TVersity & Xbox 360: A Media Server Alternative

Leveraging Your Xbox 360 as a Media Hub: A TVersity Review

A recent article explored the benefits of utilizing an Xbox 360 console as a central media center. A reader pointed out that the user experience could be significantly improved through the implementation of a media server application known as TVersity.

Initial Impressions and Setup

Having consistently found Windows Media Center to be an underwhelming experience when used as an extender for the Xbox 360, I decided to test TVersity. The program proved to be a worthwhile solution, despite exhibiting some minor imperfections.

The setup process is relatively straightforward. TVersity scans your computer for media files, organizing them for easy access.

Performance and Functionality

TVersity effectively streams a wide variety of media formats to the Xbox 360. This includes videos, music, and photos.

The transcoding capabilities of the software are particularly noteworthy. It adapts media to formats compatible with the Xbox 360, ensuring smooth playback.

Areas for Improvement

While generally reliable, occasional buffering issues were observed during playback of high-definition content. This may be dependent on network conditions and hardware capabilities.

The user interface, while functional, could benefit from a more modern and intuitive design. However, this does not detract significantly from the core functionality.

Overall Assessment

Despite some minor drawbacks, TVersity represents a valuable tool for Xbox 360 owners seeking to enhance their media center experience. It offers a robust and versatile solution for streaming content from a PC.

For those dissatisfied with the performance of Windows Media Center, TVersity is certainly worth considering. It provides a noticeable improvement in usability and compatibility.

The Advantages of Utilizing Tversity

Xbox 360 consoles are pre-configured to operate seamlessly with Windows Media Center. However, reliance on Windows Media Center presents a limitation for users who do not utilize its live television or video recording features.

This is where Tversity emerges as a valuable alternative. It functions as a third-party application designed for compatibility with not only the Xbox 360, but also a diverse array of UPnP and DLNA-enabled devices.

How Tversity Functions

Tversity operates as a media server, enabling users to centralize their video, music, and photo collections on a computer. These files are then readily accessible through the Xbox 360 console.

No additional installations or complex procedures are required on the 360 itself. The console’s native applications for accessing media content from a computer are leveraged, and Tversity simplifies this process.

Specifically, Tversity provides a unified interface for organizing and accessing your media library from your Xbox 360, enhancing the overall user experience.

• Centralized Media Library: Host all your media files in one location.
• Broad Compatibility: Works with a wide range of devices beyond the Xbox 360.
• Streamlined Access: Simplifies media playback on your console.

By utilizing Tversity, users can bypass the need to directly engage with Windows Media Center while still enjoying their personal media content on their Xbox 360.

Free and Premium TVersity Options

TVersity is available for download and use without any cost. The sole limitation of the free software pertains to the range of content accessible to users.

The complimentary version allows playback of files stored on your personal computer, alongside a limited selection of online sources, including platforms like YouTube, Google Videos, and Flickr.

Access to a wider array of streaming services is unlocked with the premium version, priced at $39.99.

This paid subscription grants access to services such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and paid content available on YouTube – encompassing digital rentals – as well as several other channels.

However, much of this functionality is already available directly through your Xbox 360 console.

For instance, if your goal is to watch Hulu on your Xbox, subscribing to Hulu Plus is a more direct and efficient solution than attempting to access it via TVersity.

It is likely that the majority of Xbox 360 users will find the free version sufficient for their needs.

Nevertheless, if you find the software valuable as part of your home media infrastructure, a donation to the developers is a worthwhile consideration.

Installation Process

The initial step in configuring TVersity involves obtaining the software file directly from the developer's website. The installation procedure mirrors that of typical Windows applications, yet two specific options warrant careful consideration during setup.

The first pertains to the TVersity browser toolbar. While it's common for freeware to bundle unwanted toolbars, the one offered by TVersity provides genuine utility. It facilitates subscription to video feeds discovered exclusively through web browsing, and as the installer indicates, subscribing through the toolbar is more convenient than manual entry.

Although it incorporates a less-than-ideal search feature and additional buttons, some of these elements can be removed via customization settings.

Currently, the toolbar is only compatible with Internet Explorer and Firefox. Users of Chrome, and others, will not be able to utilize this feature. Installation of the toolbar is also unnecessary if you do not plan to access online video content.

The second option concerns the installation of a codec pack. It is recommended to proceed with this installation. Failure to do so may result in playback issues with certain video formats.

Accessing Your Media Library via 360

After the installation of TVersity is complete, establishing a connection is straightforward. Initiate the program and then power on your Xbox 360 console. Navigate to the Video area within the 360’s dashboard.

From the Video section, select My Video Apps, and then choose Video Player. You should then observe “TVersity on your-PC” listed as a media source. Note that “your-PC” will reflect the network name assigned to your computer.

Selecting this option will grant you access to the media library, allowing you to locate and play your desired content. The process for accessing music is remarkably similar, utilizing the Music section of the Xbox 360 interface.

Accessing photos requires a slightly different approach. Instead of the Video or Music sections, navigate to Apps, then open My Apps. Within this menu, you will find the Picture Viewer application.

Managing Your Library with TVersity

The entire library is managed through the TVersity application running on your PC. To incorporate new files and folders, utilize the File System section. This section is further divided into Files and Folders for organizational purposes.

These distinct areas allow you to add individual media files or entire folders to your library. By default, TVersity should automatically recognize your standard Windows Vista/7 libraries.

However, any additional files or folders will need to be added manually through the application’s interface. This ensures comprehensive control over your available content.

Adding Online Content

TVersity also supports the inclusion of online content via RSS feeds. Access this functionality by opening the Media RSS Feeds section.

Select the specific type of RSS feed you wish to add, then click the Add Item button. You will need to provide the complete address of the RSS feed. Alternatively, you can utilize the Subscribe button located on the Tversity toolbar.

Once content is added, it should become available on your Xbox 360 after the library is refreshed. A spinning animation will be visible next to the “Settings” button within the TVersity interface during this update process.

Should you encounter difficulties with the software being detected by your 360, consult the Quick Start guide specifically designed for the 360/PS3. While I personally experienced no issues, certain known compatibility concerns have been reported.

Final Thoughts

My experience with TVersity has been positive overall. Despite the presence of a native YouTube application on the Xbox 360, its performance is subpar, leading me to favor accessing YouTube content via TVersity.

Furthermore, the software consistently delivers a more reliable experience compared to the integrated functionality within Windows Media Center, which presented various issues on my computer.

As previously noted, the program is available for download and offers a substantial range of features without cost. We encourage you to share your opinions and suggest any alternative solutions you may have discovered.

Key Benefits Observed

The Xbox 360’s integrated YouTube app doesn’t quite measure up, making TVersity a preferred method for viewing YouTube videos. A smoother, more dependable experience is consistently provided.

Compared to the native Windows Media Center integration, TVersity proved to be significantly more stable and less prone to errors during use on my personal computer.

Accessibility and Community Input

The software can be downloaded and utilized with access to the majority of its features at no charge. This makes it a readily available solution for many users.

We are eager to hear your feedback and learn about any comparable programs you might recommend to our readership. Your insights are valuable.