Why wait? Application allows Netflix to Xbox 360 streaming

by Xav de Matos { Jun 25th 2008 at 3:30PM }

With rampant internet speculation calling a Netflix Xbox 360 portal a possible dashboard feature addition, one group of programmers has decided waiting is for suckers. Using a Media Center based PC, a Netflix account and an Xbox 360 an application has been developed to stream the video service to our favorite console. While unsanctioned, the application does work (horribly slowly that is) and makes us wish the Netflix rumor would become a reality. Take a look at the application running after the jump and tell us if a Netflix portal on Xbox 360 is something you'd want for Microsoft's console.

Tags: media-center, media-center-extender, media-center-pc, netflix

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

HazyCloud @ Jun 25th 2008 3:56PM

I'd like this as an option on the dashboard instead of having to use Vista Home Premium or Ultimate. I think this is going to be my project for the weekend. Netflix 1 DVD at a time with unlimited online viewing starts at 8.99 a month. Not bad if you ask me.

Tony @ Jun 25th 2008 3:59PM

There's some cool stuff you can do with Media Center... The Xbox Domain had a post about an Internet browser and there's also a weather program you can set up.

sambob117 @ Jun 25th 2008 4:05PM

yes please

pandlcg @ Jun 25th 2008 4:08PM

this would greatly enhance the value of my netflix subscription i've been thinking about canceling.

Josh @ Jun 25th 2008 4:12PM

Yes, please!

Neeko @ Jun 25th 2008 4:21PM

I have been using this app for a month and its pretty nice. The speed differs depending on the video file for me. but a very cool app tho. My GF likes to watch her chick shows instantly sometimes.

now i need to get another xbox so she can stop hogging mine.

Neeko @ Jun 25th 2008 4:23PM

Dont expect all netflix movies to be avail right now for instant view. Only select few movies and TV shows. But the choices are getting better every month.

Jimmy James 70 @ Jun 25th 2008 4:33PM

The sucky part is that you need Vista. Who has Vista? I would still love to have this option of watching Netflix over the 360, but of course, Netflix has to include much, much, much, more content. 10,000 titles isn't enough for me.

Jcarpio @ Jun 25th 2008 4:44PM

I have Vista and like it for what it does. Play games, surf , pvr and occasionally connect me to my work machine.

But then again.. i bought the computer with vista installed, not an upgrade from XP.

Joel Purvis @ Jun 25th 2008 6:17PM

Yeah, Vista is actually a great OS. All the talk of it having major problems is a bunch of hype - mostly by people that have never used it or by people trying to run it on an underpowered machine. I use this plugin to stream movies from my Vista laptop and it is phenomenal.

Jcarpio @ Jun 25th 2008 4:41PM

Normally i won't do this but...

i actually posted an engadget link regarding this application on the x3f fancast facebook group a while back. Glad the rest of the internet is catching up to engadget.

Bucfann @ Jun 25th 2008 4:43PM

How is the quality? I take it, it wouldnt be near HD quality just normal DVD, and determining on your connection?

Jcarpio @ Jun 25th 2008 4:47PM

It varies.. i found that more recent movies (or shows) look better than the older ones.

DVD quality

VeHeMeNcE @ Jun 25th 2008 4:44PM

Too bad you need Vista, I hope they make it available for XP or better yet, Microsoft will partner with Netflix as it has been often rumored.

Grimm @ Jun 25th 2008 4:53PM

Are you people stupid? I've been streaming movies I download off torrents for a year....why the fuck would I pay for this shit?

monkeymonkeymonkey @ Jun 25th 2008 4:58PM

Grimm, downloading from torrents and steaming not the same as using Netflix to watch "Watch Now" content. Are you 8 years old? "stupid"...

Jcarpio @ Jun 25th 2008 5:04PM

Because idiot, most of us don't steal our entertainment.

=)

Grimm @ Jun 25th 2008 5:07PM

That's because your fucking morons...congrats on all that brain processing ability you have there. Go ahead keep paying for shit I get completely free with less hassle. That's what makes you a genius...

Jcarpio @ Jun 25th 2008 5:15PM

It took me 10 mins to get it working.

