Media Center PC

So, I'm reading this article on Wired about this Linux based TiVo meets MediaCenter PC thing, and I begin to wonder, why the hell is the Media Center PC so expensive? There really isn't anything the MediaCenter PC does that couldn't be accomplished by a $200 1 GHz machine with some special ports slapped on the back. For $200, I would get one of these snazzy Media Center PCs to hook up to the TV... for $2,000... yah right (it's not like I am going to do anything but play MP3s and DVDs with it).

3 Comments

  • AMEN!


    I've been pricing systems for a few months now, I'll be purchasing one by the end of the year. I will have a tiny silent, fanless box that sits with my VCR under the TV, has 5.1 audio, s-video, etc out, a huge harddrive, a DVD player/CD-R, a TIVO-type program for recording TV and infared remote for less than $1000 total.

  • It's an interesting area. 1GZ may not be enough. Once you start allowing recording 2 channels while watching a pre-recorded programme, then 1GZ is not enough.

  • I built one myself, on a Athlon 1.3 with 1GB RAM and 80GB HD. I'm still working out some issues, but you can buy the remote and an video capture card for about 130$ for both from newegg.com, and if you have MSDN Subscription you can download XP MCE.





    The only problem is that the Athlon is loud and noisy and in a full tower. At some point I'm going to buy a smaller case - perhaps the Ahanix - and put it in there, but I'd prefer not to put much more money into it right now.

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