I don't have any Windows Media Center setup, only a Windows Home Server that shares the media (Pictures, Music and Movies). Will a Xbox 360 be happy streaming this content from the WHS?
As far as I know, the Xbox 360 could act as a Media Extender, but that requires a Windows Vista/7 Media Center setup, but this is not what I have.
Edit: This is meant to be a replacement for an old Xbox classic. No interest in other software and/or hardware alternatives. What I'm really asking is; given a Xbox 360 connected to a Windows Home Server share, what features will I be missing compared to as it being a Media Center Extender?
Best Answer
Yes. The Xbox 360 will work with Windows Home Server. You can view photos and videos and play music. Here is a link to the Windows Home Server Technical brief on Media Sharing: http://download.microsoft.com/download/3/A/9/3A97EE0D-A268-42E0-A20C-B8C88E27BF84/Windows%20Home%20Server%20Technical%20Brief%20-%20Media%20Sharing.docx
Here is an excerpt from the brief:
"Windows® Home Server Media Sharing enables you to view, listen, and watch your favorite media stored on your home server by using digital media receivers and playback devices, such as the Microsoft® Xbox 360™."