View source for Home theater PC

{{short description|PC meant to be used  in a home theater setting}}
{{Use American English|date=November 2020}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2020}}

[[File:MiniHT.JPG|thumb|A [[Mac Mini]] as a home theater PC showing Apple's discontinued [[Front Row (software)|Front Row]] interface]]

A '''home theater PC''' ('''HTPC''') or '''media center computer''' is a [[technological convergence|convergent]] device that combines some or all the capabilities of a [[personal computer]] with a [[software application]] that focuses on video, photo, audio playback, and sometimes [[digital video recorder|video recording]] functionality. Since the mid-2000s, other types of [[consumer electronics]], including [[Video game console|game consoles]] and dedicated media devices, have crossed over to manage video and music content. The term "media center" also refers to specialized [[application software]] designed to run on standard [[personal computer]]s.<ref name="ArsHTPC2010">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/guides/2010/12/htpc-guide-1 |title=Ars Technica HTPC Guide: December 2010 |date=2010-12-01 | first=Brian |last=Won | website=[[Ars Technica]] | access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref>

HTPC and other convergent devices integrate components of a [[Home cinema|home theater]] into a unit co-located with a home entertainment system. An HTPC system typically has a remote control and the software interface normally has a [[10-foot user interface|10-foot (3&nbsp;m) user interface]] design so that it can be comfortably viewed at typical television viewing distances. An HTPC can be purchased pre-configured with the required hardware and software needed to add video programming or music to the PC. Enthusiasts can also piece together a system out of discrete components as part of a software-based HTPC.<ref name="ArsHTPC2010" /><ref name="ArsHTPC">{{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/hardware/guides/2008/12/guide-200812-htpc.ars |title=Ars Ultimate Home Theater PC Guide: 1080p HDMI Edition |date=2008-12-01 | first=Brian |last=Won | website=[[Ars Technica]] | access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Lifehacker2010">{{cite web |url=http://lifehacker.com/5462275/which-media-center-is-right-for-you-boxee-xbmc-and-windows-media-center-compared |title=Which Media Center Is Right for You: Boxee, XBMC, and Windows Media Center Compared |date=2010-02-02 |first1=Jason|last1=Fitzpatrick|first2=Kevin|last2=Purdy |publisher=Lifehacker|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref><ref name="Lifehacker2008">{{cite web |url=http://lifehacker.com/5103464/five-best-media-center-applications |title=Five Best Media Center Applications |date=2008-12-07 |first=Adam|last=Pash |publisher=Lifehacker|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/acer-ships-amd-powered-revo-rl100-htpc-to-americans-499-and-up/|title=Acer ships AMD-powered Revo RL100 HTPC to Americans: $499 and up|first=Darren|last=Murph|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref>

Since 2007, [[digital media players]] and [[smart TV]] software has been incorporated into consumer electronics through software or hardware changes including video game consoles, [[Blu-ray]] players, [[Digital media player|networked media player]]s, televisions, and [[set-top box]]es. The increased availability of specialized devices, coupled with paid and free digital online content, now offers an alternative to multipurpose (and more costly) personal computers.<ref name="MaximumPC">{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Michael |date=2010-09-07 |title=Can a Media Player Replace a Home Theater PC? |url=http://www.maximumpc.com/article/features/can_media_player_replace_home_theater_pc |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130212192018/http://www.maximumpc.com/article/can_media_player_replace_home_theater_pc |archive-date=February 12, 2013 |access-date=February 14, 2011 |website=[[Maximum PC]]}}</ref>

== History ==
The HTPC as a concept is the product of several technology innovations including high-powered home computers, digital media, and the shift from standard-resolution CRT to high-definition monitors, projectors, and large-screen televisions.

