Tags: | HTPC | TV | home theater |
2007-06-08 23:54
My New Ghetto Home Theater PC
Against the advice of a friend I decided to order a cheap PCI video card for a spare computer I acquired a few months back, and I am now using it as a sort of home theater PC. I had to get a new video card because I needed one with an S-video output to connect the computer to the television. I have a video-capture card, but as I don't have cable or satellite I decided to leave it gathering dust until I actually have a real use for it. For now, this computer will serve as a living room entertainment station - it is hooked up to the stereo and my home network, so it can serve as an mp3 player, and it can obviously now display downloaded videos, etc. If the opportunity presents itself it will be very convenient to use as a slide-show presentation for digital photos. It could also serve as a DVD player, but I already have two semi-working stand alone DVD players, and until they no longer work I'll continue using them for DVD playback. The only complication in the whole setup is my old projection TV - the color convergence is never perfect, and the computer display doesn't fill the entire screen, but it works well enough. The one thing needed to round it out nicely is a wireless mouse and keyboard set, but for now I will use VNC to remotely control the computer from my laptop. If I do end up investing in the wireless controls it will be a nice living room internet browser as well. I will be sure to post a review of any wireless setup I get. The PC tower itself is hidden nicely behind a speaker and a DVD stand, but is still easily accessible if needed. So, beyond video and audio service for the living room, what should I use this computer for? A virtual fish tank? Anyone have any exciting ideas or uses for a windows computer in the living room? I guess if nothing else, it never hurts for a computer nerd to have yet another computer set up and ready to go - maybe I can eventually get one for every room in the house.
- Kevin
Kevin (at) Upcsite (dot) Net
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