

The HTPC as a concept is the product of several technology innovations including high-powered home computers, digital media, and the shift from standard-resolution CRT to high-definition monitors, projectors, and large-screen televisions. 5 Impact on traditional television services.

#NEW LINUX MEDIA CENTER PC SOFTWARE#
Since 2007, digital media player and smart TV software has been incorporated into consumer electronics through software or hardware changes including video game consoles, Blu-ray players, networked media players, televisions, and set-top boxes. Enthusiasts can also piece together a system out of discrete components as part of a software-based HTPC. An HTPC can be purchased pre-configured with the required hardware and software needed to add video programming or music to the PC. An HTPC system typically has a remote control and the software interface normally has a 10-foot (3 m) user interface design so that it can be comfortably viewed at typical television viewing distances. HTPC and other convergent devices integrate components of a home theater into a unit co-located with a home entertainment system. The term "media center" also refers to specialized application software designed to run on standard personal computers. Since the mid-2000s, other types of consumer electronics, including game consoles and dedicated media devices, have crossed over to manage video and music content, such as the PlayStation 3 and the Apple TV.
#NEW LINUX MEDIA CENTER PC PC#
A Mac Mini as a home theater PC showing Apple's discontinued Front Row interfaceĪ home theater PC ( HTPC) or media center computer is a convergent device that combines some or all the capabilities of a personal computer with a software application that focuses on video, photo, audio playback, and sometimes video recording functionality.
