Got a PC? Use it for your Home Theatre

Your PC can also become the foundation of your home theatre system. With some simple, and affordable, add-ons to improve it’s performance, your PC will become a money-saving dual-purpose home theatre device.

Your PC must start off with a CD or DVD player at the least. Better yet, if it can also burn to those media. But you’ll have the home theatre experience you’re looking for without the big cash outlay.

Getting started

If you’re starting with a PC with the features mentioned above, all you’ll need is a video card with S-video output (compare to VGA output). Connect your PC to your TV, LCD, plasma, or other screening mechanism.

It only needs to be compatible with the monitor you’re already using with your PC, so you shouldn’t have any problems hooking it up.

Improvements

Upgrade your PC with various sound cards that are available at relatively modest prices. If your computer doesn’t already have a surround sound capability, you can add DTS decoding which will allow for the traditional home theatre experience.

Dolby Digital will also turn your PC into a true sound machine which will produce beautiful surround sound effects. Focus on the speakers to make it work like you’d expect from the traditional home theatre system.

You only have to connect your PC to an AV receiver using an optical digital audio input/output device which are readily available at any electronics store. Or just connect the surround effect speakers to the AV output on your PC. Either will give you the ultimate in sound to go with your home theatre.

PC Home Theatres

The software developers have seen the future in PC-capable home theatres and are designing software that will turn your PC into a functional home theatre. There are many sound and video cards already on the market which will transform your PC as well.

Windows XP Media Center Edition already has the capability to set up your PC home theatre, and also features a TV tuner and recorder to take your PC to new level. If not you’ll find software that will turn your PC in a home theatre without much effort or cost. All you sacrifice is the use of your PC during the movie.