Overview

Streaming live TV with your PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4 is possible, although your options are somewhat limited compared to other devices such as Android TV or Apple TV. There are more apps which will not work with this console, meaning that you have to find an alternative way to get live TV streaming on the device. Fortunately, there are some tried and tested methods detailed below for each console model.

Streaming live TV on PlayStation 3

Hulu Live TV is compatible with Playstation 3, but AT&T TV Now, Sling TV, fuboTV, Philo and YouTube TV will unfortunately not work. 

Other services which are not compatible include:

  • Amazon Prime Video
  • Hulu
  • Netflix
  • Tubi
  • ESPN+
  • DAZN
  • NFL Sunday Ticket
  • NBA League Pass
  • MLB.TV
  • NHL.TV
  • Roku Channel Store
  • Amazon Appstore
  • Apple App Store
  • Google Play
  • YouTube
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Twitch
  • Vudu
  • Fandango Now
  • Google Play Movies
  • iTunes Movies
  • Redbox
  • Movies Anywhere
  • Amazon Music
  • Spotify
  • Pandora
  • Apple Music
  • YouTube Music
  • iCloud Photos
  • Google Photos
  • Amazon Photos
  • Amazon Echo
  • Google Home
  • Apple HomePod
  • Nest
  • Kodi
  • Plex

Using a TV tuner card and media center for live TV on PlayStation 3

There are some alternative ways to stream live television using your Sony PlayStation 3. Namely, using a TV tuner card along with the PS3’s networking functionality and installing software such as Nero MediaHome can allow you to bypass the streaming apps and services which are not compatible with this device. While the instructions below are for Nero, they should be applicable to similar media hub software systems, should you find one which will work with the PlayStation 3 in the future.

To get started, install the Nero software on your desktop computer or laptop, then run Nero MediaHome. Follow the instructions which appear on your screen to set up the hub, which will include selecting the video tuner plugged into your PlayStation 3. The software will scan for available channels. To select your network adapter, go to Start, All Programs, Nero, Share, Nero MediaHome and then Network. From here, pick the relevant network device. Then click on TV and go through the instructions which you are presented with in the TV Wizard window until you are notified that the setup is complete.

From here, click on Start, All Programs, Nero and then Nero Media Server. From here, ensure the Enable TV Streaming box is checked, then click on the Start Server icon, which will be located at the bottom of the window. Now it’s time to go to your PlayStation 3. Click on the Video icon on the main menu, which could also be referred to as the cross media bar or CMB. Then, select the NeroMediaHome icon underneath the Video icon, and you will then be able to choose a channel. The stream will begin a few moments after this final step.

Using an alternative app for streaming live TV on PlayStation 3

While there are a number of apps which unfortunately do not work for streaming live TV services on your PlayStation 3, you still have some other options to try. For example, many consider Pluto TV to be the best PS3 app for free live TV. If you install it on your device, you will have access to over 100 live channels. While this sounds better than cable, the channel selection is somewhat random, and you may not find the networks you’re familiar with – but it’s a good choice for those who want to watch live television for free. There are still live feeds from CBSN and CNBC to make the most of if you need the news, and you can also watch Bloomberg Television and The Weather Network, plus niche channels for comedy, wrestling and obscure options such as Mystery Science Theater 3000.

You can also visit the PlayStation Store to see what your options are. There are several apps available for streaming free live TV, plus other on-demand movies and television shows. One option, if you’re willing to invest in some hardware, is getting a HDHomeRun Connect and hooking it up to your router. You can then download the app to your PlayStation 3, and connect an antenna to the HDHomeRun tuner. This will work if you struggle to get decent reception in the area of your home you’re wanting to stream live TV from, such as a basement. Other choices include the CBSN live streaming channel, or if you want to stream content using another app your options include Sirius XM, Vudu, Screambox, MLB TV, CrunchyRoll and Spotify.

Streaming live TV on PlayStation 4

On PlayStation 4, the list of services which are not compatible with this device are the same as those listed above for PlayStation 3. Similarly, you will find the same or similar options are available as an alternative for streaming live TV. 

Summary

It’s clear there are a number of ways to access live streaming on your PlayStation 3 or PlayStation 4, despite the initial obstacle seen with mass app and service incompatibility. For example, you can use a TV tuner and media center as a way to browse through what’s currently on TV, or you could find an app such as Pluto TV to get your streaming fix. No matter what method you use, there is a way to enjoy streaming services on your PlayStation console.

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