Media Center PC

The Media Center PC combines the functions of the desktop computer and the home entertainment system. As a desktop computer, it can surf the web, make documents, download programs, movies and mp3s, and use applications. As a home entertainment center, a Media Center PC user can watch and record TV shows, listen to music via surround sound, and watch movies. Furthermore, it has a progressive scan DVD player and over-the-air high-definition TV support.

This type of application for a desktop computer can be seen through some of the newest products for computers like AccessDTV, digital media servers and WebTV. The Media Center PC has fully integrated all the components of a complete home entertainment center into the package by providing audio and video support.

Using current video streaming technologies, you can watch a movie from websites through a large television connected to the Media Center PC. Moreover, you can record and edit these videos as well as TV shows from over-the-air HDTV and burn these into a DVD disc much like what you would do to a regular DVR. You can also download and listen to mp3 music and listen and record music of up to 30 minutes from the radio. To handle all these large files, a Media Center PC would have 500 gigabytes standard hard drive size.

A Media Center PC also comes with multiple video and audio ports and can be connected to your home entertainment devices much like a regular digital receiver. It can be connected to surround sound speakers and regular TV. Moreover, a Media Center PC also has its own remote control which allows the user to conveniently surf the net, adjust volume or channels, choose options from the screen and switch functions.

Pre-Built Home Theatre PC VS Assembled Media Center PC's

There are two options when it comes to acquiring a home theater pc. One of them is buying a pre-built home theatre pc which may be quite expensive but upgradeable and seamless in performance. Another is by upgrading a computer in your home that has been bought within the last five years. This type of upgrade can cost at more or less a thousand dollars and would need assembly guides such as those provided by some magazines like PC Magazine and Extreme Tech Magazine.

Components of an Assembled Media Center PC

You can use the existing speakers of your computer to upgrade your home computer. All you would need to buy are the soundcard and at least a 500-gigabyte hard drive or an external hard drive to store video and audio files. The sound card should be a 24-bit card and should be capable of supporting the different types of sound formats such as Dolby Digital, DTS, stereo and analog multi channel surround sound.

Furthermore, you will need to buy a DVR/TV tuner, an FM/AM radio receiver, and a remote control set-up. A Media Center software will also be a great help in integrating all the functions of your Media Center PC.