Xbox 360 Media Server Setup

July 27, 2009 By Nick Mokey

Netflix

We all know you can browse movies through Xbox Live and buy films through the Movie Marketplace, but if you already have an unlimited Netflix subscription (those that cost $8.99 a month and up), you can stream some movies directly to the Xbox at no additional cost. Here’s how to do it:

1. Fire up your Xbox, sign into Live and head to the Video Marketplace. You’ll need to download the Netflix application, which should be one of the very first options. It’s under 4MB, so it will download and install in moments.

Xbox Video Marketplace

2. The first time you run the Netflix application, it will spit out an activation code and ask you to enter it online at Netflix.com/activate. Write down all six letters, then head to the site and plug it in.

Netflix Activation Screen

3. Enter your username and password to associate your existing Netflix account with your Xbox.

Netflix Member Sign In Screen

4. Before you head back to the Xbox, you’ll need to pick which movies you want available on the machine. Yes, you need a computer to pick movies – it can’t be done from the Xbox. We realize how absurd this really is, and so does Microsoft, because the next major Live update will remedy the situation when it comes out in the fall. But until then, log in to Netflix on your PC and open the “Watch Instantly” tab on your to view only those movies that can play instantly. Select the titles you want, and add them to your queue by clicking “Add to Instant.”

Netflix Instant Queue

5. Head back to your Xbox and open Netflix, if it isn’t already open. The titles you selected on the PC should all be available. Pop some popcorn, click play, and you’re off to the movies!

Netflix streaming on an Xbox 360

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How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | Gadget and Gadgets Reviews. at 6:46am 1st January 2012 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | Xbox 360 News | Game Central | Game, New and updates at 11:19am 30th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | ediscountelectronics.com at 7:00am 30th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | 360 Games at 4:59am 30th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | at 3:30am 30th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | Softmodding.com at 4:53pm 29th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 | Wholesale Directory at 4:18pm 29th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 at 4:16pm 29th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 (Digital Trends) | Breaking News Today at 3:57pm 29th December 2011 [...] For tips on how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide. [...]
How to get the most out of your new Xbox 360 - Your daily infusion of technology, smartphone, gadgets and gaming news! - I Bleed Bits at 3:46pm 29th December 2011 [...] how to set up the Xbox as a media center check out our set-up guide.KinectTo add some motion gaming fun to your system you [...]
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matt at 2:23am 22nd July 2010 most of the comments are right the ps3 media server program is FREE much easier to use/find.
Rick at 4:09pm 10th April 2010 I know this is old but maybe someone will answer. When you stream a video that is on the computer to your tv through xbox 360 where is the video processing done (xbox or computer)? Can you play HD content when you have an older computer in this setup? (p4 2.0 onboard video)

Thanks
Rick at 4:08pm 10th April 2010 I know this is old but maybe someone will answer. When you stream a video that is on the computer to your tv through xbox 360 where is the video processing done (xbox or computer)? Can you play HD content when you have an older computer in this setup? (p4 2.0 onboard video)

Thanks
rickermortis at 8:44pm 27th December 2009 wmp 11 cause a BSOD when i try to enable media sharing. so does nero mediahome. I'm using xp and the error message says BAD_POOL_HEADER. Anyone know what may be causing this?
Steve at 11:25pm 30th September 2009 I'm with Ian and Andrew, after reading the PS3 article, i would much rather have a PS3 for media streaming. Another benefit is that games developed for the PS3 are much smoother and in my opinion of a higher quality quality.
Greg Mombert at 8:09am 18th September 2009 The one plus on the side of the 360 is the ability to stream Netflix, which for some people is pretty big.
andrew at 9:07pm 17th September 2009 I'm definitely sold on using the PS3 as a media server too!
Ian Bell at 5:36pm 17th September 2009 I have found the Xbox 360 more difficult to use as a media server over the PS3. The PS3 will play DivX and Xvid movies by default and stream them from the PC. The Xbox 360 won't as far as I can tell (at least I cannot get it to work). A good software program to download, and which is free which will let you stream music, movies, Hulu/YouTube etc is Tversity.