Stuartistry.com

HTPC

I usually do a lot of research before I buy computer hardware or software. I search the Web. I search the newsgroups. This purchase was no exception. The difference was that I didn't know the name of what I was buying.

I thought I wanted a video capture machine. I wanted to import video material from my satellite box and old VHS tapes, convert it to MPEG and write out DVDs. While I was at it I thought it would be nice to load up and play all my CD music as MP3s. I tracked down a video capture box and built a new PC. Only then did I find out that I built a Home Theater PC (HTPC). No wonder I couldn't find much discussion on what I wanted to do. Once I adjusted my sights I found plenty of resources on the Internet. Even Microsoft is getting into the act with the recently released Windows XP Media Center Edition.

So here's the story of Entertainer, my HTPC.

My New HTPC Last Updated: 05/19/03 The newest addition to my PC family is connected to my home entertainment system. Full Text >> Under the Hood Last Updated: 05/20/03 Like all of my other PCs, Entertainer was custom built. Here's the details of what's under the hood of my HTPC. Full Text >> Components Last Updated: 05/21/03 Here's the complete list of the hardware and software that I've combined to bring Entertainer to life. Full Text >>