So, a few days ago I recently learned about this Xbox 360's Media Sharing capabilities.

After reading up, basically, it states that a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer running on the same network as an Xbox 360 connected to the internet via that same network can share media.

This is done because the PC and 360 basically use the home network to stream the media straight over the network.

My PC is hooked up to a wireless D-link router, and my Xbox 360 connects with the Wireless Network Adapter, so, I figured since they were on the same network, I could try this.

After a few hours of trial and error, I decide to search the tech threads at the official Xbox.com forums.

Apperently, even after setting up the PC, you've gotta wait until the Xbox 360 checks its Media Network to see if it sees your computer (This is why the network options has Test Xbox Live and Test Media).

So, how does this work?

Basically, it's pretty simple.

If you're PC and Xbox 360 are on the same network, this is what ya do (By the way, this includes information for forwarding the proper ports over the router).

Update Windows Media Player to WMP version 11. Right click on the Library and click "Media Sharing...". Tick the box to Share Media, and it should show your Xbox 360, your PC will automatically detect it over the network.

Click the button that says "Allow". This part is important. Click the "Settings" button. Under "Share Media As:" make sure to type a name or title. It doesn't have to be important. I use "Media". When the Xbox 360 connects to the PC it will show your Computers name (which you can change, as well, I won't explain that, though. Google it, if ya need to) and then Media (like this "PCNAME:Media").

Now, to chose which files to share, make sure to tick Music, Pictures, and Videos.

Now set up the folders you wish the Xbox 360 to access. To do this click Library, then click Add to Library. Click Advanced Options to show a list of Monitored folders. You can ignore all of these except "My Music". Add your own folders where you store the media you want the Xbox 360 to access.

Once your done, click Ok, then give it time to scan the folders and load up media. Keep in mind, the Xbox 360 can easily play Xvid and Divx videos stored in .avi containers (as well as all types of native Windows formats). Depending on how many actual files and the sizes of them, this may take around ten minutes. Don't worry if WMP starts to lag or freeze for a few seconds, its using a bit more processing power than normal for this large process.

Once that is finish, exit WMP for now, you'll be back later, though.

Now, you need to set your router and if your firewall (if you use one) to forward ports to be used by the Xbox 360 to allow it to see your computer over the network. The list of ports is located here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/910635

I would explain this, but it can be long and confusing.

The following website has a list of routers and can guide you step by step on how to forward the ports you need to use: http://www.portforward.com/english/r...outerindex.htm

Once that is finished, you should almost be done. Reload Windows Media Player and verify Media Sharing is turned on for the Xbox 360.

Now boot your Xbox 360 and go to videos. Press the X button to select a new source. If under Computer you do not see "PCNAME:Media" give it some time until it rechecks, if after a half hour, max, it doesn't show up, then sometime may be wrong (in which case, I cannot help, as this is what worked for me).

If it does work, you should be able to stream all your media from your pc to your Xbox 360.

Earlier, I was watching some anime I had downloaded.

A side note is, and this may not be common, but when I reboot the PC, the connection is lost (because my PC network card restarted). The easy fix for this is to restart media sharing, and wait another half hour, max. If that doesn't work, go back into the settings for Media Sharing on the Xbox 360 and change the name you're using (Such as "PCNAME:Media2"). It'll show all the same files and such, so don't worry.

Before this option, though, go to the Network settings and click "Test Media", this will pretty much force the Xbox to retry and find the PC, if that works, don't bother changing the name, as it is not needed.

Enjoy, have fun, and discuss.

Oh, and as a final note, video files look wonderful. Average size anime episodes (175MB), average size TV episodes (around 350MB) and average movies (around 700MB each, or if its two parts, 700MB each part (high quality) all look and play wonderfully.

Anime episodes play great, but since my TV is old and has an old picture tube, sometimes subtitles are hard to see (this shouldn't be an issue on much newer televisions, and LCDs).

I'm pretty sure some of you may have know about this already, but for those who don't, enjoy.

At least I hope some people can use this, if he doesn't already know, I think Speaker might at least be overjoyed.

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Current Playstation 3 savings: $17.48

Seriously?

No responses at all?

This interests nobody else?

Wow, thats shocking. >_>

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Current Playstation 3 savings: $17.48

I had to rush off to work and had no time to read it :P

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Read it now!

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Current Playstation 3 savings: $17.48

Just read it and Speaker totally needs to read this.

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Indeed.

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Current Playstation 3 savings: $17.48

I tried this awhile back b4 divx support and had two issues, probably cuz my lappy and xbox were both wireless.

1. the streaming sucked. It lagged SO much. (again, probably cuz of wireless)
2. My xbox, instead of connecting THROUGH the network, would connect DIRECTLY TO MY LAPPY cutting me off from my router. So i would be connected to my xbox only and not to the internet. which sucked.

It's very cool, and if I could plug my xbox in with an ethernet cable i'd probably utilize it for @#$@#$@#$@#$ or something, but divx on a mem stick is so much easier right now.

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Dude, go invest forty bucks in a D-link WBR-2310 Wireless Router.

This'll allow your PC, Laptop, and Xbox 360 to play nicely.

See, with this router, between your own network, it runs at 10MB, up to 100MB.

I've never had a buffering issue or a lag issue because of this router.

Again, this router is only $40.00, plus tax, and most Best Buy's or Circuit City's should have them.

And yes, I am aware the plural is "Cities", however, it is a nonstandard definition because it is used as both a name and a title, this "City's" should be acceptable.

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Current Playstation 3 savings: $17.48

Hmmm maybe I should get one of those.......

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my current router works fine for MOST things - i think the issue isn't my router but the fact that i refuse to pay 100 bucks for microsofts proprietary wireless adapter. i rigged another wireless adapter to my 360.

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