Axiom Home Page Forums General Discussion Home Theater Rip DVD for PS3 playback?

hmm...

We were up until 2:30am trying to get this damn thing working, and we're still at the same point we were when I started 2 days ago.

Here's what I have and know thus far.

1) I used DVD Decrypter to rip a dvd into a single streamable .VOB file.

2) The PS3 Media Server recognizes the .VOB file and serves it to the PS3, which in turn seems to play it back. PQ looks fine, and audio sounds good, but it only plays back in 2-ch. When pulling up the "info" while it's playing the PS3 indicates it's playing a dolby digital 5.1 file. Yet, via the optical cable to my receiver, the receiver is only getting a 2-channel signal.

3) With that failure I thought perhaps it was because I was trying to play back a .VOB file, which in none of my reading is the "proper" or recommended way of doing things. (god forbid it would be that easy!) So I tried finding how to rip my dvd to an mkv file, which this server raves (and it's users) it handles with ease. I came up pretty much empty. For anyone else out there considering trying to do this, be warned...it's assumed you already know how to do it when looking for the required software.

4) so...I decided, just as a test, to download a mkv file of an episode of Heroes. It was a 1080p file with AC3, 5.1 audio. Again, picture played back, and the file info indicated dolby digital 5.1, but again, I only heard 2-channel.

5) I've also downloaded and installed the CCCP codec pack which then comes with a million other settings and options (none of which are explained), but it didn't change anything. I still can see picture, but only 2-channel audio.

In the search for a pre-made .mkv file, we found another application that someone put together that supposed to do exactly what I'm looking for...turn a DVD into a ready to play .mkv file. Gave it a try...and it didn't work.

Seriously...why is this so freakin' hard?

I feel as though I'm so very close to this working, but nothing I try seems to work.

Slipping the disc into the PS3 works flawlessly and doesn't cause any headaches. I really wanted this to work for the "cool" factor and the space it would save us if I could box up all our dvds and put them in the garage. I'm not so sure it's worth it though.

God this is frustrating.

Because of that industry you work for, Craig.

Wow - I am watching two different threads on the forum concerning Craig's efforts for the PS3 thing. The suggestions/solutions I am seeing are well-intentioned, but painfully trying to re-invent the wheel.

In the other thread on this subject, I posted a link to this thread at Home Theater Shack.

I have no allegiance/personal ties to that thread, but here's the deal. Those folks have already gone through ALL of the pain you are exeperiencing and camer up with solutions to all of it. The thread is essentially a guide. You will find:
1) you need two pieces of software (DVDDecrypter and DVDShrink two deal with getting the DVD done. No conversions required.
2) How your drive must be formatted for all of it to work (including use of an external drive if desired).
3) How to use a streaming program (TVersity I believe)if you don't want to use an external drive.

I am stumped as I watch the multitude of suggestions show up in this thread when the complete process, including answers to questions that haven't yet been asked, are in that thread I referenced.

Please - read the thread.

Will do.

Sorry for trying to be helpful. As indicated, I don't claim to have the best solution, just a working solution.

I'll warily add in the possibility that you check the PS3's setting where where 5.1 is turned on/off for the optical port.

I can't recall the exact menu location but I know that you can independently switch the optical port on your PS3 from stereo to 5.1 and if hard set to stereo, you won't get 5.1 out that port.

I use the optical output when playing back everything else with the PS3 and it works flawlessly when I actually play a disc.

No issue there then. I assumed you had that part working already but I'd feel worse if I didn't mention it and it turned out to be the culprit.

I just noticed the PS3 is available in silver , never noticed that before.

Sorry about the tone of my post - I was in the waiting room at the hospital frantically trying to finish the note so I could get upstairs and meet my "just born" grand son

We had our first grand child in mid-Septemebr (a little girl).

Been kind of fun latley. Of course. based on the gene pool, they are both incredibly beautiful.

Both what? Knees?

Congrats on entering grandfatherhood. If my dad and father-in-law are any indication, it's much more enjoyable than fatherhood.