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Guide: Playing MKV HD Video on PS3

Some people have their PS3 at home, they only use it for games and Bluray movie. But have you think of you are capable of playing HD video via the PS3? I have plenty of MKV format video in my computer (don’t ask me how do I obtain them), but then I only watch it on my PC. Now I realised that PS3 is a actually a media player too but unfortunately, it doesn’t support MKV file format. That’s the suckest thing to me.

IMG_6894 by nicholaschan

Though, things don’t come to an end so fast. I have actually found guide on the net on how to watch MKV video on PS3. It’s pretty simple, convert it to a PS3 compatible format then transfer it to the PS3 then you are ready to go.

Some people are worried of video quality would be downgraded during the conversion but if you use the right software, it won’t. So the software is called mkv2vob, it’s a freeware, download it, convert it, transfer it.

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Browse for your MKV file and select your destination directory which is also the output folder.

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If your PS3 doesn’t connect to a amplifier via S/PDIF digital cable, you may not hear DTS surround sound, so you have to CHECK “Always Transcode DTS”.

IMG_6895 by nicholaschan

On the other hand, if you want to transfer your file via a flash drive or portable HDD, you need to split your file. Sucks right? It’s because that PS3 only recognizes FAT32 format and the problem is you can’t transfer any file larger than 4GB into a FAT32 formatted HDD.

Unless that you have your PS3 connected into your network, you need not split it, you can just stream directly or just copy from your network.

IMG_6897 by nicholaschan

As for me, my PS3 is not connected into my home network, my house runs wireless and it’s not capable for HD streaming. My method of watching MKV video without splitting is by burning the converted video into a dual layer 8.5GB DVD+/-R.

Posted in Features, Gaming, Home Entertainment, Tips and TricksComments

This Is Not A Xbox 360 PVR

xb_elegant_edition_xbox_case by nicholaschan

Still remember the PSX (Sony PlayStation 2 with DVR feature) back in few years time? I think not many people know about it because it was only released in the land of rising sun.

xb_elegant_edition_xbox_case_2 by nicholaschanxb_elegant_edition_dvd by nicholaschan

I just found something cool on the net and I want to say no, Microsoft did not release a Xbox 360 with PVR feature that looks a bit like the Tivo HD PVR. This is actually a modded Xbox 360 on a custom designed casing by Industri Repro. Gosh, this is just so pretty!

[via]

Posted in Gaming, Home EntertainmentComments

Astro is Delivering HD Content Next Month

Fullscreen capture 11222009 14317 AM.bmp by nicholaschan

Oh my god! This is too good to be true, but don’t be happy yet until the real thing is out, at least on their website first. I read the news today and it’s about Astro CEO talking about the HD content for Astro, the satelite TV in Malaysia. I felt bullshiting after reading the news, because she should had said all these 2 years back. What’s the time now? It’s almost 2010 and Hong Kong and Singapore are so ahead from us on HD content. Not good to be mad though because we have to accept the fact.

So, Astro will launching their high-definition content next month (it’s from the news) and will releasing a new PVR (Personal Video Recorder) next year, hopefully it’s something on par with the Tivo or better.

According to Astro, the HD set-top box will be available by year-end, and an external HDD for PVR can be added optionally, meaning that they will not be releasing a HD PVR set-top box by year end.

I personally think that HD content is good, I would definitely switch to it, but somehow I don’t really watch HD sports because I am not into sports, documentary in HD maybe cool etc. National Geographic HD, and I wouldn’t want to watch delayed American series because I am following what’s showing in the US, downloaded directly from the net, so guess if the HD is here, I would probably watching Hong Kong’s TVB drama in HD. That’s all.

Interested in HD, or not?

[via]

Posted in Home Entertainment, Malaysia, NewsComments

Macbook to HDTV

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How do I connect a White Macbook to the Samsung 32″ HDTV without DVI cable but HDMI cable?

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It’s all done with 3 things. The Display Port to DVI adapter, then the DVI to HDMI cable and in the end the Belkin HDMI cable which connect straight to the TV’s HDMI input.

It’s running like a charm without any setting. There’s no need any setting with the Macbook. One of the good of the Mac is it detect external display automatically and no need to change the display setting. I now watches high def MKV movie with VLC Player on via the Mac on my TV, running at 1368×768 resolution. Pretty!

Posted in Apple, Blog, Home EntertainmentComments

Samsung DVD player remote controls TV and player

IMG_4404 copy by you.

After experiencing with the Samsung DVD 1080PK player for a few weeks, I am liking the player because to me, I uses a Samsung LCD TV and with its remote, I can control my TV and player at the same time. So, there’s no need to use 2 remote control for 2 devices.

All latest Samsung DVD player’s remote controls are capable of doing so. So if you have a Samsung TV, it’s good to get a Samsung DVD player too.

Don’t classified me as a Samsung fanboy, it’s just a coincidence that I am using a Samsung LCD TV and I got to review the Samsung DVD player. Of course, I love my TV and the player too.

Posted in Blog, Home Entertainment, ReviewsComments