Watch internet TV on your 360 with Orb
by Richard Mitchell 
{ Mar 22nd 2007 at 11:15AM }
IPTV may be a ways off for the Xbox 360, but that doesn't mean you can't have a little internet TV fun right now. Introducing Orb, a media streaming solution for the Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3. Orb allows users to stream video, photos, and music to selected devices, including our beloved Xbox 360. Of course, the Xbox handles streaming all by its lonesome, but Orb adds the option of streaming content from internet sources as well. While we've seen similar functionality in programs like TVersity, we've actually managed to get Orb up and running with minimal hassle. So far we've watched a little BBC and a Japanese rock concert with little trouble (over a wireless connection no less). The program takes some time to buffer (over a minute in our case) but the ease of use is appreciated. To give it a shot yourself, head over to Orb.com, read the Xbox 360 guide, download the software, and get cracking.
Keep in mind you will have to create an Orb account, but it's free (for now at least). Also, we have no knowledge of how reliable Orb is, so use it at your own risk. Give it a whirl and tell us what you think.
[Via TeamXbox. Thanks, Didlee]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris @ Mar 22nd 2007 11:38AM
I messed with TVersity a few months ago and it was pretty cool how it worked, but it was too clunky. I'm sure there are a lot of people that enjoy tinkering with software like this but I would rather wait until something offical comes out.
Jon @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:01PM
does anyone know if you can stream netflix downloaded movie to the xbox 360 with this program?
Tarl @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:05PM
Yeah, I tried it a little myself and I agree with Chris. Too clunky. However, I wonder if you could watch 24 online with it. That might be worth it...
Vitor @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:15PM
I've been using Orb for a while (it allows you to see all your media via the browser, anywhere you are, as long as it is running on your home PC, and no firewall issues!).
I trust this, but find the web interface to be slow. However, streaming movies or music works well!
I can't wait to come back home and try to access it from the XBOX360 (didn't knew before that this is possible! Damn!).
william buckley @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:16PM
I love the pictures of it working with Safari on their website. Unfortunately it is windows only!
If someone would create a quick way to stream eyetv recordings to the 360 I would be a happy man.
monal @ Mar 22nd 2007 12:50PM
I've been using Orb for a few years almost, it works great as long as you have a nice upload from ur provider. I've used it on the Wii and will try it out on the 360 but you have to be realistic with the level of video quality being streamed over
Telsa Coil @ Mar 22nd 2007 4:12PM
Orb doesn't really work, it has a HUGE memory footprint on my pc (2+ghz) and as another user put it perfectly "it's clunky" and riddled with bugs. It's a great idea but sadly its not done very well.
On the other hand, I wish there was a way to get sites like http://www.peekvid.com http://www.freetube.us.tc or even the venice project to work on my 360.
cooldudei06 @ Mar 22nd 2007 5:18PM
I have used to Orb before to stream Live TV from my Vista Media Center to other PCs in the house, and I would not recommend it to anyone. Basically they force you to make an account with them, use their website to access your own media, and don't allow you to limit access to your data. Major problems that come to mind:
1. If you want to use Orb within a LAN and no internet, you can't. You must have access to the internet.
2. If you don't want anyone outside your LAN to be able to access it, you can't either. Huge security risk right there. All your data is going through their website. I certainly wouldn't trust any product that forces that on you.
Leon2Paris @ Mar 22nd 2007 7:33PM
The Internet access you need to use Orb is just for them to verify that you're an Orb member. The claim that you can't limit the access to your data is wrong: Orb users do decide what folders they want to access through the website. Finally, saying that all the data is going through the Orb website is totally erroneous: Streaming inside a LAN stays inside a LAN, look at the speed of the stream, it's way better than what your upload could deliver... I recommend that you all play with it and try it by yourselves instead of listening to those who must have some hidden motivations... On another topic, I tried all the major sites where you can download movies and songs, beside protected iTunes (non protected AACs do work), Orb was able to restream them perfectly to my 360. And if you like free stuff, most likely they'll add the YouTube/Dailymotion access soon as they did on their Wii/PS3 and phone interfaces!