October 3, 2007 06:49
![Seeking the Ultimate Intel DHCAT PC
[October 3, 2007] Intel's DHCAT tool is supposed to assess the media-handling capabilities of PCs. We've worked with it quite a bit now. Here are some new tests and findings that may surprise you.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/intelcapabilitytool_60x60.jpg)
Intel's DHCAT tool is supposed to assess the media-handling capabilities of PCs. We've worked with it quite a bit now. Here are some new tests and findings that may surprise you.
September 12, 2007 16:37
![Sometimes TV Gets Too Hot to Handle
[September 12, 2007] We look at heat output from older model video cards and AVerMedia's new M780 combo card. All generate heat, but card temperatures aren't everything when it comes to TV card heat.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/oldvsnewtv_60x60.jpg)
We look at heat output from older model video cards and AVerMedia's new M780 combo card. All generate heat, but card temperatures aren't everything when it comes to TV card heat.
September 8, 2007 20:25
![Miss IFA: The Ultimate Booth Babe
[September 8, 2007] We bring you some great pictures of Miss IFA, the beautiful representative of last week's IFA 2007 consumer electronics show. See her cavort with electronic products galore.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/miss_ifa_60x60_teaser.jpg)
We bring you some great pictures of Miss IFA, the beautiful representative of last week's IFA 2007 consumer electronics show. See her cavort with electronic products galore.
September 2, 2007 13:36
![13 Pages of New IFA Booth Babes
[September 2, 2007] More lovely ladies from the IFA Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/models_2_60x60_teaser.jpg)
More lovely ladies from the IFA Consumer Electronics Show in Berlin.
June 11, 2007 09:18
![We Test Our BYO HTPCs With Intel's DHCAT
[June 11, 2007] Intel's Digital Home Capabilities Assessment Tool (DHCAT) was designed to evaluate multimedia hardware performance. We test our System Builder AMD- and Intel-based HTPCs with it.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/dhcat_60x60.jpg)
Intel's Digital Home Capabilities Assessment Tool (DHCAT) was designed to evaluate multimedia hardware performance. We test our System Builder AMD- and Intel-based HTPCs with it.
May 18, 2007 08:11
![System Builder Marathon (Media PCs): Day 3
[May 18, 2007] We've built low cost ($1,004) and high cost ($3,299) Media Center PCs. Today we discuss our experience with the builds and offer some righteous recommendations.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/sys_bld_media_pc_60x60_teaser.jpg)
We've built low cost ($1,004) and high cost ($3,299) Media Center PCs. Today we discuss our experience with the builds and offer some righteous recommendations.
May 17, 2007 09:17
![System Builder Marathon (Media PCs): Day 2
[May 17, 2007] Yesterday we built a low cost ($1,004) Media Center PC. Today we'll do a top of the line $3,300 model and, just for fun, up the price to $4,000 and beyond.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/sys_bld_htpc_60x60_teaser_fin.jpg)
Yesterday we built a low cost ($1,004) Media Center PC. Today we'll do a top of the line $3,300 model and, just for fun, up the price to $4,000 and beyond.
May 16, 2007 08:38
![System Builder Marathon (Media PCs): Day 1
[May 16, 2007] Today we build a low cost ($1,004) Media Center PC and cut corners to reduce its price to under $800. Tomorrow we'll do a top of the line model.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/sys_bld_htpc_60x60_teaser_fin_fin.jpg)
Today we build a low cost ($1,004) Media Center PC and cut corners to reduce its price to under $800. Tomorrow we'll do a top of the line model.
May 2, 2007 11:25
![We Build 4 HDMI-Based HTPCs
[May 2, 2007] Despite numerous gotchas and design conflicts, we manage to put together and test four different AMD and Intel CPU-based home theater PCs with HDMI capability. We're exhausted. You enjoy.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/hdmipc-60x60.jpg)
Despite numerous gotchas and design conflicts, we manage to put together and test four different AMD and Intel CPU-based home theater PCs with HDMI capability. We're exhausted. You enjoy.
January 16, 2007 17:53
![I Want My Content Here and Now!
[January 16, 2007] Systems to deliver digital content still resemble Dr. Frankenstein's monster. Still, trends are emerging and it's looking like the powers in Tellywood may not be the winners of this high stakes game.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/want_content_here_and_now_60x60_teaser.jpg)
Systems to deliver digital content still resemble Dr. Frankenstein's monster. Still, trends are emerging and it's looking like the powers in Tellywood may not be the winners of this high stakes game.
