Streaming video from PC to Xbox 360 (Question regarding file format)

[Briz9]

Since I can stream video to my 360, I was thinking about ripping my DVD collection to my PC so I can be extra lazy and watch them without ever getting off the couch. However, I'm not sure what format would work the best. Here are the file formats that the 360 supports:

No longer will we be confined to our very least favorite video codec, WMV -- the new update will enable Windows Media Connect or Media Center streaming MPEG-4 up to 8Mbps, H.264 up to 15Mbps, and PlaysForSure WMV videos (and, as we understand it, PlaysForSure audio as well). -from Engadget

I tried DivX for the hell of it, but that didn't work. Does anyone know if any of these formats would work best for what I want (i.e., minimal loss in video and audio quality, and hopefully not too much memory). Thanks for any help.

p.s. software recommendations would be great too!

[guthmund]

What are you using to stream the video to the 360?

When I had XP installed, Tversity did a fine job streaming divx. There were some problems with functionality, but that was months ago and I'm sure they've worked those out by now. With some finagling, you can get a very pretty picture.

Now that I use Vista, and by extension, I don't have to go third party as the windows media center extension lets me use transcode 360. Not much in the way of tweaking available, but I have no problems with divx files.

Of course, this assumes you want the divx format in the first place. Incidentally, I know transcode 360 supports the native DVD format (it streams video_ts) , so, in that case you wouldn't have to convert or rip to specific file formats unless you just wanted to... I don't know if tversity does the same.

[Briz9]

You know, I'm not really sure what I'm using to stream the video. The instructions had me download the Zune software and select Media->Sharing->Allow all Xbox 360s. And then I just put the video in my shared folder. Then I just go to the 360 and select that video to play it.

The reason I said DivX didn't work was because I put a DivX video in my shared folder, but when I get on my 360 it doesn't recognize that a file is there.

I'll check out those third-party programs.

[guthmund]

Originally Posted by Briz9

You know, I'm not really sure what I'm using to stream the video. The instructions had me download the Zune software and select Media->Sharing->Allow all Xbox 360s. And then I just put the video in my shared folder. Then I just go to the 360 and select that video to play it.

The reason I said DivX didn't work was because I put a DivX video in my shared folder, but when I get on my 360 it doesn't recognize that a file is there.

I'll check out those third-party programs.

I'm not familiar with the Zune software. A brief glance at the website and it sounds like some variation on the Windows Media Connect software I used pre-Vista. If that's the case, then Tversity is the better bet. Transcode 360 only works with MCE--the standalone OS for media centers--and the Windows Media Center...thingy--basically, same thing, new name--they integrated into Vista.

Tversity is good. It takes some tweaking to get it perfect and the community there is pretty solid. Whichever way you go, keep us updated and good luck!