After a long series video container formats, you are hopefully
starting to build your video file library on your home PC. The only problem is that
you want to watch the newest season of "Lost" on your new HDTV, not your
computer monitor.
There are a few ways to achieve this with different hardware
or software options depending upon your needs. The first, most obvious option
is a home theater computer.
HTPC
A Home Theater PC (HTPC) is a full-fledged computer connected directly to
your television, making your television act as a large computer monitor.
Although this concept has been touted for years, it has been slow to catch on
with the public and most computers designed specifically as HTPCs have failed
to gain traction. With plummeting prices of computers and television sets along
with new features being introduced, the HTPC concept may finally start to take
hold.
Inputs and Outputs
Many current HDTVs have DVI or VGA inputs, the same as any computer monitor.
Also remember, DVI and HDMI are the same cable with different connectors, and
finding a cable with one connector on each end is simple.
PC video cards with HDMI outputs have come way down in price,
and in couple years will be the standard video connection for all computer
monitors.
Watch and Record TV
When using an HTPC with a TV tuner, you can watch all your regular programming and have your computer act as
a DVR, recording your favorite TV shows and movies directly to your computer's
hard drive. By doing this, you can have a virtually unlimited amount of storage
space for all your favorite shows and can easily create backup DVDs to clear
space, which isn't an option on most standard DVR boxes in the US.
Some people will like the versatility of a HTPC, but others
won't want to have to break out a keyboard and mouse every time they want to
change a channel.
Another big advantage of a HTPC is having full access to the
internet; you can bring up YouTube, Hulu, or any other site on the big screen
in your living room with ease.
Easily Upgradable
Adding on additional hard drives, optical drives, or other components to a
HTPC is also relatively easy and cheap compared with adding another set top
box. An internal Blu-ray drive for a PC can be had for $99, while a similar featured
stand alone player costs at least $300.
Although HTPCs are probably the most powerful option due to
the availability of complete customization, they are not your only option. Next
week we'll take a look at Media Center Extenders, which can be a pretty good
alternative for people who don't want to use a computer while watching
television.
Share your thoughts and experiences with HTPCs below.
More Info:
How To: Build An HTPC (With Windows 7)
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