Stream multimedia content from your home server with Media Browser for Windows 8

Media Browser (www.mediabrowser3.com) is a sweet service that turns your home PC (or server setup) into a multimedia server. There's an app available for Windows Phone that enables you to stream content from said machine when not physically in front of it. Now, the Media Browser team has released a Windows 8.1 app, perfect for those with hardware running Microsoft's desktop OS.

Just like the app available on Windows Phone, you're able to browse through your collection of media when not at home (or physically in front of the device with everything stored). Because this is a Windows version of Media Browser, your Windows 8 tablets will become more useful on those long journeys if you already have content purchased and available locally (as well as an active data connection).

Media Browser Windows 8

Also, you'll need to have the Media Browser server installed and setup. As we noted in our past coverage, this step may prove troublesome for those who aren't computer savvy or are not familiar with configuring a home server. That said, there's handy documentation available should you require some general assistance.

The team behind the service have included both a dark and light theme for the Windows 8 app, along with two different layouts.  If you're on the desktop and don't wish to use a Windows 8 interface, or are using an older version of Windows, fear not as there's always the web version of Media Browser available. 

Media Browser Webclient

We recommend you check out the official website for more details on hosting your own home server, as well as checking out the apps available. If you haven't already got the Windows 8 app installed, you can download Media Browser from the Windows Store for $3.99 - do note that Windows 8.1 is required to run the app. There's also the Windows Phone version for the same price.

Rich Edmonds
Senior Editor, PC Build

Rich Edmonds was formerly a Senior Editor of PC hardware at Windows Central, covering everything related to PC components and NAS. He's been involved in technology for more than a decade and knows a thing or two about the magic inside a PC chassis. You can follow him on Twitter at @RichEdmonds.