January 2, 2007 07:31
![Two Big-Screen Multimedia Notebooks with HD-DVD Players
[January 2, 2007] Earlier this year, we were wowed by a collection of five big-screen MCE notebook PCs. We return to this fertile field of technology, and find ourselves impressed by the quality and fidelity that HD-DVD players deliver, especially on big, capable HDTVs with HDMI inputs.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/toshiba-hp-60x60.jpg)
Earlier this year, we were wowed by a collection of five big-screen MCE notebook PCs. We return to this fertile field of technology, and find ourselves impressed by the quality and fidelity that HD-DVD players deliver, especially on big, capable HDTVs with HDMI inputs.
November 30, 2006 08:34
![Neodigits' Helios X5000 HD Network Media Player
[November 30, 2006] With its wide-streaming format support and 1080p upscaling DVD capability, Mike Baggaley liked Neodigits' top-of-the-line AV player.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/helios_x5000_60x60.jpg)
With its wide-streaming format support and 1080p upscaling DVD capability, Mike Baggaley liked Neodigits' top-of-the-line AV player.
September 28, 2006 07:07
![Mediagate MG-350HD: Multi-talented but multi-buggy
[September 28, 2006] Mike Baggaley started out liking Mediagate's combo HD media adapter/NAS. But in the end decided it wasn't worth the hassle.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/mediagate_mg-350hd_60x60.jpg)
Mike Baggaley started out liking Mediagate's combo HD media adapter/NAS. But in the end decided it wasn't worth the hassle.
September 11, 2006 09:40
![HP m7580n: Athlon Dual-Core Dorm-Room HTPC Powerhouse
[September 11, 2006] HP targets the dorm-room crowd with their m7580n Media Centre PC. DenGuru takes a closer look to see if it lives up to its price tag.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/hp_m7850n_60x60.jpg)
HP targets the dorm-room crowd with their m7580n Media Centre PC. DenGuru takes a closer look to see if it lives up to its price tag.
September 8, 2006 07:00
![The MythTV Convergence
[September 8, 2006] The grand unification of personal digital video recorder technology converges. In fact, we think you would do well to treat the MythTV suite of software applications as a harness for exercising greater control over those appliances that govern our daily activities outside the workplace.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/mythtv_60x60.jpg)
The grand unification of personal digital video recorder technology converges. In fact, we think you would do well to treat the MythTV suite of software applications as a harness for exercising greater control over those appliances that govern our daily activities outside the workplace.
July 18, 2006 11:31
![HP z556 Digital Entertainment Center: Why Build When You Can Buy?
[July 18, 2006] Many "Media Center" PCs are little more than slightly beefier desktops with Windows MCE installed. But Mike Baggaley found that HP](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/hpz556_60.jpg)
Many "Media Center" PCs are little more than slightly beefier desktops with Windows MCE installed. But Mike Baggaley found that HP's z556 is a viable alternative to building your own HTPC.
July 13, 2006 08:53
![Video Streaming Need To Know: Part 1- Encoding, Bit Rates and Errors
[July 13, 2006] Consumer networking vendors are constantly pitching us to stream video wirelessly around our homes. In Part 1 of this tutorial, Tim Higgins looks at what it takes to mess up networked video.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/video_stream_60x60.gif)
Consumer networking vendors are constantly pitching us to stream video wirelessly around our homes. In Part 1 of this tutorial, Tim Higgins looks at what it takes to mess up networked video.
May 16, 2006 17:53
![Confessions of a Serial HTPC Builder - Part 3
[May 16, 2006] Michael Baggaley applies hard lessons learned during his past attempts to build the ultimate home theater PC. The issue, he says, is to find the right balance between noise, power and style and how much money you are willing to spend.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/htpc_conf_pt3_60.jpg)
Michael Baggaley applies hard lessons learned during his past attempts to build the ultimate home theater PC. The issue, he says, is to find the right balance between noise, power and style and how much money you are willing to spend.
May 5, 2006 06:48
![Is SageTV 4 the path to Media Center Nirvana?
[May 5, 2006] Looking for an alternative to Windows Media Center? Michael Baggaley takes a look at a candidate that just might fit the bill.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/sage_tv_60x60.jpg)
Looking for an alternative to Windows Media Center? Michael Baggaley takes a look at a candidate that just might fit the bill.
May 1, 2006 06:55
![Buffalo's LinkTheater mini: Too Little, Too Late
[May 1, 2006] A $100 networked media adapter handling music, photos and video sure got our attention. But Jim Buzbee found that Buffalo made too many compromises to get under that magic hundred dollar mark.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/linktheater_60x60.jpg)
A $100 networked media adapter handling music, photos and video sure got our attention. But Jim Buzbee found that Buffalo made too many compromises to get under that magic hundred dollar mark.
