argh923

I'm currently on a tight budget, so I'm HOPING there's a way to do it via my 360. If not, what are my options?

RichC2

360 works for basic formats, just download a streaming app or use Windows Media Player (enable Streaming, Allow X360). You'll be watching your GoPro compilations in no time!

Noonan

I use TVersity (free program) to stream to my PS3. It works great for standard video files.

TheBigDave

Get a Boxee. It's the best I've found for streaming videos from my PC. Handles everything I've thrown at it. I don't have to waste time re-encoding stuff to a compatible format. Keeps my video library nice and organized. Love my Boxee. Unfortunately, it costs around $175, so it probably won't fit your tight budget.

You can do it with a Roku. Get a cheap model for $50. I posted some info about how use Plex with the Roku:

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/streaming-t...ur-pc-mac.html

argh923

Does "basic formats" include .avi?

DJariya

http://tversity.com/

So your sick of watching your Red Tube and Brazzers Porno AVI's on your PC huh?

argh923

Nah, I may be ditching cable, and I need a way to watch shows from my computer on my television.

TGM

get a roku and d/l the PLEX channel

sauce07

I'm currently using Apple TV and iTunes to stream the content to my TV. I have a digital movie collection that is very slowly starting to mirror my huge DVD collection (long term project), all of those files are in iTunes, I access my iTunes collection through Apple TV, pops right up. This thing is going to kick ass by the end, 2000+ movies, tv shows, trailers, music videos and concerts all at my fingertips.

TheBigDave

I was using AppleTV for a while. And it works really well, like you said. The only drawback is the video formats are very limited. I had to re-encode most of my stuff to MP4. Handbrake makes that easy. But it was very time consuming.

So I looked around for something that can play everything, and ended up with the Boxee.

DJariya

I was just kidding. But seriously if you really are having money issues and might not be able to afford your TV service anymore, there are plenty of more "legal" ways to stream material from the web to your Xbox 360 without having to resort to something less legitimate. Specifically the Playon software.

http://www.playon.tv/playon

There are a few threads here that already cover the topic.

The one major issue is the streaming quality. You won't get High Definition quality and there are sometimes buffering issues. Also watching Live sports will be another issue. The Xbox 360 does have the ESPN app and you can watch some live sports and SportsCenter highlights off that (if your ISP supports it) However, you probably won't be able to stream your like RSN (Regional Sports Network)

Also, see this thread, which I posted on Page 1:

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/streaming-t...e-legally.html

And of course there is always Over the Air.

argh923

People have mentioned Roku...

http://www.amazon.com/Roku-XD-Stream...7816470&sr=1-1

is this what you're referring to? Because I see the options for Netflix and Hulu Plus and all of that, but it doesn't mention anything about streaming files that are on your computer?

TheBigDave

That's the middle model. You can compare the various models here:

http://www.roku.com/roku-products#3

Streaming from PC to Roku isn't a built-in feature. It requires 3rd-party software called Plex. You download Plex to your computer, and it'll send the video files to your Roku through the home network. This thread has some links with more info:

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/streaming-t...ur-pc-mac.html

Back to your original question. You should be able to stream videos from PC to 360. I think it plays most stuff like H.264, MPEG-4, DIVX, AVI, WMV, MOV, etc. And if you have a file that's incompatible, just re-encode it to MP4 with Handbrake. Check this page, it's got tons of info:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/945416?sd=xbox

argh923

Awesome. Thanks for the info! Given that my 360 has Hulu and Netflix and my Blu-Ray player has Amazon Video, I think the Roku would probably be redundant, and the 360 stream is the way to go. I'll try to set it up this weekend.

Trevor

Not for you perhaps OP, but others may like this thread in Hot Deals today.

http://forum.dvdtalk.com/hot-deals/6...-b-m-ymmv.html

argh923

Hmmmm.....

argh923

Well, thanks to the OP, that was a deal I couldn't pass up. Went to my local TRU and snagged the last Roku 2XS for $50. Hooking it up now.

Numanoid

I don't know why people recommend Boxee this and Roku that, when all you need is a video card with DVI or HDMI out. Run a cable to your TV, and done. Your TV becomes your giant computer monitor. No wondering what you can play. If it works on your PC, it works on your TV.

argh923

It's difficult to explain, but if you'd seen my basement setup, that's more or less impossible...my computer is about 30 feet away.

TheBigDave

I'd have numerous concerns. Do a need a mouse and keyboard to navigate? Can I use a remote control? Will I have to deal with pop-up notifications? Will video playback be affected if my computer starts doing something in the background (like a scheduled virus scan)? And probably 20-30 other dumb newbie questions.

I haven't looked into it, so it's possible that there's simple solutions to all my concerns. However, I don't have these problems with my Boxee. I like having a dedicated machine that only does one thing, and does it well.