Windows Media Center and Wireless N

[pcguru83]

I'm wanting to setup my Xbox 360 as a media extender via wireless N to act as our primary HD DVR. Am I crazy?

Is the 360 usable as a media extender via wireless N? I'm concerned that it may not provide the bandwidth really necessary to make it a pleasant experience. Anyone else doing something similar?

Thanks!

 

[mikinho]

The issue isn't the bandwidth. It is that any drop in signal or packet loss, still very common with wireless, will result in pixelation or delay. The 802.11n Xbox 360 wireless receiver is a big improvement over the older 802.11g but I'd still recommend a PoE approach over wireless. In the last year PoE technology has drastically improved.

If you do go w/ wireless-n try to setup the 5GHz band rather than the more commonly used 2.4GHz.

 

[Desslok]

The issue isn't the bandwidth. It is that any drop in signal or packet loss, still very common with wireless, will result in pixelation or delay. The 802.11n Xbox 360 wireless receiver is a big improvement over the older 802.11g but I'd still recommend a PoE approach over wireless. In the last year PoE technology has drastically improved.

If you do go w/ wireless-n try to setup the 5GHz band rather than the more commonly used 2.4GHz.

Exactly. I've noticed its more latency related than bandwidth. For standard def it's not reall an issue as even G works ok. For HD though, ENTIRELY different I would suggest hardwiring, however if you MUST go wireless then make SURE to hardwire the PC, then get a dual band N router. Make sure it's dual band 5Ghz, some are worded kind of confusing to make you think it is dual band. The main problem with wirless is that it degrades over distance and obstacles. If your Xbox is close to the PC without a lot of obstructions, you'll be fine. Now heres the annoying part: if you have decent bandwidth, but you have latency, the menus will drive you crazy with the lag - changing channels or navigating the guide etc. That is why I ended up hardwiring mine. I had fine streaming but the menu lag was AWEFUL. I went in the attic and was able to run wires along next to the heating ducts. Took a couple hours to plan and a couple to do it but so worth it! Good luck.