DVD Josh

All I'll say is that I wish I had never sold my modded XBOX, but it's size was a real issue. Functionality-wise, it was perfect.

Mopower

I have two modded Xbox's. One in my bedroom, one in the TV room. Both are connected thru my router to a PC that is the server that has all the files on it. They play streaming thru the Xbox's to the TV. It's awesome. No Hi-Def but it's pretty close. Plus they play games, emulate older systems and games. Plays music. I have not had a file not play in Xbox Media Center. I think it plays everything. Plus you can buy the Xbox DVD remote pack used from Gamestop for $10 and it works with Xbox Media Center out of the box. No controller needed. Except for games. I also have the Xbox HD pack hooked up to both of them so it uses the component cables. They are also $10 at Gamestop in the used Xbox section.

JZ1276

you dont have to stream the media from a computer right? You can put the files on the HDD thats used in the X Box?

Numanoid

I happen to have a PC connected to each TV I own (all networked, of course). I just like the convenience of having both media and PC capabilities wherever I am. And since I work in IT, I have PCs coming out of my ears.

These other media devices are essentially computers anyway, just specialized ones. But why limit yourself to just media, when you can also bring the PC side along for the ride (Internet access, etc.)?

JZ1276

is there a way to add files to the x box hdd besides dwnloading them from your network? Can you connect a USB cable and transfer that way?

Also, how good is an xbox as far as a DVD player? Can it replace my existing one that plays DVD+R/-R?

Mopower

Well they only come with 4 gig hard drives. So yes you could transfer data to them but unless you upgraded the hard drives this would be limited. My main Xbox has a 250gb drive in it. Games you can only play off the hard drive but it doesn't sound like games are an issue to you. Just strictly a media player it's easier to stream it but if you can't you can burn the data to a DVD and then transfer it to the Xbox's hard drive that way. Otherwise you can FTP data to it. You can't hook up an external hard drive to it. Actually I think you can but you would have to mod a USB port to the Xbox hardware. Might be more work than you want.

Mopower

Xbox Media Center is a great DVD player. Or so I've heard. I don't really use it for that.

danicus007

I use a D-Link DSM-320 media player and stream any media from my computer. Works awesome. Granted I have it hard wired so there is no delay. I can play DVDs from my pc streamed with no problem. The only issue is that it cannot play DTS tracks. It's awesome for photos and music which is what I use most. I have about 3,000+ mp3 files that I listen to through my home theater....I love the damn thing.

Edit: Forgot to mention that the next model up (DSM-520 I think??) has a USB port and will allow you to connect an external HDD so you really wouldn't even have to connect to the computer if you don't want to.

Spiky

I am still trying to understand how companies are selling these products to people. You have a PC, it spits out video and audio in various ways. Your TV/monitor and audio system take the signals and reproduce them.

Someone explain to me why you need more than an appropriate wire between the PC and the audio/TV. How are they managing to sell things like this that simply duplicate a tiny part of what the PC can do, but still need the PC to be there? Here's a quote from one of these products mentioned above: "Allows you to access digital media content stored on your PC" ...... THE PC ALREADY DOES THAT!

It's the equivalent of paying someone to chew your food for you.

danicus007

Well in my case I don't have my PC anywhere near my TV, but you're right having a HTPC or your PC near the TV would be the best (and least expensive) option.