Integrating televisions and personal computers dates back to the late 1980s with tuner cards that could be added to [[Amiga]] computers via the [[Video Toaster]]. This adaptation would allow a small video window to appear on the screen with broadcast or cable content. Apple Computer also developed the [[Macintosh TV]] in late 1993 that included a tuner card built into a [[Macintosh LC 520]] chassis but quickly withdrew from the market with only 10,000 units shipped.<ref name="Gateway1996">{{cite news|url=http://www.businessweek.com/1996/13/b3468128.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19970628185326/http://www.businessweek.com/1996/13/b3468128.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 28, 1997 |title=Gateway's Destination: Your Living Room |date=March 25, 1996 |author=Elstrom, Peter |work=[[Business Week]] | access-date=February 4, 2010 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://lowendmac.com/1993/mac-tv/ | title=Macintosh 500 Series | publisher=Low End Mac.com | access-date=February 4, 2010}}</ref>
[[File:Gateway 2000 Destination.jpg|thumb|The Gateway 2000 Destination, home theater PC first released in 1996]]
In 1996 [[Gateway, Inc.|Gateway 2000]] unveiled the Destination computer, which included a tuner card and video card. The unit cost $4,000 and mostly integrated television viewing and computer functions on one color monitor.<ref name="Gateway1996"/> The Destination was called a "PC-TV Combo" but by December the term "Home-theater PC" appeared in mainstream media: "The home theater PC will be a combination entertainment and information appliance."<ref>{{cite news |date=December 27, 1996 |title=Digital TV Standard Endorsed by FCC |work=[[Contra Costa Times]] |url= |access-date=}}</ref>

By 2000, [[DVD]] players had become relatively ubiquitous and consumers were seeking ways to improve the picture. The value of using a computer instead of standalone DVD player drove more usage of the PC as a home media device. In particular, the desire for [[progressive scan]]ning DVD players ([[480p]] instead of [[480i]]) with better video fidelity led some consumers to consider their computers instead of very expensive DVD players.<ref name="Forbes2000">{{cite news|url=https://www.forbes.com/forbes/2000/0724/6603210a.html|title=Parameters|date=July 24, 2000|author=Kessler, Andrew J. |work=[[Forbes]]|access-date=February 8, 2010}}</ref>

As DVD players dropped in price, so did PCs and their related video-processing and storage capabilities. In 2000, DVD decryption software using the [[DeCSS]] algorithm allowed DVD owners to consolidate their DVD video libraries on hard drives.<ref>In a 2007 landmark ruling, a U.S. court found this practice legal in specific applications where the CSS encryption is transferred to the copy on the hard drive in spite of the [[Digital Millennium Copyright Act]]. {{cite web|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/news/2007/03/dvd-consortium-loses-court-case-over-dvd-copying.ars |title=DVD consortium loses court case over DVD copying | first=Eric |last=Bangeman | website=[[Ars Technica]] | date=March 29, 2007 | access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref> Innovations such as [[TiVo]] and [[ReplayTV]] allowed viewers to store and timeshift broadcast content using specially designed computers. ReplayTV for instance ran on a [[VxWorks]] platform. Incorporating these capabilities into PCs was well within the ability of a computer hobbyist who was willing to build and program these systems. Key benefits of these DIY projects included lower cost and more features.<ref name="Dang2007">{{cite news |author=Dang |first=Alan |date=November 28, 2007 |title=The Trouble with HTPCs |work=FiringSquad |url=http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/trouble_with_htpc/ |access-date=February 8, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606051243/http://www.firingsquad.com/hardware/trouble_with_htpc/ |archive-date=June 6, 2011}}</ref> Advancements in hardware identified another weak link: the absence of media management software to make it easy to display and control the video from a distance.<ref name="Forbes2000"/>

[[File:MythTV-blue menu.png|thumb|Original MythTV Home Screen {{Circa|2002}}]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:MythTV-Arclight.png|thumb|250px|Arclight theme for current MythTV c.&nbsp;2011]] -->
By 2002, major software developments also facilitated media management, hardware integration, and content presentation. [[MythTV]] provided a [[Free software|free]] and open source solution using [[Linux]]. The concept was to combine a digital tuner with digital video recording, program guides, and computer capabilities with a 10-foot (3 m) user interface.<ref name=post>{{Cite news|last = Barylick| first = Chris| title = MythTV Invades Realm of Cable and TiVo| newspaper =  [[The Washington Post]]| access-date = 2010-02-19| date = 2006-03-26| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/25/AR2006032500115.html}}</ref> [[XBMC]] was another [[Free and open source software|free and open software]] project started with re-purposing the [[Xbox (console)|Xbox]] as a home theater PC but has since been ported to Windows and Macintosh operating systems in various forms including [[Boxee]] and [[Plex (software)|Plex]].<ref>{{cite web | url=http://static.telematicsfreedom.org/flossmediacenter/EN_FLOSS_Media_Center_Comparison.pdf | title=FLOSS Media Centers State of the Art Comparison Chart | last=Spagnolo | first=Giovani | publisher=Telematics Freedom Foundation | date=July 10, 2009 | access-date=February 9, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100215194819/http://static.telematicsfreedom.org/flossmediacenter/EN_FLOSS_Media_Center_Comparison.pdf | archive-date=February 15, 2010 }}</ref> Mainstream commercial software packages included Microsoft's [[Windows XP Media Center Edition]] (2002) and Apple's [[Front Row (software)|Front Row]] (2005), bundled with [[Mac OS X]] until 10.7. By early 2006, commercial examples of this integration included the [[Mac mini]] which had the Apple Remote, 5.1 digital audio, and an updated Front Row interface that would play shared media. Because of these features and the Mini's small form factor, consumers began using the Mini as a Mac-based home theater PC.<ref name="multimediaMac">{{cite magazine |last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=May 31, 2006 |title=My multimedia Mac mini |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html |url-status=dead |magazine=[[Macworld]] |access-date=February 8, 2010 |archive-date=June 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611172133/http://www.macworld.com/article/51113/2006/05/multimediamini.html }}</ref>

