How to Use Your Xbox as a PVR

No matter how much you sit around watching the tube, you can't watch everything all the time, but using your game system as a PVR, or personal video recorder, can help you see what you would otherwise miss. Setting up your Xbox 360 to record and play live TV is easy and is a helpful aspect of the high end gaming system. In just a few quick and easy steps you will be watching last night's game in no time. The hard part is avoiding hearing the scores at the office.

Things You'll Need

• PC TV tuner card
• Windows Media Center
• Ethernet cable or wireless adapters
• Xbox 360

Instructions

1. 

   Connect your game system to your PC via an ethernet chord (looks similar to a phone jack) or wireless adapters (Your adapter should have built in software that will detect your Xbox automatically). In Windows Media Center, go to the Start screen, slide over to "Tasks," and click "Add Extender."

2. Click "Next" on the "Welcome to Extender Setup" screen. Then, on your Xbox, slide to "My Xbox" and select "Windows Media Center."

3. Follow the instructions given by the game system, to obtain an 8-digit key. Write the key down for safe keeping. On your PC monitor, enter the key and click "Next."

4. Follow the steps in the "Extender Setup" on your computer, and then click "Finish." The Windows Media Center interface will appear on your Xbox. Congratulations. You can now use your Xbox 360 to record your favorite shows, as well as enjoying live TV and pictures or music from your computer's hard drive.

Tips & Warnings

• If your TV and PC are in the same room, using an ethernet cord will save money.

• Whenever you are given a key, as in this walk-through, it is best to write it down; you never know when you'll need it again.

References

• Games First: How To Maximize the Media with the Xbox 360