HTPC Tip Of The Day: The Basics
Here is a basic Q&A about the concept of HTPCs/Media Center PC’s in general.
What is an HTPC?
HTPC is short for home theater personal computer. This term is typically used by DIY enthusiasts who build and tweak their own systems rather then buy it from an OEM. OEMs typically refer to HTPCs as Media Center PCs. As the name denotes, an HTPC is a PC hooked up to your TV and the rest of your home theater.
What can you do with an HTPC?
They typically cost more then any single home theater component but maybe cheaper whe you combine several functions into an HTPC. An HTPC can be used to surf the internet, play DVDs, play Blu-ray, music library, home automation and many many other useful duties.
What if I don’t want to have a computer in my livingroom?
All major Media Center PC software packages including Vista Media Center allow for some sort of Server/Client interface. In Vista’s case, simply having Home Premium installed will allow you to use your home computer as a media server. For $300 to $400 you can install a TV Tuner in your computer in your office and buy an extender that looks and feels like a consumer electronics device rather then a PC.
That is the beauty of having Vista Media Center on most new computers. For a relatively small cash outlay, you can have a multi-zone Media Center setup. The extenders aren’t perfect but they do work.
You, of course, do not have to use Vista as companies like SageTV have great server/extender setups.
What do I need to watch TV?
Essentially, you need a TV Tuner card of some sort. If you live in the US a combo tuner card for under $90 will work. Other countries have different standards.
This guide is a lot more detailed.
I already own a Tivo can I use it for other things besides PVR duties?
Absolutely! Lots of people use an HTPC as strictly a front end for their media. They work great as DVD libraries (great DVD upscaler), music libraries, or even a Netflix front end :).