PlayTo overview for Xbox 360

The PlayTo feature enables your Xbox 360 to play streaming content from other devices, such as a Windows-based PC or tablet.

Requirements

To use the PlayTo feature, make sure you have the following:

The most recent software update for your Xbox 360.
A device that’s compatible with Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA); for example, a PC running Windows.
A local network connection between the Xbox 360 and the DLNA-compatible device.

Note Some mobile devices, such as tablets and phones, support DLNA but can't share media with an Xbox 360 console.

Supported video file types

Xbox 360 supports the following video file formats:

Windows Media Video (WMV) 7, WMV 8, and WMV 9:

Maximum resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p).
Windows Media Audio Standard or Windows Media Audio Pro audio.

Note WMV content may be Windows Media Digital Rights Management (DRM) protected.

VC-1:

Maximum resolution of 1920x1080 (1080p).
Windows Media Audio Standard or Windows Media Audio Pro audio.

Note VC-1 content may be Windows Media DRM protected.

MPEG-1 with MPEG-1 layer I or II audio.
MPEG-2:

Maximum resolution of 1920x1080 (1080i).
AC-3 or MPEG-1 layer I or II audio.

WMV Image 1 (Photo Story 1 and 2) and WMV Image 2 (Photo Story 3).
H.264/MPEG-4.

Supported audio file types

The following audio formats are supported:

Windows Media Audio (WMA) 7, WMA 8, and WMA 9.

Note WMA Standard content may be Windows Media DRM-protected.

WMA Professional.

Note WMA Professional content may be Windows Media DRM-protected.

WMA Lossless.

Note WMA Lossless content may be Windows Media DRM-protected.

MP3.

Enable PlayTo on Xbox 360

Make sure PlayTo is enabled on your console. Here’s how to turn it on:

From Xbox Home, select settings and then System Settings.
Select Console Settings.
Select Connected Devices.
Set PlayTo to “On.”

Name your console

When you name your Xbox 360 console, the name helps you find your console on your network. This is especially helpful if you have multiple Xbox consoles on your network and need to identify the one to connect your device to. Here’s how to name your console:

Go to settings and select System Settings.
Select Console Settings.
Select Console Name.
Choose a name from the list. If you want to create a custom name, select Custom.
Enter a name for your console and select Done.

Play Media to your Xbox 360

Once you’ve configured PlayTo, you’ll be able to select it for playback from compatible apps and devices. The exact details vary between apps and devices—for more information, see your device or app provider.

To learn how to use PlayTo, see Use the PlayTo feature to stream Groove and Movies & TV content to your console.