How to build your own media center?

[Pyrotechnic]

What is a media center?


Introduction

Microsoft already offers long-time Media Center as a program. Really broken by the media center yet. In this article you need to know about a media center.


Media Center

Most media centers are stylishly designed

Microsoft Windows Media Center is intended as a complete solution: tv, radio, music and movies on your computer. This is never entirely off the ground. In Windows XP Media Center was the program for the first time. At that time it was purely a program, part of Microsoft Windows XP Media Center, media center hardware simply did not exist. Today is Media Center in the expanded versions of Vista (including Ultimate) to be integrated. A separate version of Windows is no longer required.

Some time later separate computers that the "full" task Media Center had: they were connected to cable TV and radio, surround-sound set on Saturday and connected media center was connected to the TV. An essential part of this media centers is that they still should be no annoying than a film to sit with the buzz of a computer (fan) in the background. Often reasonable Media Centers also "beautiful" computers because they are often prominent in sight (they must be available for DVD and CD imports) are often stylish.


Benefits

One of the advantages of having a media center is that all media in one place: radio, TV, music, movies and internet are all integrated into one device. This makes it easier for certain media to approach.

Another advantage is that a media center connected to a TV can be. No longer are there several different devices (DVD player, digital receiver, DVD recorder) is needed: the Media Center will replace them for one device.

Media Centers also are easier to change than other devices, with some knowledge, the standard DVD player in the Media Center is replaced by a Blue Ray player. In a normal DVD player would not be possible.


Disadvantages

A disadvantage of a Media Center is that they are not always easy to use. Some pieces of the program are simply not practical, so this kind of frustration which generates.

In addition, Media Center is in fact always are, if it fails to the radio or the TV, film or photos to look. Even though they are always fairly low-energy, they continue to energy questions.

Connecting a media center may also be a source of misery: all cables have a place in the device with the computer for less technical people may be difficult for all the plugs to find a good port. After the hardware part (physical drop cables and plug), the software portion beginning yet ...

Furthermore, often the TV to the media center to operate: a monitor, the media center not. This ease of use slightly less. However, there are media centers with a window on the market.


Connections

Computers that act as Media Center often have a series of standard connections plus some extra links that most computers do not have:
USB ports (default)
Network connection (normal)
Wireless network (often present)
HDMI connector
VGA connector (monitor port, normal)
eSATA connection (very rare)
Connector cable or digital television (very rare, only dedicated media centers)
5 audio ports for surround sound
Optical audio port (rare)

[Pyrotechnic]

How to build your own media center?

Options

To create a media center, there are three options: you use an older computer that you converted, you buy a "barebone" means a computer with basic components that you can expand or build a new computer. Which option you choose depends on yourself.

The advantage of self-build is that you are not bound to existing hardware, you can compose your own computer from parts you choose.

On the other hand, an existing PC as a base and a little bit of renovation is attractive because it is so easy.
Self build

If you choose the self-build the media center you have any freedom. However, you want that the media center is not too large. You are therefore subject to certain size depending on which enclosure you choose.

The motherboard must be at least the following exits:

• HDMI port (not required, but handy for the future and current High Definition connections)
• VGA connector
• USB ports
• Network or wireless network card
• Audio ports (preferably surround)

A port for a PCI TV card Pinnacle is also required as TV and / or radio to be connected.

Consider the mini-tower housing with mATX board or a slim tower. In any case, something not too large, unless you put in a closet.

In terms of Linux operating system would be a cheap option. Windows XP is now for a low price. Choose not for the Media Center edition, there are free alternatives available on the Internet.


Barebone

A barebone is a small PC. This is an open-worked version. A barebone is a small PC. This is an open-worked version.

The second possibility for creating a media center is using a barebone. This is a computer that you can expand with options you choose. The substantive are already in the computer, but the system will not work, there must have components. Thus there is often no processor, no RAM and no graphics card. Whatever you choose these things to you.

Also there is no operating system (OS) on the computer. This will need to install yourself. If you want to save, you can opt for Linux.


Old PC rebuild

An old computer can perfectly serve as a media center. Because there is no whole demands to the system (unless you are viewing High Definition movies). A computer with a 1GHz processor and 1 GB of RAM may be fine with, if you on Linux or Windows XP Lite is running. Provided you want to play Blue Ray is a more powerful processor handy. Also, the CD or DVD reader then replaced by a Blue Ray reader.

When your computer for more than just want to connect to the Internet or playing / displaying current movies on your computer you have a TV card. These are at most computer stores offered. Explain to the shop staff what you plan and they will advise you on the TV card that best fits your computer.

The only thing you have an old PC to do is inserting a TV card and possibly a sound card if the computer is not a 5.1 sound card is built. Linux also needs to be installed. Both you can do with manuals, information and instruction of Internet films, but you can also leave the computer. Incorporating a TV card and install Linux by a computer is still cheaper than buying a new computer specifically for media center, so it's definitely worth it.