April 25, 2006 09:43
![An HTPC on the cheap with GB-PVR
[April 25, 2006] If you're a college student with not a lot to spend, getting into the HTPC game requires a little creativity, but it can be done. Benjamin Webb shows how he did it.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/htpc_gbpvr_60.jpg)
If you're a college student with not a lot to spend, getting into the HTPC game requires a little creativity, but it can be done. Benjamin Webb shows how he did it.
April 6, 2006 08:59
![Confessions Of A Serial HTPC Builder - Part 2
[April 6, 2006] Part 2 of Michael Baggaley's series explores whether smaller is better when it comes to building Home Theater PCs. Opting for an MSI Mega180 small form factor PC and an ATI 9600 passively-cooled graphics card this time around offered a quieter and more-stylish HTPC build - albeit with some unpleasant surprises.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/htpc_extrava_60x60.jpg)
Part 2 of Michael Baggaley's series explores whether smaller is better when it comes to building Home Theater PCs. Opting for an MSI Mega180 small form factor PC and an ATI 9600 passively-cooled graphics card this time around offered a quieter and more-stylish HTPC build - albeit with some unpleasant surprises.
March 27, 2006 14:09
![Confessions Of A Serial HTPC Builder - Part 1
[March 27, 2006] Michael Baggaley likes to build Home Theater PCs and will be describing a few of his builds for us. Part 1 of this series examines a water-cooled oldie, which was low on decibels but a bit too loud for most non-geeks' decorating tastes.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/htpc1_60x60.jpg)
Michael Baggaley likes to build Home Theater PCs and will be describing a few of his builds for us. Part 1 of this series examines a water-cooled oldie, which was low on decibels but a bit too loud for most non-geeks' decorating tastes.
March 20, 2006 11:45
![HTPC Remote Possibilities
[March 20, 2006] Remote controls are must-haves for anything you need to control from the comfort of your couch. Siggy Moersch reviews six alternatives for making your Windows HTPC more living-room friendly.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/remote_60x60.jpg)
Remote controls are must-haves for anything you need to control from the comfort of your couch. Siggy Moersch reviews six alternatives for making your Windows HTPC more living-room friendly.
March 7, 2006 06:42
![DIY HD HTPC Extravaganza - Part 3: Tuners, Graphics, & Putting It All Together
[March 7, 2006] In our final installment, Siggy surveys quiet graphics cards, TV tuner cards and products for multimedia control and display. And we finally show the details of both our test builds.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/diy_htpc_pt3_60.jpg)
In our final installment, Siggy surveys quiet graphics cards, TV tuner cards and products for multimedia control and display. And we finally show the details of both our test builds.
February 28, 2006 11:52
![DIY HD HTPC Extravaganza - Part 2: Mobos, CPUs, Memory & Power
[February 28, 2006] Part 2 of our build-your-own HTPC series surveys the wide world of motherboards, CPUs, memory and power supplies and comes up with the picks to match our chosen case.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/diy_htpc_pt2_60.jpg)
Part 2 of our build-your-own HTPC series surveys the wide world of motherboards, CPUs, memory and power supplies and comes up with the picks to match our chosen case.
February 22, 2006 13:13
![DIY HD HTPC Extravaganza - Part 1: The Cases
[February 22, 2006] The choices available for building your own Home Theater PC keep broadening. In Part 1 of our latest HTPC series, Siggy Moersch makes his selection from ten contenders to house a quiet, yet powerful HD-capable system.](http://images.tomshardware.com/_teaser/60x60/htpc_60x60.jpg)
The choices available for building your own Home Theater PC keep broadening. In Part 1 of our latest HTPC series, Siggy Moersch makes his selection from ten contenders to house a quiet, yet powerful HD-capable system.
October 21, 2005 13:00
The M-Play 202 represents an easy-to-set-up way to enhance your multimedia PC experience, especially with Media Center Edition. Comprising a remote control and a display panel to manage your Windows-based music, video and photo applications, the system quickly becomes something you can't live without.
October 3, 2005 13:00
Hype aside, is it really possible to build a PC that is quiet and does everything that a high-end remote-controlled set-top box can do? And don't forget it's got to look good in your living room, too.
September 14, 2005 12:00
Toshiba's beautiful monster, the Qosmio G25-AV513 notebook, can be used as a Windows Media Center Edition PC, a standard Windows XP PC and, without even booting into Windows XP, a stand-alone audio/video component. We look at how the G25 fairs in each of these roles.
