. but I dont really watch that.

In a more perfect world there would just be a native Plex app avalaible for the WiiU, though it is not to much of a hassle to set up on your own.
 
Would you rather they waited an extra 6 months to launch? The features will come and soon I hope. I bought a PS4 on launch day as an investment in the future, Just like my Vita.
 
I don't use the music features on my PS3. My PC in my front room has all my tunes on and it's hooked up to an amp and decent speaker set up. I use my iPhone as a remote for iTunes.

I don't much care for the MP3 playback on PS4, although video streaming would be nice.
 
Agreed. PS4 is a gaming powerhouse, but it replaced my PS3 which moved to the bedroom.

My list if demands:

  • BD remote*
  • Media streaming
  • Video player
  • Audio player


*money left on the table. Accessories are the sweetest plum in-terms of margins. It's fucking idiotic.
 
Arttemis said:
I would love Sony to mature the PS4's software-based media features, but this point is just absurd to me.
Click to expand...

Me too. But then again, the entire idea of trophies/achievements for virtual epeen purposes is also absurd to me (and in that regard I'm probably in the minority).

biggersmaller said:
Agreed. PS4 is a gaming powerhouse, but it replaced my PS3 which moved to the bedroom.

My list if demands:

  • BD remote*
  • Media streaming
  • Video player
  • Audio player


*money left on the table. Accessories are the sweetest plum in-terms of margins. It's fucking idiotic.
Click to expand...

I figured I didn't need the BD remote. But then a friend who sold his PS3 for a PS4 gave me his as he'd no longer have any use for it. The BD remote really handy, and has gotten a shitload of use for bluray, amazon prime, and streaming media from my NAS. It's nice to just leave the controllers on their charger while doing this.
 
Guys,

I want you to know I've spoken with officials at SCEA pointing out this thread and the concerns listed here..

For what it's worth SCEA IS paying attention to their own discussion boards and other one's seen as important like GAF .... I've been asked to flag threads like this one, it goes up the chain to appropriate folks at the company.

Obviously I can't promise anything, except to tell you that complaints made here are being taken seriously, threads like this do have a decent chance of being read by corporate. One of the things I do on GAF now is flag any serious complaints, praise, etc .... It's not a PR thing, it's a "try listen to the community" thing. It's was never going to be a perfect process but it's something.

I think alot of big companies are searching for ways to connect with their fanbase. For some companies that's Facebook, for others twitter .... for Sony it's increasingly becoming community discussion boards like GAF, their own forum communities and others. I don't find this all that surprising given that Sony has seemed to want to connect back with the hardcore community, marketing the PS4 as a machine "for the gamers".
 
I want alot of the things listed here too. A proper BD remote and DLNA, are two of my big one's.

Pulse headset support was another big one for me, but thankfully support was introduced with the last patch. That itself does give me faith that features will continue to be introduced as we go along.
 
benny_a said:
Do you now know the definition of focus? You can't focus on everything. That word has denotations.

And yes, them focusing on media playback (this time using the word how it's meant to be used) absolutely is detrimental to it being a games console.
Click to expand...

Eh, to a point, but not really once you get to the "conglomeration" level of business...

There are so many wheels to crank and so many cogs that spin counterclockwise of the main engine that it's impossible for it all to pour in one direction. You have different teams with different budgets doing different tasks, and they're all doing things that could potentially feed back into the whole, so until you reorg (and widespread reorg sucks because potentially people lose their jobs... and potentially stocks drop,) you want them still going even if it's not exactly tied to the "focus". You also have business deals that rely on aspects of the business that don't on the surface add in to the overall goal but that are fundamental to the business's success. You could say, "just DON'T put money towards things that are not games," but a massive machine of business like Sony Computer Entertainment just doesn't work by such simple on-or-off mechanics.

In any case, people want it. They bought PS3 and Xbox 360 (even Wii, thanks to Netflix) for their media services, and they are looking to the next generation for all of that and more. So it'd be suicide to not put resources to it. Prioritize games, of course, but these machines need to sell or else there'll be no install base to put all these games and game services into.

Bamelin said:
Guys,

I want you to know I've spoken with officials at SCEA pointing out this thread and the concerns listed here..

For what it's worth SCEA IS paying attention to their own discussion boards and other one's seen as important like GAF .... I've been asked to flag threads like this one, it goes up the chain to appropriate folks at the company.
Click to expand...

Great to hear. And has been said by a lot of posters, Sony's priorities are in the right place, but we have loved our PlayStations as media machines since the PS2 (some of us even going back to the very first PS with its music CD playback) and we're hoping that PS4 can seal the gaps between what PS3 offered while continuing to expand on its own next-gen features. It's a great machine. Make it even better.
 
CamHostage said:
Eh, to a point, but not really once you get to the "conglomeration" level of business...
Click to expand...
I think your excursion into the business aspect isn't relevant.

You still only have on OS team with a limited amount of resources to dedicate to the firmware.

What your business excursion has shown that you can have other departments work on programs that run on top of the firmware. Which as we've seen they've done as they have media applications.
The people writing the Netflix application on PS4 are not the same that are bugfixing and increasing stability for the video game programming API.
The team working on Music Unlimited are not the same that are working on a generalized suspend/resume feature and taking advantage of the ARM chip to lower standby power usage.
 
Tabris said:
[*]Social media integration with media playback (my activity feed should show I watched a blu ray movie)
[/LIST]
Click to expand...

No. I do not want people to know what I watch. Ability to turn this off without turning off what games I am playing is needed.

It currently shows people images of what videos they watch on the VidZone service and there is guy on my feed that should be ashamed of the videos he watches.
 
benny_a said:
I think your excursion into the business aspect isn't relevant.

You still only have {one} OS team with a limited amount of resources to dedicate to the firmware.

What your business excursion has shown that you can have other departments work on programs that run on top of the firmware. Which as we've seen they've done as they have media applications.
Click to expand...

That's not necessarily true, actually. You have a centralized OS team, sure (and overall, the OS development tract is I assume a very small and tightly-controlled team since they do not have the hardware overhead to go crazy once launched; the big stuff is generally going to be added in with external/optional modules.) But there is a business to OS development just like any other part of product management, and there are contractors/outsiders integrated into the development. Q Games, for instance, was instrumental in the look and feel of various aspects of PS3 and PS Vita's interface.
 
Oersted said:
That marketing effect. Less media than PS3 doesn't make the thing a gaming device. Otherwise PS3 wasn't one.
Click to expand...
Ease of use, speediness of the UI, all the game streaming features, the far more robust online functions make it a clearly superior gaming machine. PS3 was quite clunking truth
 
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