Covers basic audio and video concepts, and shows how they relate to computer-based multimediaContains reviews and recommendations of hardware and software that make the home theater person computer (HTPC) workIncludes photos, descriptions, and explanations of difficult procedures and concepts to make creating your own HTPC easierUse Your PC to Build an Incredible Home Theater System is meant for those home theater enthusiasts with some working knowledge of personal computers (PCs) who want to create the ultimate home theater experience. A Home Theater Personal Computer (HTPC) is basically an ordinary PC used in conjunction with a high-definition-capable television, monitor, or video projector, and a sound system. The book is laid out chronologically and follows the authors' activities as they assemble two HTPC systems, starting with a detailed background of video and audio technologies to help readers understand what the HTPC can do.An HTPC can do much more than play DVD movies on a HDTV-ready television. The convergence of computers and digital entertainment formats means that the PC platform is well suited to reproducing audio in many formats, including converting older analog recordings to digital. It is also great for capturing and editing home movies, implementing a personal video recorder, creating slide-show presentations with digital pictures, videoconferencing, and much more. Use Your PC to Build an Incredible Home Theater System will show readers how to set up an HTPC for the most complete home theater experience available.

Photos, descriptions, and explanations of difficult procedures and concepts are included to make creating your own HTPC easier

Home Theater Basics.- Video.- Home Theater PC Uses.- Audio Specifications.- Hardware Components.- Home Theater PC Video Cards.- Home Theater PC Audio Cards.- Video Capture Devices.- Home Theater Remote Controls.- Additional Hardware Requirements and Putting It All Together.- Software and Other Solutions.- The Software.- The Power of PowerStrip.- HTPC Systems Wrap-Up.- Results and Conclusions.