{"id":544040,"date":"2010-04-26T21:47:00","date_gmt":"2010-04-27T01:47:00","guid":{"rendered":"tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11976697.post-4059383308191645455"},"modified":"2010-04-26T21:49:40","modified_gmt":"2010-04-27T01:49:40","slug":"make-your-own-dvr-movie-and-music-server-%e2%80%93-htpc-basics","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/544040","title":{"rendered":"Make Your Own DVR, Movie, and Music Server \u2013 HTPC Basics"},"content":{"rendered":"

Unless you\u2019ve been living under a rock or two, you probably already know what a DVR can do.  And you very likely have seen and possibly even used a TiVo \u2013 a powerful and easy-to-use DVR.  But have you ever considered making your own DVR \u2013 one that runs from your home computer?  Many who read GeekTonic<\/a> have done just that.  <\/p>\n

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But countless others have either considered it too much work, too difficult, too expensive, too geeky or some other excuse.  If you\u2019re one of those who hasn\u2019t tried transforming their computer into a DVR or one who has tried unsuccessfully, this primer is for you.  And if you are already the proud owner of your very own HTPC, you\u2019ll still learn from this series.  This is the first of a article series with the goal of helping you understand the pros and cons of Home Theater PCs (HTPCs), how to build an HTPC, which software and hardware to use in your HTPC and the amazing things you can do with your HTPC.<\/p>\n

\"An <\/p>\n

What is a HTPC?<\/h4>\n

A Home Theater PC or HTPC for short is a \u201cappliance\u201d that takes a computer, adds software all with video & music playback and usually video recording capabilities to make a device many call a \u201cMedia Center.\u201d  Think of it as a home theater super-set-to-box that combines everything media-related into your computer to power your TV and audio system.  The HTPC can be controlled with a keyboard and\/or mouse, but typically a remote control is added to give the user that \u201c10-foot user interface\u201d so you can control everything on your TV and audio system from the comfort of your couch.  In it\u2019s full-implementation, the HTPC acts as the DVR, DVD player, Blu-Ray player, Movie-on-demand, Online Video display, music jukebox, TV Guide, internet radio player, and home automation controller all in one device.<\/p>\n

In more complex setups, one HTPC \u201cserver\u201d can power multiple TVs throughout a home all with once point of recording & storage, but controlled from the remote control at each TV set.<\/p>\n

Why HTPCs?<\/h4>\n

I remember when I first began piecing together my first HTPC.  My family and friends didn\u2019t understand why.  Those who haven\u2019t witnessed a well implemented HTPC setup often ask these questions:  Why would anyone put a computer in the living room?  Why would you go to so much trouble to set that techno-monstrosity up and maintain it?  Why do you need a computer to do what your $10 per month cable company DVR box can do?<\/p>\n

I asked HTPC users this same question on twitter and one of the best answers was this from Jason<\/a>:<\/p>\n

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I use an HTPC \u201cto get what I want, where I want, when I want it. Lower recurring costs, media aggregator, commercial skip, whole home dvr\u201d<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The answers to those questions depend on the person asking of course.  But here are a few of the many reasons you might consider an HTPC for your setup:<\/p>\n