Build your own media PC

Posted on 12 Mar 2004 at 16:32

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Building your own PC system gives you scope to customise it to your requirements - and what better way to use that flexibility than by building a swanky entertainment system to take pride of place in the living room? In part 1 of this two-part series, MARTIN COOPER explains how to put your plans into action.

The sun is setting on the television set. Sure, TV manufacturers are doing their best to survive. The latest models are all curvaceous, silver, widescreen jobs with hi-fi stereo speakers. That won't be enough to save them from extinction, though. The day is fast approaching when the centrepiece of every living room will not be a television set, but a PC.

But why? Surely your old Sony Wega lets you watch Coronation Steet and Panorama? Isn't this just another example of progress for progress' sake?

Well, no. For starters, if you want a bit of variety, you'll need more than a television set on its own. For years, video recorders have enabled us to record programmes and watch them at a time that's convenient. Want to watch DVDs? Then that's another box. Want more TV channels, such as Freeview digital? Another box. And we haven't even mentioned the spaghetti-like mass of cables you'll need to connect them all. Most living rooms also play host to a complete hi-fi system, too.

Buy an entertainment PC and you get a single box that'll handle all these jobs - TV, DVD, video recording, playing CDs and more - but will also do plenty more besides. You can surf the Internet, record music and video on to CD and DVD, look at family photographs, do office work such as word processing, and play games. And if you want a box that's tailored to your exact needs, there's no better course of action than to build it yourself.

If you're a keen gamer, you can create a machine with turbo-charged 3D graphics and powerful surround sound. Home movie-makers can bolster the PC's video editing credentials with a powerful processor and DVD writer.

There are other advantages to building your own. Put a PC together yourself and you'll know exactly what parts it contains, and what they can do. Armed with that knowledge, you'll also be perfectly placed to sort out any problems. So, no more visits from the TV repair man. As a PC builder, you can also ensure that your computer can be upgraded - and the experience of building your PC will give you the confidence to add new components or features as they become available.

Author: Martin Cooper