As digital cable and satellite became the norm, HTPC software became more dependent on external decoder boxes, and the subscription costs that came with them. For instance, MythTV is capable of capturing unencrypted [[HDTV]] streams, such as those broadcast over the air or on cable using a [[QAM]] tuner. However, most U.S. [[Cable television|cable]] and [[Satellite Television|satellite]] [[set-top box]]es provide only encrypted HD streams for [[Cable television in the United States#Basic cable|"non-basic"]] content, which can be decoded only by OpenCable-approved hardware or software.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geektonic.com/2007/04/will-cablecard-support-ever-come-for.html | title=GeekTonic: Will CableCard Support Ever Arrive for BeyondTV, Sage or MythTV? | publisher=geektonic.com | date=April 7, 2007 | access-date=May 2, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/archive/2007/02/06/549593.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070209211429/http://msmvps.com/blogs/chrisl/archive/2007/02/06/549593.aspx |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2007 |title=OS X and Linux: CableCARD, DIRECTV, Dish, HD DVD, Blu-ray? |first=Chris |last=Lanier |publisher=MSMVPs.com |date=February 6, 2007 |access-date=May 2, 2011 }}</ref> In September 2009, OEM restrictions were officially lifted for [[cableCARD]] devices,<ref>{{cite web | url=http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/09/media-center-cablecards-freed-from-oem-requirement/ | title=Media Center CableCARDs freed from OEM requirement | first=Stephen | last=Kim | publisher=[[Engadget]] | date=September 9, 2009 | access-date=February 8, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100124121340/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/09/09/media-center-cablecards-freed-from-oem-requirement/ | archive-date=2010-01-24 | url-status=dead }}</ref> opening up the possibility of HTPC integration.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center/ | title=How to install a CableCARD tuner in your DIY Media Center | first=Ben | last=Drawbaugh | publisher=[[Engadget]] | date=May 12, 2009 | access-date=February 8, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214234654/http://hd.engadget.com/2009/05/12/how-to-install-a-cablecard-tuner-in-your-diy-media-center | archive-date=2010-02-14 | url-status=dead }}</ref>

The advent of fully digital HDTV displays helped to complete the value and ease of use of a HTPC system. Digital [[Video projector|projectors]], [[Plasma display|plasma]] and [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] displays often came pre-configured to accept computer video outputs including [[VGA]], [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]] and [[component video]]. Furthermore, both the computers and the displays could include [[video scaler]]s to better conform the image to the screen format and resolutions. Likewise, computers also included [[HDMI]] ports that carry both audio and video signals to home video displays or AV receivers.

The simplified integration of computer and home theater displays has allowed for fully digital content distribution over the internet. For instance, by 2007 [[Netflix#Internet streaming|Netflix "watch instantly"]] subscribers could view streaming content using their HTPCs with a browser<ref>{{cite web|last=Topolsky |first=Joshua |url=https://www.engadget.com/2008/10/26/netflix-finally-brings-watch-instantly-to-macs-via-silverlight/ |title=Netflix finally brings 'Watch Instantly' to Macs via Silverlight – Engadget |publisher=Engadget.com |access-date=2008-11-21}}</ref> or with plug-ins with applications such as Plex and XBMC. Similar plug-ins are also available for [[Hulu]], [[YouTube]], and broadcasters such as [[NBC]], [[CBS]] and [[Public Broadcasting Service|PBS]].<ref name="Ars 2007">{{cite web |last=Anderson |first=Nate |date=August 2007 |title=Opinion: Projector Area for Buying Best Projectors; long live the HTPC |url=https://projectorsarea.com/ |url-status=dead |access-date=February 11, 2010 |website=[[Ars Technica]] |archive-date=March 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100303092857/http://www.projectorsarea.com/ }}</ref>

