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    Any free media center apps for Macbook?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by Mr. Blings, Oct 16, 2008.

  1. Mr. Blings

    Mr. Blings Newbie

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    I am thinking of picking up one of the newly discounted older macbooks. One thing that is really holding me back is I cannot find any free apps as a streaming media center.

    I have a xbox 360 and ps3 in which i stream all my music/video too from my current pc. I do this using windows media connect. There are many programs like this for PC users that do not have windows media center.

    the only thing i have been able to find are two seperate programs by the same company 360connect and ps3connect that each come with a charge and i'm guessing both would need to be running at all times for each system to be able to stream at any given time.

    Then there was a program called twanky media that was $40, but would work with each device.

    Thing is, these programs are in abundance for PC and free...Not really interested in needing to pay for apps that are readily available for PC for free.

    I also have a Zune along with my 4th gen ipod. I prefer my zune over ipod and that will not be compatible with a mac. Not such a big deal because i will still have a PC in the house.

    Any suggestions for a streaming option other then these programs I have already stated?

    Many thanks!
     
    Mr. Blings, Oct 16, 2008
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  2. hollownail

    hollownail Individual 11

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    Eh... not that I know of. Connect360 is more about streaming from your Mac to the 360/Ps3.

    You share your music folder and then set itunes to use that folder to play music/movies.

    you could also install itunes on your PC, import your music/movies and then turn on sharing. You can then play that stuff through itunes on your laptop.
     
    hollownail, Oct 16, 2008
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  3. Paul

    Paul Mom! Hot Pockets! NBR Reviewer

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    Paul, Oct 16, 2008
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  4. Mr. Blings

    Mr. Blings Newbie

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    yeah, well my external hdd just bit the dust that had all my music/videos on it. So i loaded it all back on my pc via my zune (so much easier then the apple hassle of loading files from your ipod onto a new machine/hdd) but that has me down to under 3 gb of hdd space. Part of the reason I'm looking into purchasing a new system. Getting sick of externals biting the dust on me

    So, my new laptop whether it be another windows based or mac will need to become my main media center extender. Yes, 360/ps3connect does virtually what windows media connect does, but wants you to pay for the service. I'm looking for a program that does not charge.

    what about XBMC? I see that it is Apple friendly...If I were to download that onto a Mac does it (XBMC) have streaming capabilities? i only need/care about streaming my media to my 360/ps3. Don't currently stream anything to my nintendo wii
     
    Mr. Blings, Oct 16, 2008
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  5. Mr. Blings

    Mr. Blings Newbie

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    thanks Paul...I'll look into what you suggested
     
    Mr. Blings, Oct 16, 2008
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