optimal software setup for video streaming

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  In theory you should be much better off if you use a Windows Media Center PC as the source for your Xbox 360. That way you'll have access to the full extender interface, and the additional capabilities that Media Center brings to the table. The Media Center PC would use Windows Home Server as additional storage, rather than directly as a streaming server (which is what you're doing now). You could even put your Media Center PC in your home theater and demote your XBox back to being a game console. :)

  
  

  That all requires an additional box, of course.

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  I'm not on the WHS team, I just post a lot. :)

  Monday, March 8, 2010 9:01 PM

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  I've been trying to find the "best" setup for streaming video from my WHS to my theater system.  I currently have my server connected to my XBOX360 using a 200 Mbps powerline adapter which seems to work wonderfully (wireless didn't cut it at all).  I intend to use my 360 for the main entrance into streaming content.

  
  

  I have found the resident application limits me with respect to video formats (cannot stream VOB files for example).  pvConnect has the same issues.  I tried Orb, and while it works great for streaming audio, the video quality is absolutely horrid.  I also tried My Movies, but an shying away from that since it screwed up my system drive when I installed it.

  
  

  I would like to be able to stream legal backups of dvd titles I own in its original format, whether they're standard definition or high definition (blu-ray).  I have standard def movies backed up in VOB/IFO format on the server now but nothing will stream then other than Orb, and like I said the video quality isn't worth it.

  
  

  What setups have folks used to stream without having to transcode or what not top quality video/audio to their 360s?

  
  

  Many thanks.

  I use what Ken suggested (XBox 360 as an extender pulling from my Media Center PC, which in turn pulls files from my server).  I use My Movies (which installed fine for me and I would highly recommend it, athough I understand your concerns; if nothing else you could always try installing it on a clean install of WHS and see if it works).  All of my movies are stored as either dvr-ms (left over from Vista) or wtv (since installing 7).  No transcoding, no stuttering, works great for me (and my 360 is connected wireless, yet plays 720p movies without issues).

  Monday, March 8, 2010 9:34 PM

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  Thanks Ken - I've tried that as well (sorta) using my windows 7 ultimate machine as a media center PC for my 360.  Trouble is, the "movies" section of the media center on my 360 only shows files such as .avi or .mpeg.  If I want to play backups of movies I own in VOB format I need to go to the "videos" section of media center, browse to the folder, select "play all" and then there's lapses between each VOB file.

  
  

  This is somewhat frustrating unless I'm missing something.  Hence asking what I asked in the first place :)  although your suggestion should be a workable one, I haven't seen a way for the dvd backups to play correctly for me.

  Tuesday, March 9, 2010 12:21 AM
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  This may be of some help.

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  I'm not on the WHS team, I just post a lot. :)

  Tuesday, March 9, 2010 2:44 AM

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  I should have been clearer - sorry. 

  
  

  My computer is showing items correctly.  The XBOX is not.  I may try a couple of things and report back. Thanks.

  Tuesday, March 9, 2010 2:56 AM
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  There is a really good forum where you may get help at TheGreenButton:
  http://thegreenbutton.com/

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  Tuesday, March 9, 2010 10:14 AM