Stream Media Between Windows 7 PCs - Home Network Sharing

Streaming Digital Media with Windows 7

A notable capability introduced in Windows 7 is the ability to distribute digital media to various computers within a home network. This guide details the process of configuring Windows Media Player in Windows 7 to facilitate the sharing and streaming of videos, music, and other digital content to machines also running Windows 7. Successful streaming requires all participating computers to operate Windows 7 and have Windows Media Player 12 installed.

For our demonstration, we will transmit video from a computer equipped with Windows 7 Ultimate (64-bit) to another running Windows 7 Home Premium (32-bit), both connected to the same Homegroup. Setting up Streaming begins with enabling media streaming functionality.

Enabling Media Streaming Options

Initiate the process by typing "media streaming" into the Start menu's search field and selecting "Media streaming options." Subsequently, configure your media streaming preferences. Assign a name to your media library and ensure that all network computers intended to have access are granted permission.

While Homegroup membership automatically shares content, it's prudent to verify these settings. Alternatively, specific computers can be excluded from streaming access if desired.

Custom settings are also available for granular control. For example, access to music or files with specific ratings can be restricted to certain computers. Although we are opting for open access in this demonstration, these settings provide the flexibility to manage user access levels.

Configuring Windows Media Player

Open Windows Media Player and, within Library view, activate "Stream" and check "Automatically allow devices to play my media." This ensures seamless playback initiation from other devices on the network.

To enable content playback from one machine to another, activate "Allow remote control of my Player." This effectively transforms your computer into a remote control hub for media management.

Confirm your choice by clicking "Allow remote control on this network" when prompted.

For unrestricted access across all computers, these settings must be enabled on each device. If multiple computers are present on your network, each can be configured to share its respective libraries.

Upon returning to Windows Media Player's Library view, you will find "Other Libraries" displaying the available computers on your network.

Initiating a Stream

Now for the core functionality: playing video or music from one machine's library on another. Ensure Windows Media Player is running on the receiving computer. Right-click the desired media file and select "Play to" from the context menu, then choose the target machine.

In our example, only one other machine is available for selection, and we are initiating playback of an X-Files episode from the Windows Media Player library.

The "Play To" controller will appear, displaying the currently playing media. From this interface, you can manage playback and adjust the volume.

Video playback will then commence through Windows Media Player on the designated machine.

The functionality extends beyond Windows Media Player's library. You can navigate to video directories, such as a folder containing Season 2 of Star Trek DS9, select episodes, right-click, and choose "Play To..."

Similarly, music files can be streamed to another machine.

Even picture files can be shared and displayed.

The "Play To" controller allows for reordering files and skipping to different selections.

Additional files can be easily added to the playback queue by simply dragging and dropping them into the controller.

Conclusion

This method provides a convenient way to enjoy your digital files from different locations within your home. For instance, you might store a collection of movies or music on a laptop in a bedroom and wish to play them on a media center in the living room. The possibilities are extensive.

Playback quality is generally reliable, provided you have a robust home network, ideally with Gigabit speeds, which are common in modern routers and computers. While video streaming over a wireless connection is feasible, a fast connection is crucial. For optimal performance, consider using CAT5e cables to connect computers directly to the network whenever possible.