Using Your Xbox 360 as a Media Receiver
Fri Jul 21, 2006 7:36PM EDT
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Here's the scenario: you want to buy an Xbox 360 gaming console, but you just can't justify the price. Microsoft wants to help you with this dilemma. I can hear Steve Ballmer with the sales pitch, 'Sure it's a state of the art gaming console; but wait, there's more.'
Xbox 360: More Game than Gaming
The Xbox 360 comes with a set of extras that are actually pretty handy—one of which is the ability for the console to act as a Media Center PC receiver.
This next-generation Xbox can access media that's stored on a central computer. Streaming music, video, and photos can be played in high definition and surround sound all through the remote gaming device. All you need is a PC running Microsoft's Media Center PC operating system, which can send most media content straight to the console via an Ethernet or Wi-Fi network in your home. If you have an HDTV connected to your Xbox 360 (like Tanya in this week's episode), the console's 720P high definition support allows you to see any HD content on your Media Center PC in all its high-res glory.
The only downsides to the Media Center functionality in the Xbox 360 mostly revolve around sub-par media controls on the Xbox remote control. Also, any remote Media Center PC must be turned on and running for the Xbox to access its content.
More Options
There are other devices that perform some of the same media functions as the Xbox 360, like the Roku Soundbridge, the Slim Devices Squeezebox, or the Yamaha Digital Audio Server. But if you are getting an Xbox 360 for the gaming functionality and you already have a Media Canter PC, then why not combine the two for some bonus media features.
For more about what else the XBox 360 can do, check out PC Magazine's review of media elements in Xbox 360. And for more about next-generation consoles, read Gina Hughes' post about the upcoming Battle of the Gaming Consoles.
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2 Posted by supercount101 on Thu Apr 19, 2007 4:39AM EDT Report Abuse
The Xbox 360 is cool! Love it! I also love the Nintendo Wii. ---- Nintendo Wii !
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1 Posted by mjey7 on Tue Jul 25, 2006 2:29PM EDT Report Abuse
I picked up my 360 at launch, last Nov. Little,m at that time, did I know that I would be able to stream my mp3 collection from upsatirs on my computer to my strero downstairs! Its a great feature that is really overlooked when people talk about the 360. Ive got around 1500 mp3's on my computer and at any time I can just turn on the 360 and play them trhough my home stereo. If you have full capabilities of hooking cable up to your computer, you can go as far as setting the computer to record movies and tv shows for you from the 360. Its just a great feature thats well worth the price of the 360 on its own!