Many people have asked me this question online and in real life so I figured I would put together something to provide some insight to what an HTPC is.

 

A Home Theater PC (HTPC), also known as a Media Center, is a computer or standalone device that has software to support media playback. The computer generally has a small foot print because it is located close to the TV that will be using it. Some people like to show off their HTPC and others hide it in an A/V cabinet or entertainment stand.

 

The next question that is generally asked is, “What is the difference between a computer running a media server application and a device running the same application?”

 

A computer that is running a media server application tends to provide you more performance and flexibility for your media center solution but it will also cost more than a standalone media player. When I say standalone media player, I am referring to a device that is marketed as a full media center in a box. A couple examples of standalone media players would include the Apple TV, Boxee Box, AreoBeam WiHD, and Neo TV. These devices have a built in hard drive that you can store you media on and play back from your TV. A HTPC will be a computer that is running a 10-foot interface like Plex, XBMC, and Boxee.

 

Media Player
Advantages	Disadvantages
Low cost Preconfigured Easy Setup	Limited hardware Limited choices Can’t play all media types Struggles displaying a large media library
Home Theater PC
Advantages	Disadvantages
Freedom to choose the look Freedom to choose hardware Can play more media types Has more power than a media player	Can be difficult to configure properly Runs on a standard operating system Can cost more to build

 

Now we get into what you need to for a HTPC and what media application are available for them.

 

You have two choices here, you can either buy a prebuilt computer or you can design and build your own. If you want a prebuilt computer with small foot print that has the power to run a media center you can use the Mac Mini, this is what I am currently using. If you decide you want to build a custom HTPC you will need to purchase some hardware. Below is a list of the hardware you will need.

 

Needed Hardware to Build a HTPC

• Computer Case – Most people will chose a case with a small footprint but doing so will limit your hardware choices.
• Motherboard – The mother board should support the process you choose.
• Processor – A minimum of a dual core process is recommended.
• Video Card – The video card should be able to play back 1080p and have HDMI output that supports 7.1 surround sound. Also if the mother board you choose has these features you will not need a video card.
• Tuner Card – You only need this if you want to record TV episodes.
• Hard Drive – The hard drive or drives you chose will depend on the space you have and your storage needs.
• Power Supply – You will want to find a power supply to meet the requirements of the system you are building.
• RAM – Most media server applications only require 2 GB but I would recommend 4 GB.

Some common media server programs that offer a 10-foot interface are Plex, XBMC, and Boxee. There are other there are built off of these platforms but these are the main ones. Best of all these programs are free and have mobile apps that can be used to view your media or act as a remote. Below are some screen shots of these programs.

Plex

XBMC

Boxee

Stay tuned for additional article on how to assemble you HTPC, recommended HTPC hardware configurations, and reviews on the different media server applications.

 

Author: Robert Ludrosky

 

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