Xbox 360

[StuartR]

Just wondered if anyone on here has used an Xbox 360 for the purposes (amongst onther things) of streaming their photos to an HDTV? I read that it's technically feasible using Windows Media Connect installed on a connected (network) PC so I'm really interested in the quality / speed / interface etc. I would also want to use it for MP3s.

On a similar vein, has any body tried one of these http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...disk&doy=29m10 ?

Still looking for a way of getting my digital photos off the network and onto the TV for 'er indoors

[devilgas]

not xbox, but media player

i bought something very similar to http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...97124&criteria= but for half the price. it's fine for basic playback, but lacks jukebox facilities (programmed playlists) and has a basic navigation system that can be horrendous if you lob several 1000 mp's into 1 directory. photo playback is fine and does make an easy way to show images (there is a timed slideshow facility). works well with video etc, but again, the navigation is a p.i.t.a. if you've lots of videos on the device.

[StuartR]

Originally Posted by devilgas

not xbox, but media player

i bought something very similar to http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...97124&criteria= but for half the price. it's fine for basic playback, but lacks jukebox facilities (programmed playlists) and has a basic navigation system that can be horrendous if you lob several 1000 mp's into 1 directory. photo playback is fine and does make an easy way to show images (there is a timed slideshow facility). works well with video etc, but again, the navigation is a p.i.t.a. if you've lots of videos on the device.

Didn't spot that one when I was trawling through numerous web sites over the weekend. Cheaper as you say, although you have to add the cost of a hard disk of course. I like the memory card slot but the lack of WMA support would be a pain. I've an extensive collection of MP3s & WMAs - I spent an enjoyable weekend or two earlier this year converting my household's CD collections (5 adults with mixed tastes and 100's of CDs apiece!). Decided not to convert the Vinyl collection

I currently use a Linksys WMA11B Wireless-B Media Adapter which works fine with MP3s but has an annoying sound glitch on WMAs (I tried two and they both had the same problem). Photos are pretty naff via this device as it seems to convert them to a low-quality jpg on the fly (all the data is streamed from the network using 802.11b so there would be bandwidth issues with big files). Also the video output is composite or s-video and I'm really looking for something better than that (i.e. HD).

The search continues!

Perhaps I really need a media centre PC?

[StuartR]

I ended up buying an x-box 360 from a mate at work for £100! the deal included a £20 remote and £50 802.11 wireless network adaptor! (I know it was all his kit and NOT hot so deal of the century I think ).

The kids (all over 20 but still kids to me ) have taken it over as a games machine a lot of the time but it streams my photos (including 46mb tiffs!) and MP3 / WMA files fine. It will also handle video I think but I'm not into that at the moment.

The only requirement is to run Windows Media Connect server software(free) on one of the PCs on the network in order that the x-box knows where the files are (and the data folders can be mapped drives on another machine on the network or external USB drives if required). Obviously the machine running WMC needs to be powered up but you don't need to be logged on.

The x-box interface is fairly basic but you can navigate through folders and it will run basic slide-shows. It does what it says on the tin though and I (and more importantly 'er indoors) now get to look at my pictures full-screen on our 37" widescreen TV using an HD connection.

So, problem solved - until I find something better

[Autumn]

Originally Posted by StuartR

Just wondered if anyone on here has used an Xbox 360 for the purposes (amongst onther things) of streaming their photos to an HDTV? I read that it's technically feasible using Windows Media Connect installed on a connected (network) PC so I'm really interested in the quality / speed / interface etc. I would also want to use it for MP3s.

On a similar vein, has any body tried one of these http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...disk&doy=29m10 ?

Still looking for a way of getting my digital photos off the network and onto the TV for 'er indoors

Hi Stuart

I use Memories on TV. I have a good selection of slideshows and have burnt them all to dvd's for viewing on the tv.

http://www.codejam.com/slideshow/index.htm

Here you will find a demo. There seems to be a lot more features than on mine, but I do have the Ken Burns effect. I am quite happy with having one slide at a time on the screen. Of course, you can also add music.

With regard to quality, I thought it was fine until I compared it to Slide Show to Go, which I was viewing on my pc.

I think viewing Memories on TV on the pc is about the same quality as SSTG, but I think it loses a bit during the conversion to DVD.

However, I am sure your wife would like whatever you put on the TV. No-one else has ever noticed a deterioration - in fact everyone thinks they are marvellous and that I am very clever.

I think it is because I took the pics and made the show that I am so critical.

Anyway, Good Luck.

Audrey