For years, I have waited for this moment - the time when hi-def, networking, audio/video delivery over the Internet, and DVR could be combined into a single unit. In the past, the components needed to build such a monstrocity were simply too expensive and you weren't guaranteed the success inherent in a factory machine from the pay TV companies. You also had to deal with units that were ergonomic nightmares: poor menus, disabled USB's, not to mention no Internet connectivity. But today, the game is different - with over-the-air digital television now fully integrated, there's little reason to keep a DVR on that cable or satellite bill. With a few components (some which might be gathering dust in your closet) and some free time, you can not only put together a blazingly fast unit but save yourself hundreds of dollars a year.
A home theater PC (HTPC) is essentially a personal computer that's hooked up to an HDTV and home theater audio system. If all roads lead to Rome, think of an HTPC as its digital version ally. It can pull in a multitude of digital content from various sources - not only can you can store and view photographs and video, but your music is no longer trapped on one inaccessible machine, or spread out over many sources (phone, mp3 player). You also get to access that content in high-quality audio - no more dinky mp3 speakers or earplugs!
What’s kept HTPC’s from becoming fully accepted has been the DVR – a cumbersome capture card/IR blaster combo wasn’t always reliable, and without a CableCard-enabled HTPC, living your own digital life was pretty messy. In my opinion, capturing live video has become secondary for this reason: your show exists as a digital version somewhere on the Internet. All you have you to do is know where to find it. To do that, I’ll introduce you to several free options that will allow you to receive the programs you want without depending on the DVR. My HTPC will include a DVR so I can capture sports OTA and through cable.
Our tutorial will start with a discussion on selecting the right set up – from a Blu-Ray burner to the new USB 3.0, we’ll pack this baby with the latest and greatest without adding fluff. I abhor the idea of building a box that’s “all things to all people” as the fluff can sometimes get in the way. We’ll take you through the building process, software installation, set up, and use.
It’s time to send back that old DVR and start saving yourself some money!
A home theater PC (HTPC) is essentially a personal computer that's hooked up to an HDTV and home theater audio system. If all roads lead to Rome, think of an HTPC as its digital version ally. It can pull in a multitude of digital content from various sources - not only can you can store and view photographs and video, but your music is no longer trapped on one inaccessible machine, or spread out over many sources (phone, mp3 player). You also get to access that content in high-quality audio - no more dinky mp3 speakers or earplugs!
What’s kept HTPC’s from becoming fully accepted has been the DVR – a cumbersome capture card/IR blaster combo wasn’t always reliable, and without a CableCard-enabled HTPC, living your own digital life was pretty messy. In my opinion, capturing live video has become secondary for this reason: your show exists as a digital version somewhere on the Internet. All you have you to do is know where to find it. To do that, I’ll introduce you to several free options that will allow you to receive the programs you want without depending on the DVR. My HTPC will include a DVR so I can capture sports OTA and through cable.
Our tutorial will start with a discussion on selecting the right set up – from a Blu-Ray burner to the new USB 3.0, we’ll pack this baby with the latest and greatest without adding fluff. I abhor the idea of building a box that’s “all things to all people” as the fluff can sometimes get in the way. We’ll take you through the building process, software installation, set up, and use.
It’s time to send back that old DVR and start saving yourself some money!
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