Xbox 360 as Windows Media Extender

Is this still a viable option?

I want to "cut the cord" and was looking into building an HTPC. As far as sharing this content with at least 2 other TV's, it appears that used Xbox 360's might be a good option. I've heard about Ceton Echo's but those are about $200 each! I should be able
to find a good quality used Xbox 360 for much less.

I do have a couple of questions.

1. I do not suppose it would matter if the disc drive worked or not.

2. Would it matter if the hard drive was intact or not?

3. Is a controller required or is there an iPhone/iPad app or a remote of some type that is compatible?

Thanks in advance.

:)

 

Xbox 360 Driver Needed

I had no luck either, but as you trying to use the PC as a media extender? If so, you might find some useful information here:

support.xbox.com/.../windows-media-center-on-xbox-360-windows-7

 

Confirmed: No Media Centre Extender... No Backwards Compatibility... No Deal.

Wow , no Windows Media Center Extender capability, this is nuts. The Xbox 360 works as a Media center Extender, and so did the Original XBOX. But not the NEXT GENERATION console. What a joke, whats next ?

 

Hey there, glen4cindy! All of these are terrific questions, and I hope that I can get you what you are looking for!

1. The disc drive not working would only factor if you are okay with not watching DVDs. Not a lot of people have them anymore with the switch to Blurays, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of this.
   
2. Yes, this does matter. You will want to make sure that your console is fully up to date to be able to use the console as an Extender, and you need a hard drive to be able to do that. Now, you may not need the removable hard drive! You may get a 4GB console
   with the internal hard drive and wouldn't need another hard drive as the system updates are installed on that.
   
3. A controller is mostly required. You can use the Xbox 360 Smartglass app for some things, but not everything on the Xbox 360. I'd say get one, but only because there are some options you can't use Smartglass with.
   

Buying used can be risky. If you are buying from a Craigslist poster or a pawn shop, please have them connect the console to the internet before you buy it. It is quite common that people sell their banned consoles this way. Banned consoles
will turn on and not show any errors while not connected to the internet. When this happens to new users, they get home and connect it only to find that banned message. There is nothing we can do on our end for that.

Buying a refurbished console may bring you better luck. There are a few game stores that are authorized retailers who sell refurbished consoles. Additionally, Xbox 360 consoles are selling for fairly cheap, and you can likely find one for around $180 brand
new if you take a peek on the intertubes!

Hopefully I got you the answers you were looking, and you didn't mind the advice provided. Please do let me know if you have further questions. I'd like to make sure you're fully prepared for when you get your console!