XBox as a Media Centre

_Kaiser_

Hey all,

First off, I have limited experience with XBox or consoles in general, so apologies in advance for any silly questions

I'm looking at ways to watch the following on the TV...
- Netflix
- Sky Go
- Movies/TV shows on a home server over DNLA/Mezzmo media server

I've eliminated XBMC/KODI and Android boxes running this because basically I couldn't be arsed with the config and dodgy streams etc.. I'll get everything I need through the above options anyway I could stream them all from my laptop but really I just want a box under the TV that I can plug in, setup with a minimum of fuss and just use!

So I was thinking a Roku 3 (but it doesn't have Sky) or a WDTV (ditto) but then I thought about the XBox - 360 or One - which from what I've read should support all of these. It might be nice as well to have the option of occasional gaming as well.

XBox 360s seem to be available for about €100 now on Adverts, but has anyone here used one in such a setup as above and did it work properly or are there other things I'd need to know/get?

Is the XBox 360 still "relevant"/useful from a gaming perspective now that the One has been around a while?

Can you get a remote control for the XBox?


Thanks in advance for any thoughts/suggestions!

You can get a remote for both but you can also use an app on your phone.

No sky app on the one, not sure about the 360 version.

The one can see my plex server and will play mkv. Haven't tried the 360 but I think it will see a plex/dlna server also. I THINK Mezzmo site clearly lists the 360 as a compatible device.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Sky Go is available on the xbox 360, but they charge you extra to use it. I think its a fiver a month.

you can get a range of remotes for both the 360 and xb1.

I've never used my 360 for DNLA, but the xb1 does it grand.

_Kaiser_

Cheers for the feedback lads.

So it looks like the 360 is probably my best bet then.. what version should I be looking for? I did briefly have an original white 360 Elite at one stage but if I remember right it was the model that suffered from the RROD issue.. even had it once myself I think. Was this fixed in the newer slimmer version?

What about gaming? Talking things like driving/racing games, maybe some FPS type stuff. Is this still decent on the 360 or is all the good stuff One only now?

Thanks again for the help

erkifino

Now on Xbox One and Xbox 360, all Xbox Live Gold members can enjoy:

* Free games with Games with Gold
* Exclusive discounts on games in the Xbox Store with Deals with Gold
* Multiplayer gaming on the most advanced multiplayer network

In addition, entertainment apps* and experiences are now open to everyone, including:

* Entertainment apps (e.g. Internet Explorer, YouTube)
* Gaming apps (e.g. Twitch, Machinima)
* Sports apps (e.g. EuroSport, Red Bull TV, NBA)
* Music (e.g. Xbox Music, Deezer)

Games with Gold here: http://www.xbox.com/en-IE/Live/Games-with-gold Thief is free with gold membership until June 31st.
Deals with Gold here: http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-IE/Promotion/deals-with-gold

Plenty of games on the 360 and it is still getting new titles. The Forzas, Need for Speeds, Dirt 3 is highly rated. http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/genre/metascore/racing/xbox360?view=condensed
Any amount of FPS... CoDs, Destiny is great for online play (horrible grind though), Borderlands, Halos... http://www.metacritic.com/browse/games/genre/metascore/first-person/xbox360?view=condensed
Xtravision have plenty of cheap games http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-IE/Promotion/deals-with-gold
Adverts is always good.

_Kaiser_

Been looking at Adverts and there's what seems to be different variants of console. The older white/black one,

The slim one : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/xbox-360-slim-console-250gb/8279120

.. and a newer one? : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/new-xbox-360-new-in-box-with-receipt-hdmi-and-games-low-price/8286279

What's the difference between the last 2? I assume the newer style is the one to get from a performance/reliability standpoint?


Sorry for the barrage of questions but thanks again lads

erkifino

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Been looking at Adverts and there's what seems to be different variants of console. The older white/black one,

The slim one : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/xbox-360-slim-console-250gb/8279120

.. and a newer one? : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/new-xbox-360-new-in-box-with-receipt-hdmi-and-games-low-price/8286279

What's the difference between the last 2? I assume the newer style is the one to get from a performance/reliability standpoint?


Sorry for the barrage of questions but thanks again lads

I've a slim one, 250gb. Haven't had any trouble with it. My brother picked the same version in the tesco clearance aisle for 150€. The newer one I think is tidier. Keep an eye on the hard drive size 4gb isn't much especially if you want to avail of games with gold.
CEX might be worth a look. Not sure what warranty comes with them though.

Stone Deaf 4evr

_Kaiser_ wrote: »

Been looking at Adverts and there's what seems to be different variants of console. The older white/black one,

The slim one : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/xbox-360-slim-console-250gb/8279120

.. and a newer one? : http://www.adverts.ie/xbox/new-xbox-360-new-in-box-with-receipt-hdmi-and-games-low-price/8286279

What's the difference between the last 2? I assume the newer style is the one to get from a performance/reliability standpoint?


Sorry for the barrage of questions but thanks again lads

I could be wrong, but I'm sure one of them doesn't come with an optical out on the back which might be a dealbreaker if you want to connect it to a home theater setup.

good info here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Xbox_360_retail_configurations#Xbox_360_Elite

I have whats classed as the 'S' model, and I believe thats the one you want to be going going for.

Akrasia

Also, the original xbox 360s didn't have wifi built in, you can get wifi adapters but they're pricey. Wifi is built in from the 'S' model onwards

If you're planning on using an ethernet wire then any xbox would be fine.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Akrasia wrote: »

Also, the original xbox 360s didn't have wifi built in, you can get wifi adapters but they're pricey. Wifi is built in from the 'S' model onwards

If you're planning on using an ethernet wire then any xbox would be fine.

Tbh, i wouldnt touch any of the first gen xbox 360's at this stage, they're surely on their last legs when it comes to the Red Ring of death problem.

Akrasia

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

Tbh, i wouldnt touch any of the first gen xbox 360's at this stage, they're surely on their last legs when it comes to the Red Ring of death problem.

You're probably right. I happen to have a 'refurbished' elite 120gb model and it's working fine and has been for years, but if I was gonna replace it, I would recommend a newer model just for reliability sake (there's only a fiver difference between them in CEX)
https://ie.webuy.com/product.php?sku=SX360S250D#.VYwSmBv4_cs

erkifino

Stone Deaf 4evr wrote: »

Tbh, i wouldnt touch any of the first gen xbox 360's at this stage, they're surely on their last legs when it comes to the Red Ring of death problem.

You haven't lived if til you got RROD! :pac:

Stone Deaf 4evr

erkifino wrote: »

You haven't lived if til you got RROD! :pac:

I know, I was gutted when my day one 360 finally got the death. I even paid some ape in a pc repair place to re do the board but it only lasted another month after that. Luckily he offered a warranty so I got my money back.