3.2.  Playing Files Over A Local Area Network

First of all, you'll need to have a working network. That means you'll need a network switch with a patch cable to your PS2 and a patch cable to your PC, Alternatively you can use a single crossover cable directly linking your PS2 to your PC. If you can't successfully ping your PS2 while you're running SMS, then you'll need to get that working first. Once your network is working you can use either RadHostClient, or PS2Client-gui running on your PC to share your media directories. RadHostClient is a little easier to use than ps2client-gui, and can involve less running back and forth between the PC and PS2.

3.2.1.  Playing Network Video Files Using RadHostClient

Download and install RadHostClient from http://ps2dev.org/ps2/Tools/Misc_tools/Rad_Host_Client_1.4. Run the application on your PC, and type in the IP address of your PS2 in the text box at the top. Drag folders into the list at the bottom. They will automatically be made available to the PS2.

RadHostClient in operation.

Figure 3.4.  RadHostClient in operation.

If you have not done so already, start SMS on your PS2, then On the PS2 press START to bring up the SMS config menu, then select Nework settings..., then select start network interface now and press X.

Within 10 seconds you should see a new device icon at the top of the SMS screen:

Screenshot of SMS with network support activated.

Figure 3.5.  Screenshot of SMS with network support activated, (note additional icon at top of screen).

Now press RIGHT to select the network icon, and browse into the folders on your PC. When you press X, the PS2 will begin playback, and will stream the file from your PC across the network.

Screenshot of SMS browsing networked folder shared from 
          remote PC.

Figure 3.6.  Browsing networked folder shared from remote PC.

Warning

Do not close RadHostClient while your PS2 is browsing files shared via the client. This will cause both RadHostClient and the PS2 to crash.

If the PS2 crashes or restarts, you may need to restart RadHostClient.

3.2.2.  Playing Network Video Files Using PS2Client-gui

On the PC download and install ps2client-gui. Run the GUI, and select the directories of where your videofiles are. If you have a base directory that contains all your files, enter that directory. It doesn't matter if your files are in subdirectories within this one, as you will be able to navigate them in SMS. Once you click OK, it will make this available to your PS2.

If you have not done so already, start SMS on your PS2, then On the PS2 press START to bring up the SMS config menu, then select Nework settings..., then select start network interface now and press X.

You should see a new device icon appear at the top of the screen. If you don't see one after 20 secs, try stopping and restarting the ps2client-gui program on your PC. Once the icon appears (can take around 15seconds), press RIGHT to select it, then X. You should now be able to navigate all folders beneath the one you shared.