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[capnstoobie]

Recently I have tried streaming m2ts files from my DNS-323 to a PS3 using the built-in uPNP server.  The m2ts files are the raw video files taken with my Canon HD camcorder.  Initially they playback fine on the PS3 but after about 30 seconds the playback starts to pause regularly, as if the network transfer can't keep up.

I don't think the PS3 has any problems playing these files so I'm guessing the DNS-323 and/or the network can't keep up with the high bitrate that these files would have.

I am using the 1.08 firmware with a 100mb switch between the PS3 and DNS-323.  Would upgrading to a gigabit switch help?  Any other options, or is the DNS-323 simply not up to the job?

Using Tversity or similar would help I'm sure, but I was trying to use the built-in uPnp server and avoid having to do any transcoding of the original files.

[OlegMZ]

There should be no problems playing m2ts files over wired connection even recorded with maximum AVCHD quality which is 24MBit/s (MXP+ @ Canon HD camcorders).
Yesterday I tried tested DHP-303 powerline adapters with PS3 and DNS-323 as uPnP media server. These adapters give me around 3.5 MBytes/s throughput (NAStester results) over my apartment lines (different breakers and even different phases) and I had problems only with MXP+ m2ts files. MXP played flawlessly.
Out of curiosity I connected PS3 directly to the router (ancient DI-624+ 100Mbiit/s) and all MXP+ played just fine.
Have you tested real speed of you network/NAS with NAStester (for example)?
Mine has 2 "unsupported" WD15EARS installed as RAID1 with EXT3 and connected @ 100Mb/s - not the fastest combination at all. Still it gives me around 7 MBytes/s over wired connection - ~70% utilization of 100 Mbit link, which is pretty close to actual maximum for this media. If I turn on Torrent client throughput drops to 5MBytes/s, but it is still more than enough for streaming m2ts with maximum quality.

[capnstoobie]

Many thanks for the detailed reply!

I'm using the FXP mode on the camcorder which is the second best quality.  If you are getting success with MXP then FXP should definitely work for me.

I will try NAStester tonight - I don't know what my current network speeds are.

[capnstoobie]

Just checked my speeds on NAStester.  On my main PC (gigabit nic and switch) I got about 10 MBytes/s write and 10 read.  When I enabled jumbo frames on the DNS 323 and my PC's nic I got about 15 write and 15 read.

I also tried an old laptop connected to the same switch and only got 6 write and 2-3 read!  I'm not sure why it is so drastically different to my PC, but I'm thinking that the PS3 is also probably getting in the 2-3 MBytes/s read range and that's why my m2ts files stutter sometimes.

I need to do some more checking - it's a shame I can't measure the transfer rate that my PS3 is receiving.

[OlegMZ]

First of all try NAStester on local HDD of your laptop to make sure it is not to blame.
Then try to copy files (or use NAStester again) between your "good" PC and laptop to make sure network between them fine.
You may also try either to copy file using PS3 menu, measure time and calculate speed.
Another option is to install free PS3 media server to your PC and try to playback m2ts files on PS3 from it. You can easily see network utilization during this by launching Task Manager and watching Networking tab (if you are using windows on it).
Inspection of results of all steps above should nail the bottleneck.

[capnstoobie]

I installed PS3mediaserver on my main pc and used that to stream to my PS3.  Now my m2ts files play back silky smooth using the PS3mediaserver.  It's weird, because the m2ts files are still stored on the DNS323, but they served to the PS3 via the PS3mediaserver on my pc - when I go direct from the DNS323 to the PS3, m2ts playback stutters.

So I'm guessing the network is fine, but maybe the DNS323 and PS3 just don't talk to each other nicely (or the DNS323 uPnP software is just not very good).

I can keep using PS3mediaserver but it would be great to stream video without using my pc as the go-between.  Anyone recommend Twonky (installed on the DNS323) for m2ts files?  I know it costs money, but I would consider it.  Do I need to use version 4.4.18 (the last NAS version) even though it is now no longer the latest version?

 

[nettech]

I was using firmware 1.07 on the DNS-323 and was not able to see the m2ts files.  Now that I have upgraded to firmware 1.09 they are viable on the PS3 and stream with no problems.  Previously I had problems with the DNS-323 on my network with similar symptoms as you described.  The solution I found was the to find a network switch that fully supported UPNP (I am using a Dlink DSS 8+) and moved the DNS-323 closer to the switch.  Mine happens to be sitting right beside the switch.  I also reconfigured the network so the PS3 and the DNS-323 are plugged into the switch and not the hub on my DSL modem.

Hopefully this helps.