![]() ![]() In almost all cases, any of these will suit your needs for less money than a dedicated media center. All of these options work with all the major streaming services, and also with the Plex media server. Wireless Media Device: These come in many forms, but the most commonplace are the Roku box/dongle, the Amazon Fire TV stick, and the Chromecast.If you are simply looking for a good picture and access to on-demand services like Netflix then this is the option for you. Smart TV: Televisions have got a lot smarter since the advent of media serving machines, and many provide the basics of an HTPC all in one box.Do you mostly just want to watch Netflix, TV and the occasional DVD? Have you bought into the Ultra HD Blu-ray hype? Are you looking for the latest in 4K HDR for the crispest picture possible?ĭo you already use Apple products and want to keep your tech in one wheelhouse? Are you itching to build something totally custom from scratch? The answer to each one of these questions can help you decide between one of these options: Whatever your budget or tolerance for tinkering with things, there are options.īefore going into detail over the options, it is worth considering what you actually need in a media center. In some cases, allow PC games to be played from the couch!Īllow access to social media such as Instagram and Facebook.Īllow playback of DVDs, CDs and Blu-ray discs.Įxactly how much of the above functionality you end up with depends on how much you are willing to spend, and what level of complexity in the setup you are willing to deal with. Provide access to various streaming services such as Netflix, or Amazon Prime Video.Īllow playback from external hard drives or networked computers. They can:Īllow you to continue watching live television. More and more people are changing to the cord cutting lifestyle, eschewing traditional television networks for streaming services and alternative methods of viewing live television.įrom simple, pre-made solutions through to home built dedicated media machines and the software required for them, this guide should help you replace your out of date set top boxes, and add functionality to your television - smart or otherwise!Ī good home media center is an extension of the television, but provides much greater functionality. This guide will take you through the various available options for a home media center (also known as Home Theater Personal Computers or HTPCs). When you make a purchase using links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Various helper programs, such as Media Editor or Media Server.Readers like you help support MUO. Online stores where you can purchase digital content. Share your digital content with other computers, TiVos and Media Receivers. It's handy if you want to play a file without importing it.Ĭustomize Media Center in many different ways. ![]() My Computer device lets you browse through your computer's hard disks, mapped network drives, and network places.TV Tuner lets you watch TV, pause it and record your favorite show.Handheld and Portable Devices like MP3 players or IPODs.Provides quick access to your CD-R, CD-R/RW, DVD, Handhelds, "My Computer" and the TV Tuner. Use Excel-style functions for use in view schemes, searches, and displayed columns Add a custom view scheme group to Media Center's tree.Playlist Groups - Organize your Playlists.Smartlists - Arrange content according to rules, including random ordering.Playlists - Arrange content in a fixed order.Playlists, Smartlists and Playlist Groups Move, Copy, Delete, Upload or Mail Files.This section covers other (besides the screen, mouse and keyboard) methods of controlling Media CenterĬovers what files Media Center handles, and how it stores them in a library. Customize the Content Pane Column Headings.DSP Studio (Equalizer, Replay Gain & DSP).5 Playlists, Smartlists and Playlist Groups.Please visit for more information about J River and Media Center. Media Center has more advanced features than any other application for superior customization and control of a media collection. Powerful utilities include three different servers for streaming music and images to remote PCs and standalone networked players.Play Web radio, TV, DVDs, Podcasts, video files and show digital images on your PC.Encode and play all popular media formats.If you can’t find the field you need, create your own custom field. Use Media Center for ripping and playing music, burning cds, listening to Podcasts, copying music onto a portable device and organizing your music collection using a multitude of organization fields.Media Center connects your PC to a stereo, TV, home theater, remote control devices, digital cameras, scanners, portable music players and UPnP player devices.Media Center turns your PC into a complete digital entertainment center. ![]()
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