360 as a Media Center Extender

[Cheez]

Anyone using it as a media center extender? It seems to be the cheapest extender on the market so I'm quite interested, I couldn't care less about the gaming side of it, but don't want to get it and find it has stupid limitations which aren't listed on the MS site.

[Scuz]

You need to be careful of file formats, such as it prefers .wmv for videos but there are workarounds.

On a side note be careful of placing pr0n in a file shared by the xbox if you don't wish others to see it.

[Rich]

Yeah it works well but will only play wmv video by default. You then downloaded Transcode360 or TVersity which let you play anything you want (everythings played I've thrown at it so far).

[CyberDrac]

Personally I have an original XBox, modded, running XBMC, it plays a lot more formats and has a better interface than the 360. I use a Logitech wireless game pad to control it, although if you prefer a more traditional remote then those are also available.

XBox + Mod Chip (Xecuter3) + Wireless gamepad + Component AV cable inc. SPDIF = Media Centre of W1N

720P on my 32" Samsung, and it upscales everything beautifully, only downside is that it is CPU limited, and therefore you have to be careful how you encode HD content, but the results are great from what I have seen, the only final downside is it will not play HD-DVD (unsurprisingly).

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[Rich]

How do you manage that? The original xbox dosnt output 720p? or does it? :P

[Mastacheif]

it was capable yes

[CyberDrac]

You just have to get a mod which allows you that option, you have to enable NTSC in order to get it as an option.

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[Jazza]

I agree with cyberdrac. A modded xbox with XBMC is miles better than a 360 as an extender.

[TelexStar]

+1

It's fuglier but a lot cheaper and more "flexible" in the morally grey department if you catch my drift.

[CyberDrac]

I spray painted mine in a fetching silver and original black, I think it looks quite nice, fits in with the rest of my PVR and other random boxes under the TV.

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[Cheez]

It's just not an option, most of my films are over the bitrate XBMC says it supports.

[CyberDrac]

Damn shame :) ... buy one anyway ;)

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