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Networking with Xbox 360
Connecting your Xbox 360 to Your Home Network
Home Networks and High Definition HD TelevisionWindows 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 EditionNetworking 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 ConnectivityYou 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. Common Questions about Connecting the Xbox 360 console and the Windows Media Center-based PCAfter 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:
Why do I experience pauses or poor video quality when I watch live or recorded TV on the Xbox 360 console? 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:
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. |
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