What does it replace?

[biney59]

Hello everyone. I am very new to the home theater scene simply because we just moved into our first house ever, where we have a room that is now dedicated to a home theater.

I have been looking around intensly on the Media Center subject because it intrigues a lot. I was wondering what exactly does a Media Center PC replace? (In terms or hardware). I am most likely going to get something like http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1227544&CatId=0 . But in the web page, on bottom it shows a picture of how this unit replaces quite a few hardware units.

I know for a fact it can replace the DVD player, but else does it replace? And what do I still need (for example do I still need an amplifier).

One last question, will I be able to upgrade the OS on the system for example if a new WMC comes out?[/

[redwudz]

MS media center system is basically the XP OS with a few add-ons that facilitate media use. It generally includes a video card, remote control and programs that make it easier to use as video recorder and playback system. The OS would be upgraded along with the XP OS when upgrades are issued.

With that said, you can accomplish the same thing without it, though it does take more setup.

I use a dedicated computer with the regular XP installed for home theater use that interfaces with a video projector. I can tell you just to play DVDs that I still use a dedicated DVD settop player. It's just easier.

As far as audio amplifier, you would still need a home theater type audio amplifier and speakers to get the maximum effect. Most computers just wouldn't have the power available to drive surround sound speakers directly.