Home Networks and High Definition HD Television

Windows Media Center supports standard and high-definition video output on the Xbox 360 console. Network requirements for viewing high-definition content are greater that those required for standard video. For the best high-definition video experience connect the Xbox 360 console to the network by using a wired (Ethernet) connection.

Use wireless networking components designed for Windows® XP Media Center Edition

Networking products with the "Designed for Windows XP Media Center Edition" logo meet standards that provide an optimal wireless networking experience with Windows Media Center-based PCs. For a quality wireless networking experience, use a router (or other network device) that has this logo when you connect your Xbox 360 console to a Windows Media Center-based PC. To see if your router has the logo or to see what products are available, review the Designed for Windows XP Media Center Edition logo partner list.

Recommendations for Wireless Network Connectivity

You can connect the Xbox 360 console to an 802.11a or 802.11g wireless network by purchasing an Xbox 360 wireless adapter. The Xbox 360 Wireless Adapter is available through www.xbox.com.

When using Windows Media Center, 802.11a wireless networks provide optimal bandwidth. 802.11a networks are also less likely to experience interference, providing better video quality.

If you currently use an 802.11g wireless network for communication between computers and other devices on your home network, consider adding an 802.11a wireless network to provide clear bandwidth for using media with the Xbox 360 console.

Most home networks do not have the capacity to have a Windows Media Center-based PC and an Xbox 360 console connected to a wireless router at the same time. Video content (such as live TV) is best transmitted across wired network connections or a wired network connection and one wireless connection. For example, connect the Windows Media Center-based PC to the network using a wired (Ethernet) connection. For the Xbox 360, you can connect it to the same network using a wireless connection.

For additional network recommendations, review the Networking Map and Media Center Extender: Improving your Network Performance for tips and guidelines for connecting the Xbox 360 console to your home network.

After I provide my 8 digit setup key, I receive a message that my Xbox 360 cannot be contacted. Why?

There are a few different reasons why you may receive this message:

• Firewall settings may be preventing communication
  The Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center based-PC use network ports to communicate with each other. For security, firewall programs block some network ports. If you are using a firewall, the network ports the PC is using to communicate to the Xbox 360 console may be blocked by the firewall. You may need to configure the firewall to allow communication on those ports. The Windows Media Center Extender firewall configuration website provides a detailed list of the ports Windows Media Center-based PCs use to communicate to other devices.
• The Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center Based-PC must be on the same network
  When using a wired (Ethernet) network, connect the Windows Media Center Based-PC and the Xbox 360 console to the same network by using a single wired hub or router. When using a wireless network, connect the Windows Media Center-based PC to a wireless access point or router by using a network cable (Ethernet). Connect the Xbox 360 console to the same wireless access point or router by using a wireless adapter. If setup is unable to connect the Xbox 360 console to the network, review the wireless network name (SSID) located in the network settings in the Xbox Dashboard to be sure the console is connected to the same wireless access point or router as the PC.
  For additional network recommendations, review the Networking Map for tips and guidelines for connecting the Xbox 360 console to your home network.
• General network connection problems
  There may be problems with your home network that may be preventing the connection, including too much network traffic, faulty network router, or faulty cabling. Check the connection indicators on the Xbox 360 console, the Windows Media Center-based PC, and any hubs or routers used in your home network.

Why do I experience pauses or poor video quality when I watch live or recorded TV on the Xbox 360 console?
Using Xbox 360 with Windows Media Center Extender requires significantly more from home networks than is typically used for browsing the Web, checking e-mail, or for other network related productivity tasks. Many problems with network performance can go unnoticed with these types of activities because the network is not in constant heavy use. When using Windows Media Center, even very minor problems can affect the quality and can create a noticeable interruption in the experience.

The Network Performance Tuner can help you review and improve your home network performance. The Network Performance Tuner measures the overall bandwidth between the Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center-Based PC.

You can access the Network Performance Tuner from the Windows Start menu:

1. On the taskbar, click Start.
2. Point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then point to MediaCenter.
3. Click Media Center Extender Manager.
4. Select your Xbox 360 console from the list, Click Properties
5. Click Network Performance Tuner

For additional network recommendations, review the Networking Map and Media Center Extender: | Improving your Network Performance for tips and guidelines for connecting the Xbox 360 console to your home network.

I am unable to connect my Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center-based PC after enabling my firewall. What could be causing this?

The Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center-based PC use network ports to communicate with each other. These ports may be blocked when firewalls are enabled or installed after the initial connectivity between the Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center-based PC has been established. To establish connectivity between your Xbox 360 console and Windows Media Center based-PC, the firewall settings will need to be configured to allow communication on those ports. The Windows Media Center Extender Firewall Configuration guide provides a detailed list of the ports needed for your Xbox 360 console to communicate with your Windows Media Center based-PC.