Google Media Center is a free Windows-only software that lets you stream photos, videos and music from the computer on to your TV.
This requires a Universal Plug and Play compatible device like an Xbox or Playstation gaming console, set-top box or a photo frame like the Kodak EasyShare.
Google Media Server will auto-discover any UPnP device that’s connected to your computer. You can also pick content (like desktop folders, Picasa photo galleries, etc) that should become available to that device.
Here’s a screenshot of Google Media Center admin panel that is available as a Google Desktop gadget. (You therefore need Google Desktop to install Google Media Server.)
Google Media Server – also check out the Google Desktop blog. In case you get an opportunity to test Google Media Server, do share your feedback in the comments.
Find this article at: http://www.labnol.org/software/organize/google-media-center-connect-computer-tv/3709/
web: http://www.labnol.org/ email: amit@labnol.org
Reader Comments
Why even bother? It’s done a lot better by other companies, I mean look at that interface, how long do google think they can keep getting away with this crap?
Written by spitefulgod on 06.27.08
It’s good to see it backed by google but it may require more time for google to make it a mature service..
Written by Prashant on 06.27.08
Great another piece of crap program googles coming out with. They were innovative with google earth but now their just getting annoying.
Written by vincimus on 06.27.08
Google desktop? NO THANKS. Besides, it does look completely useless
Written by V on 06.27.08
Now why don’t they write this for linux? If they actually had a properly running DLNA server, then I would be impressed.
Written by JZerbe on 06.27.08
I like Google’s simple and well-defined interface. It breeds familiarity and ease-of-use by users less savvy than programmers or engineers. If it works and they can compete, why not?
Written by Josh on 06.27.08
Its a good idea, are there any other services that will autodetect hardware that you probrably already have to display on your tv? I was about ready to spend $200 on a system that would do it, now I have a free option.
Knock it off haters!
Written by Zeke Shadfurman on 06.27.08
Could I just ask why (almost) everyone here seems to have a vendetta against Google? They are a great, innovative company and, as said above, their interface works well for many many people and, as with Gmail, it is fast and clear for everyone! Also it’s not heavy and slow to use like Microsoft’s interfaces. It would admittedly be nice if they released this for GNU/Linux (since I use it all the time), but it’s already a great system!
Written by Tek on 06.27.08
GOOG is really going overboard with puching its crappy software around- most probably this would install the GOOG toolbar that would be used to spy on us and then serve us adv when I play on my PS3
Written by S on 06.27.08
Google has become the ultimate spymaster, look what they did in China… how long before our personal information are turned to the authority… I have stopped using using iGoogle as I almost feel someone is watching my every move…
Written by techie on 06.27.08
Why the Vendetta? Because if I download Acrobat - Do you want google with that (pre-checked of course). If I update flash player - Do you want google with that. The hundreds of systems bought from an OEM - Oh, it already has google pre-installed on that, now I have to remove it. I like the search engine, but hate the crapware.
Written by David on 06.27.08
Ah… right - you think that’s bad?
How many vendors can you buy a computer from that don’t preinstall Windows? Any idea? Maybe a couple of percent of vendors? It is estimated that about 90% of (consumer) computers worldwide run Windows…
Why fail to notice this? Every time you download a Microsoft product, there are about 7 checkboxes - “Set Windows Live Search As My Homepage”, “Install Windows Live Toolbar”, etc…
Also, besides anything else, Google is not the first to employ these tactics of bundling with everything… Yahoo! and Microsoft have been doing this for years!
So stop moaning and enjoy the products! At least, unlike the junk Microsoft and Yahoo! try to install, Google’s software isn’t memory hogging, slow and useless!
Written by Tek on 06.28.08
If you don’t want it, don’t take it. Sorted.
Written by danny on 06.28.08
Apart from all the hate mail, why bother? The xbox360 is cpapable of doing this right out of the box. Just install MS Windows Media Connect software on your PC and you can do all of this free anyway. If you want to pause & rewind live TV you’ll have to go up to Windows Media Center which does have a cost.
Written by IanB on 06.29.08