And I'm Sorry we don't share your penchant for stealing content. I stopped doing that when I got out of college and started working.

monkeymonkeymonkey @ Jun 25th 2008 5:34PM

Grimm, dont kid yourself. Less hassle?? I can click on a show or movie in Netflix and start watching it right away. Files you get off of torrents can take hours, even days to finish downloading.

Grimm @ Jun 25th 2008 5:37PM

I started doing it when I started working and paying my own bills lmao. I don't know who's dick your sucking but I have bills to pay. I'm not wasting money on movies I can get for free. That's called being thrifty and resourceful...

Brian @ Jun 25th 2008 4:56PM

For those that don't have Vista and are tired of Netflix on 360 speculation, just get the Roku player. It's $100 and works really good. http://www.roku.com/netflixplayer/

My Lunch @ Jun 25th 2008 4:56PM

Heck yeah, i definantly want some netflix on my 360

Etchasketchist @ Jun 25th 2008 6:03PM

I just got a Roku. It's pretty badass.

corbin @ Jun 25th 2008 6:19PM

Why didn't you guys credit the original source: Lifehacker. Those guys and gals work really hard to put together great tips and guides and then don't get credit around the web. Plus seriously, that blog doesn't even have nearly as much information as the original post.

Brad @ Jun 26th 2008 2:11AM

it'd be worth it, id strongly consider getting a netflix account. ive been sitting on a decision and this would make it a lot easier.

Matt @ Jun 26th 2008 11:45AM

As a Mac user, a 360 owner and a Netflix subscriber I'd love to see the function added to the 360 dashboard. As a Mac geek I've been completely shut out of Netflix's VoD function, and now that Netflix has announced that they are taking away multiple queues the only thing keeping me from jumping ship to Butt-Buster is the hope of someday streaming video content through my 360.

ZeroCorpse @ Jun 26th 2008 12:08PM

You have two options as a Mac owner.

1. Boot to Windows or use virtualization to get the Watch Instantly videos on your Mac.

2. Get a Netflix Player by Roku for $99 and watch without tying up a computer or console.

I do both. My MacBook handles Netflix fine in Windows, but the Roku box is quick and easy to use.

Matt @ Jun 26th 2008 12:37PM

yeah, I will probably do that once I upgrade to a new Intel MacBook pro, but for now I'm still a power pc guy.

ZeroCorpse @ Jun 26th 2008 12:00PM

Why bother? I love my 360, but I love my Roku netflix Player, too. It streams videos from Netflix at DVD quality (high speed connection) and uses very little electricity, and makes no sound- It has no fans like an Xbox 360.

It's literally a one-click affair, too. You find your movie and click "select" -- and watch. No menus. No "blades" or needing to even power-on the device! With the 360 setup you can't expect your tech-blind wife or family members to figure out how to watch a movie.

And who wants to tie up and wear out their 360 for this, anyway?

My 360 cost $400 and the Roku box cost $100 --- I know I'd rather not have the 360 be worn out and messed up from using it to watch movies and TV shows as much as I do on the Roku box.

Plus, this way my wife can watch movies and can still play GTA IV in another room.

Marty @ Jun 26th 2008 1:31PM

I do it all... I DVR w/ Media Center, stream it to Xbox 360, have a Netflix account, and steal tons of content every month.
Although, I am really picky about quality, so I don't steal too many movies. (Thus the Netflix... but yeah, I'm burning those as well so I'm still stealing).
But stealing is not that easy. If it was that easy, I wouldn't have 5 or 6 people a week asking me to find them the new Pussycat Dolls CD or some garbage (which deserves to be stolen mind you).
The Roku player is cool and I was thinking of getting one... but if MS does streaming Netflix w/ Media Center, then that's a much better option.
First off... there are other Media Center extenders out there beyond the 360. I plan on buying a stand alone Extender for the bedroom. Now if Netflix could stream to that, then forget about the Roku player. Why have 2 devices if one can do it?
And what are you going to wear out on the 360? There's only 4 moving parts in the whole dang console: The fans, the disc drive, the disc tray and the hard drive. The only thing you're really going to be using if you're running Media Center are the fans... which won't need to work that hard since the rest of the machine is basically idle. Even if you have a disc in, it's going to stop spinning to conserve... so 'wearing out' is such a non-issue.
RROD does not happen from extended use, it just happens. So please, no RROD references either.