XBOX Zune Integration

The XBOX 360 can perform the functions of a Zune Dock home AV kit. It can charge the Zune batteries and access the Zune music, photos and videos. The XBOX controller can be used as a remote control to navigate the Zune folders. Another little known functionality is XBOX integration with PC Zune software.

Docking is a no brainer, just plug the Zune USB cable into the XBOX. This works for the the regular XBOX360 and the premium edition with a hard drive. Navigate to the Media tab then Music folder (or Pictures or Videos)

The tricky part is remembering to change the source. This is done by pushing the blue X button. The name of your Zunes will appear as a storage devices in the media menu. The XBOX recognizes the names immediately and shows Zune logos. Additionally, networked PC's with Zune software will also appear with the Zune Logo.

Use the XBOX remote navigate through Music, Videos, and Photos. There is no way to copy files from the Zune or PC to the XBOX, but it's not necessary. Think of the XBOX as an A/V kit, an interface to the TV.

There is another option for PC to XBOX inegration called Media Center. It has the advantage of showing album art, but is not recommended for Zune owners. Why? It has a hard time getting all the metadata right and so files will appear mixed up. The best thing to do is is skip media center and just select the PC as a source. It will behave like a connected Zune.

Media Center

For the brave and curious here is how to setup media center. This is not required or recommened for PC Zune integration.

Make sure the XBOX and PC are both on a home network. You will be prompted to set up the extender.



Go to XBOX media center





Get your 8 digit code. DO NOT LET ANYONE SEE YOUR CODE!!!



Now go to the PC Setup





Enter the Code




Proceed thorugh setup. Media Center will work like Zune software. It finds files in the default folders and adds them. You can select which folders to monitor.

The Media center will continue to work if the Zune software is uninstalled, and is the best option for those without Zune.

This concludes the XBOX Zune docking and integration tutorial.