Newbie question - can I use a computer for home cinema?

[Shaolin]

I've looked around and can't really find an answer.

I have an unused computer with a 80Gb hard drive and I have a tv card in my current computer that I don't use. I'm going to get a projector, screen and speakers so thought maybe would it be possible/a good idea to use the computer as the "control unit". I'd have the drives, recording facility, be able to play pc games etc. etc.

Then again if it's so great an idea why is there no real mention of it on here? Too unusual/difficult to be mainstream or just a rubbish idea?

[hairyben]

Nah, there's "media centre PC's" that are built exclusively for this purpose, available in special cases that match HC kit with silent running etc.

However you are relying on the crock that is windows to run it all, so compared to a BDP/DVD player it'll be difficult/clunky to use, crash sometimes, and fail miserably to do seemingly simple things.

[cs02rm0]

If you stick Linux on it, there's quite a few options in this area open to you, depending on exactly what you want.

[pbirkett]

hairyben said:

Nah, there's "media centre PC's" that are built exclusively for this purpose, available in special cases that match HC kit with silent running etc.

However you are relying on the crock that is windows to run it all, so compared to a BDP/DVD player it'll be difficult/clunky to use, crash sometimes, and fail miserably to do seemingly simple things.

Dont have any issues with mine - mines not set up exactly like a HTPC, but i do have a simple script to switch from monitor to PC, and my movies all in one place, even my lass can use it. Never crashes or causes any problems, and plays way more formats than my old Samsung BD player ever could (actually, more actual discs for that matter since it seemed very fussy about what it would actually play).

Bit harsh to assume it would be any worse than a dedicated player.

[Shaolin]

Thanks for the replies guys. As I have the computer sitting around I have nothing to lose, so I'll try connecting things up and see what happens, I think it's worth a try. I've never had reason to not use Windows and Linux sounds like a learning curve I can do without getting on. If it doesn't work there seem to be enough alternatives. The only downside is I may have to endure some films I wouldn't normally in order to justify it to the missus. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

[Zod]

hairyben said:

Nah, there's "media centre PC's" that are built exclusively for this purpose, available in special cases that match HC kit with silent running etc.

However you are relying on the crock that is windows to run it all, so compared to a BDP/DVD player it'll be difficult/clunky to use, crash sometimes, and fail miserably to do seemingly simple things.

Oh, bks. Windows 7 with Media Center will do a great job of this.

[dave_s13]

I have a "normal" PC hooked up to my plasma and it works great. I use good old XP and just run things via explorer. Tried media centre and it just wouldn't work properly.

But, it is housed in a case that matches the other stuff and has a fanless PSU and super quite CPU fan - it's virtually silent.

What you need to do it connect it all up and see if it will play what you want it to play. If it works like you need it to then consider sourcing a more suitable case and try and shut it up with a fanless PSU and cooler fans.

I use mine predominantly for watching HD movies ripped to .MKV files. Works a treat.