The term HTPC is an acronym for Home Theater Personal Computer, with alternative names being HCPC (Home Cinema PC) and Media Center. They amount to the same thing which is simply a PC to used for Home Theater purposes.
The idea is to combine all multimedia functions into one box, integrate this into your living room and connect it to your TV. From here you can view digital photos, play any video type, play music in any format and view and record your favourite television programs. As well as the potential to carry out any function of a standard PC.
The main differences between a HTPC and a standard PC are; its built for silent operation, has the absolute minimum software installed and is operated via an easy to use interface such as Media Portal (Which we'll mention later).
MediaPortal Interface
If you have decided that a HTPC is for you, the first thing you should do is list the requirements/features you need and then decide on an appropriate budget. Costs averagely range between £300 - £600 depending on your requirements.
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Software - Latest Configuration Part I
Software - Latest Configuration Part II
Software - Original Configuration 2007