Selecting an entertainment PC

By David Hakala

They say computers and the Internet are "changing the way we live, work, and play".  The Entertainment PC (EPC) is all about all of the play. The EPC is more than a gaming console, a personal video recorder (PVR), a DVD player, or an enormous jukebox. It combines all of those functions; adds the Internet, HDTV -- even digital satellite radio. Most importantly, it makes all of your digital fun easy to enjoy and share with others. An EPC replaces bulky stacks of electronic components and even bulkier stacks of user manuals. It lets you create and distribute fun as well as consume it. An EPC is for people who want to be fun, not just have fun.

But choosing an EPC is not everyone’s idea of fun. Combining all of these entertainment functions in one system means there are lots of options to weigh. The cost can be scary, although an integrated EPC is significantly less expensive to buy and maintain than all of the separate devices it replaces. Finally, the future of integrated digital entertainment is still uncertain. Today’s EPC best-buy may become tomorrow’s Betamax player, incompatible with new mainstream innovations.

EPC components and performance ranges

The following table gives you idea of what’s inside of an EPC, and what performance specifications are considered entry-level, mainstream and high end.

	Entry-level	Mainstream	High-end
CPU (dual core)	2 GHz	2.5 GHz	3 Ghz+
Memory	1 GB	1.5 GB	2 GB+
Graphics Processor	$100	$150	$250+
Sound	16-bit 48 KHz, 2.1	24-bit 96 KHz, 5.1	32-bit 128 KHz, 7.1+
TV Tuner	Analog	Analog & digital	Dual analog & digital
FM Tuner	None	Basic	High quality, satellite radio tuner optional
Hard disk	60 GB	100 GB	120 GB+
DVD drive	Read-only, 4x	Read 8x, write 2x	Read 16x, write 4x
CD drive	Read 16x, write 8x	Read 32x, Write 16x	Read 32x, write 24x
Software	Bundled w/OS	Bundled w/hardware	Third-party purchases

(Source: adapted and updated from Jon Peddie Research slideshow, "Computing for the Consumer – the Entertainment PC", 12/2004 CES presentation)

Standards:  Intel Viiv and AMD Live!

Makers of EPC components are gravitating to two technical standards:  Intel Viiv (rhymes with "five") and AMD Live! (with exclamation point.) Some products are compatible with both standards. Standard certification provides peace of mind and investment protection. It means each component of an EPC has been tested and shown to work with its other certified components. It also means the certified add-ons you may buy in the future will work with older, certified components.

At the core of Intel Viiv and AMD Live! are CPUs, motherboards and integrated graphics chips made by Intel or AMD, respectively. While the performance championship title changes hands almost monthly, AMD products are significantly less expensive than Intel’s equivalents almost all the time.

What's necessary

A high-definition TV is necessary to display the wonders of your EPC. Its resolution (720p, 1020p, 1080i, etc.) must be supported by the TV tuner in the EPC you choose. The higher the HDTV resolution is, the more CPU, memory, graphics processor and hard disk space you need. Also, make sure that HDTV and EPC have compatible connectors. Usually, EPC makers throw in every conceivable connector, but some entry-level EPCs may skimp.

Speakers for audio output can be a simple pair or half a dozen surround-sound units. Hardware devices that give an EPC fine control over speakers may be required, such as Microsoft Windows Media Center Extenders. Such “bridges” may also be needed to add remote digital radios to an EPC system, or a second TV set in the bedroom.

Retail EPCs usually come with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition. EPC functions are also in Microsoft Vista Premium and Ultimate editions. Software bundled with graphics, sound, TV and other component devices may be more efficient with specific devices, and they will integrate with Microsoft Media Center. Third-party software for professional level production, editing and management of your favorite types of media can be purchased separately.

Networking an EPC

Internet access is a top priority for most EPC owners. Often, it's as simple as plugging an Ethernet cable into the EPC and a router connected to the Internet via cable, DSL or some other form of broadband access. Digital content can stream from the Internet to HDTV, digital radio and other toys. The content can be stored, edited and even redistributed it to the world via your own Web-based media server.  Any broadband-capable Internet device can play an EPC's digital content . Never miss the home team’s game again!

Networking an EPC to remote devices at home can be a wired or wireless chore. Streaming HDTV video from an EPC to a remote TV set is a job for 100- Mbps Ethernet cable. The size of such files and the need for smooth video action are often more than wireless links can handle. Audio content, still images and similarly smaller files are suitable for 54 Mbps wireless links (802.11b/g). Hang in there — a new 802.11n wireless standard supporting 100 to 200 Mbps is coming.

The cost of Entertainment PCs

Plan on spending at least $1,000 on an entry-level EPC with all the features described above. Eye-catching lower prices often omit critical features such as a monitor, TV tuner or sound card. (Some no-name boxes may also use cheaper components that really spoil the entertainment experience, like noisy power supply fans.) The HP Pavilion Media Center m8010y series is a good example. It starts at $879 and has a full complement of internal components; the TV tuner even comes with a remote control. But a 19-inch flat panel monitor adds $150 to put you over the one-grand mark.

 
The HP Pavilion Media Center m8010y series, starting at $879, is a solid entry-level system. TV tuner & remote control included, monitor $150 extra.

Up the scale a bit is the Gateway FX530XG, which starts at $1499. Configured with 19” monitor, TV tuner, remote control, mid-range sound card, and internal wireless network adapter, the price just tops $1,920.

 
The Gateway FX530 series is a solid midrange EPC choice costing $1,500 to $2,500, depending on configuration.

The sky is truly the limit on high-end EPCs. The Alienware Hangar 18 doesn’t even look like a computer, but more like an audiophile’s dream. Starting at $1,999 with meager 702p HD tuner, the Hangar 18 can be tricked out to full 1080i HD with an earthshaking 5.1 amplifier and speakers for a mere $3,849.

 

The elegant Alienware Hangar 18 offers 720p to 10801 HDTV; 5.1 amplifier and speakers; and up to 900 hours of video storage for between $1,999 and $3,849..

Build, upgrade or just shoot yourself?

You may be tempted to build an EPC one piece at a time, as your budget permits and best-in-class components firm up. Don't do it.  Even the uber-geeks at Popular Mechanics magazine admit they were “crazy” for building a Monster Media Center PC from scratch for the December 2006, issue. The hardware and software added up to $5,132, excluding productivity suite, games, DVDs, etc. The build did not go smoothly, but at least they got paid for their time!

You can upgrade a spare PC to an EPC as easily as you can upgrade a Chevy Malibu to a Corvette. It just takes weeks of shopping, tinkering, and tech support calls, plus three times the price of a new ‘Vette; and the only original part salvaged will be the cigarette lighter. (Your PC has a cigarette lighter, doesn’t it?)

Buy an EPC unless you need a lifelong hobby. There are dozens of choices across the full spectrum of feature sets. Stick to standards-certified systems. Buy more capabilities than you think you need. Make sure that any peripherals you plan to buy, like a HDTV set, will connect to your EPC. Then enjoy having fun and being fun with your new EPC!