Xbox 360 to Netflix

Netflix subscribers, if you've got an Xbox 360 andPC is Watch Instantly-ready first. If you've
a Windows Vista PC, you don't have to shell outalready watched videos on this computer using
$99 for Roku's Netflix Player box to get yourNetflix's Watch Instantly feature, you can skip this
Watch Instantly library on your TVstep. If not, forge ahead.
screen—you already have everything youYour PC needs to install a plug-in or two from
need. Using the free Windows Media CenterNetflix to help deal with the DRM and such used
plug-in, vmcNetflix, you can turn your Xbox 360to stream videos. Installing them is as simple as
into a Netflix Watch Instantly box.logging into your Netflix account using Internet
With vmcNetflix, you can watch, browse, andExplorer, clicking the Watch Instantly tab, and
queue movies to your Netflix Watch Instantlythen playing anything. You don't have to finish it,
queue all from your Xbox 360 or Vista Mediaso just click Play on the first video you stumble
Center. A highlight of the list of growing featuresacross.
listed on the vmcNetflix site include:Netflix will prompt you to install their plug-in before
* Stream WatchNow movies directly to the Mediathe video starts, so just accept their prompts and
Center player.install. When you're finished with the simple
* Download WatchNow movies to a "Watchinstallation, you should be watching the video you
Later" gallery.just chose. Once you're there, you can stop the
* Support for Vista Extenders on both x86 andplayback. Soon you'll be watching that through
x64 platforms.your Xbox, on your TV, from the comfort of
* Support for Netflix Instant Queue.your living room.
* Support for Episode listings.Step 4: Set Up vmcNetflix on Your Xbox
* Search for movies by keyword.360vmcnetflix-installed.pngNow you need to run
* Browse DVD and WatchNow movies by genres.your Xbox 360 in Media Center extender mode.
* Sort Gallery by Title, Year, or Star Rating.To do so, turn it on, head to your Xbox
* View your queue, history, anddashboard, and fire up Media Center from the list
recommendations.where you set it up originally. Your Xbox will find
* Add, remove, move movies in your queue.your computer and start up in Media Center
* Supports DVD/Movie Parental Controlsmode.
What You'll NeedOnce there, scroll down to the Online Media
Now that you've got an idea of the end product,section and then move left to select the program
let's take a look at the short list of things you'lllibrary. You should see an entry for vmcNetflix.
need to turn your Xbox 360 into a Netflix player.Fire it up.watch-now-login.pngSince this is the first
1. An Xbox 360time you've run vmcNetflix on your extender,
2. Windows Vista with Vista Media Center (it'syou'll need to set it up with your Netflix account.
included by default in Vista Home Premium andDoing so is as simple as providing the plug-in with
Ultimate)your Netflix username and password. Do that, and
3. A Netflix subscriptionyou're ready to start watching movies.
4. The freeware vmcNetflix plug-inStep 5: Enjoy!
Step 1: Set Up Your Xbox as a Media CenterThat's all there is to it. You can now stream any
ExtenderNetflix Watch Instantly video directly to the TV in
If you've already set up your Xbox 360 as ayour living room using the Xbox 360 that's already
Media Center extender, you can skip this step.there. No $99 out of your pocket, no extra piece
Unless you're already using your Windows PC as aof equipment to add to your entertainment
Media Center powerhouse and have a tuner cardcenter. vmcNetflix handles everything nearly
installed on your Windows machine, chances areperfectly, from separate episode listings for
you haven't had much reason to set up yourtelevision shows to managing and accessing your
Xbox as an extender. With vmcNetflix, you've gotNetflix Watch Instantly queue.
a great reason.The vmcNetflix plug-in has been in steady
Microsoft already provides detailed instructions fordevelopment for a few months now, but as the
setting up your 360 as a Media Center extender,video above points out, the vmcNetflix plug-in can
so here's the nutshell version. Start up your Xboxbe a little slow and sometimes buggy. I hardly
360, head to the Media blade, and select Medianotice the sluggishness, though thinking about it, it
Center. Since you haven't already set up andoes feel a little slower than normal Media Center
extender, your Xbox will walk you through theextender operation. If you run into bugs, the
setup process between your Xbox and your PC.vmcNetflix homepage offers tips for
The Xbox will generate an eight-digit code totroubleshooting. I've found that restarting my 360
authenticate the connection between the two.and or Media Center PC remedies any problems.
Then you need to fire up Media Center on yourBe sure to check back in with the vmcNetflix
PC, go to Tasks -> Add Extender, and fill in thehomepage from time to time and keep an eye
blanks in the setup wizard with your eight-digiton updates, since the developer is fixing problems
code when prompted.and adding features at an impressive pace.
Step 2: Install the vmcNetflix Plug-inAlso Netflix can download Watch Instantly videos
Now that your Xbox is set up as a bona fideand save them on your computer. This comes in
Vista Media Center extender, you're ready tovery handy because saving videos means you
download and install the vmcNetflix plug-in. There'sdon't have to worry about downloads buffering,
nothing to it, so just download the latest plug-inand video playback, fast-forwarding, and rewinding
from the link and go through the installer.all work better. The downside is that saving
Step 3: Set Up Watch Instantly on Your PCvideos is not part of the Watch Instantly terms
Before you can stream Watch Instantly videos toof service.
your 360 extender, you need to make sure your