HD on 360

[Tyler21]

Im new here (as you can see my first post) but Im hoping I can get some advice.

Im currently using my xbox360 as an extender for video and music files to stream them to my HD TV. My only issue is that the 360 requires video be in WMV from what I can tell. Any time I convert (usually avi) into WMV I loose a lot of resolution.

Could someone give me some pointers on how to keep the resolution on my videos? Thank you in advance.

(I really really hope that this question hasnt been asked before)

[MrPink077]

Originally Posted by Tyler21

Im new here (as you can see my first post) but Im hoping I can get some advice.

Im currently using my xbox360 as an extender for video and music files to stream them to my HD TV. My only issue is that the 360 requires video be in WMV from what I can tell. Any time I convert (usually avi) into WMV I loose a lot of resolution.

Could someone give me some pointers on how to keep the resolution on my videos? Thank you in advance.

(I really really hope that this question hasnt been asked before)

Convert your videos using DIVX or XVID compression. With the latest console update (automatic if you are connect to XBL) allowed XVID and DIVX playback streaming from your computer OR from a external drive connected to the XBox 360.

[vaca]

If you have AVI files they should play fine on the 360 for the most part. MKV files, however, would need converted.

[Tyler21]

I had heard that AVI should work. But my 360 never plays them. I will try DIVX.

[battlechaser]

use this program:
Videora Xbox 360 Converter

you can choose the resolution that is close enough to the original, i usually download a 720p 4-6gig mkv file and convert it into a 3-4gig mp4 file that plays on both the 360 and ps3

[vinnie97]

Originally Posted by battlechaser

use this program:
Videora Xbox 360 Converter

you can choose the resolution that is close enough to the original, i usually download a 720p 4-6gig mkv file and convert it into a 3-4gig mp4 file that plays on both the 360 and ps3

A slightly more automated approach: http://mkv.jakebillo.com/

[battlechaser]

thanks nice program! works like a charm

[Mr. Bigglesworth]

you do have the update right? It really opened up the options for what the xbox can play. THere might still be some specific avi codecs that don't work...

[aussiedropbear]

Check out this site as it may have some useful tips and links. I have followed this method for a while now for my own collection and it works like a charm with 5.1 sound and a bit for bit copy of the video.

http://360mediacenter.com/FAQ.html
or better yet.. the guide in pdf...
http://360mediacenter.com/uploads/Xbox360DVDGuide.pdf

Whjilst i hear that you aer wanting something other than WMV it is actually the best format to rip to when using the Xbox360 as an extender especially when you take into consideration all that is discussed in the linked document.

I run 3 xbox's in my network off my Vista Home Premium machine and it is honestly the best thing around.

[tranzparentl]

If you put the videos on a USB hard drive and plug it in, you should be able to play more video formats through the dashboard than through the media center interface.

Another option I use is Transcode 360 to transcode on the fly. You do lose some quality on that though but you don't have to mux it ahead of time.

I would still like to find a way for the 360 or PS3 to play MKV files direct but so far no luck.