Streaming Music From Your Windows PC to Your Game Console
December 10, 2008 by Jason Bean
Filed under Computers
I was recently chatting with Jyle Dupuis who blogs over at Xboxxer.com about how he’s using the Media Center Extender on his Xbox 360 to stream music and movies right out to his living room.
This is something I’ve been wanting to do, but just haven’t had the energy or enough desire to pursue the task. Jyle let me know that I would need Media Center Extender installed on the desktop for it to work natively, which I don’t have. I don’t really feel like installing it on that computer either as it’s the one my son uses for himself in his room. I’ve just got two large hard drives in it that currently story our backups, music and pictures.
Jyle then let me know about a Linux option (as well as a Windows) that I could use without having to install Windows Media Center. These extender apps are available at XBMC.org for free.
I’m wondering who all out there has done this and what you think about it? Is it worth it to use the computer in this way? I’ve actually debated about moving the entire desktop out to the living room and getting a wireless keyboard and mouse to use. The only reason I’m not real keen on that idea is that the computer wouldn’t be available if someone was watching TV.
Let me know what you think.
If you’re not the Xbox type and have a Playstation 3 instead, you can read "How-To: Stream Music From Windows to Your PS3" over at Playstation Monger.
Ive been using Windows Media Center for a while… before we moved the PC lived in the living room… not only did it have content, it pulled from shares on my other machines. I’ve since put the computer elsewhere, but the xbox can grab all that stuff as it acts as a MCE device.
With that said, when configured properly the xbox can stream music without using Windows Media Center (I think it using Windows Media Connect — which I don’t have setup, and no need for) — we will see what I do if I go to Uverse and we lose the functionality our current TV setup gives us… maybe I’ll do Media Connect or get some other box… not sure… but with an xbox you should be set I’d think
Hi, my name’s Cody, and I’m working with the Windows Gaming Outreach Team to help answer questions that users might have.
You don’t need Windows Media Center to connect your PC to your Xbox 360 and stream content, although it is a really handy way of doing it. If you’re using Windows XP, then the Zune software, Windows Media Player 11, and even some third party apps should be able to stream most content. Here’s a great site that’ll show you how to connect using the Zune software or WMP 11: http://www.xbox.com/en-US/pcsetup/xpsp2.htm
You both sound like you’ve got a pretty good grasp of the whole streaming setup, but hope this was helpful, or at the very least interesting!
Thanks,
Cody
Windows Gaming Outreach Team