The need for a home theatre PC (ie. a minimalist computer used for content viewing on your television) arises from the excessive pricing charged by our favourate cable companies. What makes cable TV pricing so absurd is the fact that most of the channels/programs can be legally accessed for free.
The Goal
Ability to access all types of content available, at the lowest price.
The Options
Can
Do
|
Can’t
Do
|
||
$110
|
Apple TV
|
·
Certain services included with interface (ex. Netflix,
Youtube, etc)
|
·
Cannot hook up external HDD to read other
media
·
Restricted to content providers in their list (ex. Cannot access CTV, CBC,
etc.)
·
Cannot browse web for other content
·
Cannot add tuner for OTA antenna
·
No internal HDD to store media
|
$185
|
WD TV Live Hub
|
·
Certain services included with interface (ex. Netflix,
Youtube, etc)
·
Media formats (MKV, AVI, etc)
·
1TB HDD Included
|
·
Restricted to content providers in their list (ex. Cannot access CTV, CBC,
etc.)
·
Cannot browse web for other content
·
Cannot add tuner for OTA antenna
|
Varies
|
Built in TV Internet
Connection
|
·
Certain services included with interface (ex. Netflix,
Youtube, etc)
·
Media formats (MKV, AVI, etc)
|
·
Likely choppy playback when playing Flash web
streams
·
Cannot add tuner for OTA antenna
·
No internal HDD to store media
|
$300+
|
HTPC
|
·
Anything
|
·
Nothing
|
The Answer
Well I guess depending on your needs, each of the above options have their own limitations (except the HTPC, because technically the possibilities are endless). So in my opinion, the sure winner is the HTPC, since it provides the flexibility/customizability to view all types of content from different sources. If you can access it on your desktop computer, then you can also do it on your HTPC.
The Benefits
Online:
- Stream music for free - ex. Grooveshark, Pandora
- Stream television shows for free - ex. TV network websites (CTV, CBC, etc), Hulu
- Watch live streaming on TV network websites - ex. CTV Olympics, PBS Democratic National Convention
- Watch video clips for free - ex. YouTube, Hulu
- Pay a minor fee for more extensive video content- ex. Netflix, Hulu Plus
- Play your own media files (MP3, MKV, AVI, etc)
- Make use of a shnazzy interface with Windows Media Centre and Mediabrowser (WMC comes prepackaged with Windows7, and Mediabrowser is a free program). Your media library will be organized in an easy to use interface:
- Most of the major local stations broadcast their programs in HD format live over the air for free
- All you need is a television that can receive the signal (called ATSC), and preferably an antenna (but some people have received good results with just the bare coaxial cable!)
- Depending on your location, you can receive CTV, Global, CBC, CityTV, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CW, PBS, TVO, OMNI and many more!
- With the addition of a TV tuner card in your HTPC box, you can schedule recordings and fastforward/rewind live TV, just as you would with a DVR
- Check out: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/gadgets-and-gear/tips-and-tools-for-the-over-the-air-tv-enthusiasts/article626456/
The Formula
In creating our HTPC, the goal is to minimize cost. Keep in mind that the HTPC will effectively replace your cable bill, including the cost of the digital cable box and your monthly cable bill. So most people start with a budget of $500 (DVR box) + $70 per month (monthly cable bill) to spend on an HTPC. And the good news is that a minimalist HTPC box will cost less than $400 - so right off the bat you are saving money!
Based on my research, I believe this is the cheapest configuration without compromising the ability to access a wide variety of content:
$75 - CPU (Intel G620)
$95 - Mini ITX Motherboard (Asus P8H61-I)
$55 - Case (MI-008)
$25 - 2GB RAM
$50 - Hard drive (any hard drive will do, depending on whether you want to keep any media on the HTPC)
$300+ Total
Assuming you replace your cable subscription for this HTPC, you would be saving more than $800 per year!
Alternatively, if you have an old laptop or desktop lying around, you may be able to use that too! Just make sure it has enough power to access the various content. Other things to keep in mind are power consumption and heat (don't want to blow anything up!).
One of the best benefits of building your own HTPC is that you can customize it to your needs. So you can add 3d functionality (if you have a 3d TV), or a TV tuner if you have an antenna, or a Bluray drive, or an optical audio out if you have this equipment... and the list goes on.
The Limitations
So what's the downside? Well, the biggest thing that I miss is live sports. Some of the major games are aired on the national stations (such as NBA playoffs on NBC, and Hockey Night in Canada on CBC), but that's all you'll get. I am fortunate to have a common room in my condo that has cable TV, so I can access that when I need to. Otherwise, for the big events, I would normally go to the bar.
If you are using wifi to access your media, depending on your network setup, you may experience choppy playback when streaming full HD media.
The Conclusion
Entirely your choice, but I can tell you, it's a very liberating feeling to cut Rogers out of my life.