== HTPC characteristics ==
[[File:Home theater PC front with keyboard.jpg|thumb|[[Antec]] Fusion V2 home theater PC case with [[Vacuum fluorescent display|VFD display]], 5.25" [[drive bay]], volume control and some [[Computer port (hardware)|ports]] on front and [[Keyboard (computing)|keyboard]] on top]]
[[File:ULTRA HD BLU RAY HTPC (cropped).jpg|thumb|Home theater PC capable of playing [[Ultra HD Blu-ray]] discs]]

The media itself may be [[Computer storage|stored]], received by [[Terrestrial television|terrestrial]], [[Satellite television|satellite]] or cable broadcasting or [[Streaming media|streamed]] from the internet. Stored media is kept either on a local [[hard drive]] or on [[network attached storage]]. Some software is capable of doing other tasks, such as finding news ([[RSS (file format)|RSS]]) from the [[Internet]].

Beyond functioning as a standard PC, normally HTPCs have some additional characteristics:

=== Television connectivity ===
Standard PC units are usually connected to a [[Cathode-ray tube|CRT]] or [[Liquid crystal display|LCD]] display, while HTPCs are designed to be connected to a [[television]]. All HTPCs should feature a TV-out option, using either an [[HDMI]], [[Digital Visual Interface|DVI]], [[DisplayPort]], [[component video]], [[Video Graphics Array|VGA]] (for some LCD televisions), [[S-Video]], or [[composite video]] output.<ref name="Top 10">{{cite web|url=http://www.hometheaternetwork.com/HTN_HTPC2b.htm|title=HTPC vs. PC, Top 10 Differences|access-date=February 13, 2010}}</ref>

=== Remote control ===
[[File:Plex Remote Control.png|thumb|The Plex smartphone application used to control playback on a computer<ref name="PlexNine"/>]]Integrating a HTPC into a typical living room requires a way of controlling it from a distance. Many TV tuner/capture cards include remote controls for use with the applications included with the card. Software such as [[Boxee]], [[GB-PVR]], [[SageTV]], [[MediaPortal]] and [[Beyond TV]] support the use of [[Windows MCE]] and other remote controls. Another option is an in-air mouse pointer such as the [[Wii Remote]], GlideTV Navigator, or Loop Pointer, which gives cursor control from a distance. It is also possible to use common wireless keyboards and other peripherals to achieve the same effect (though the range may not be as long as a typical remote control's).<ref name="Top 10"/>

Some HTPCs, such as the Plex/Mac Mini combination, support programmable remote controls designed for a wide range of typical home theater devices.<ref name="MiniRemote">{{cite web |last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=2009-03-23 |title=Mac mini media center: Control everything remotely |url=http://www.macworld.com/article/140182/2009/04/macmini_mediacenter_remotecontrol.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322085537/https://www.macworld.com/article/1140182/macmini_mediacenter_remotecontrol.html |archive-date=March 22, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2011 |website=[[MacWorld]]}}</ref> More recent innovations include remote-control applications for Android and Apple iOS smartphones and tablets.<ref name="PlexNine">{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2010/08/30/exclusive-hands-on-with-plex-nine-for-mac-os-x-and-plex-app-for-ios-devices/|title=Exclusive Hands-On With Plex/Nine For Mac OS X & Plex App For iOS Devices|date=2010-08-30 | first=Deleon |last=Nicholas | publisher=[[Techcrunch]]| access-date=November 29, 2011}}</ref>

=== External and networked storage devices ===
Because of the nature of the HTPC, units require higher-than-average capacities for storage of pictures, music, television shows, videos, and other [[multimedia]].<ref name="Top 10"/> Designed almost as a 'permanent storage' device, space can quickly run out on these devices. Because of restrictions on internal space for hard disk drives and a desire for low noise levels, many HTPC units use a [[Network Attached Storage|NAS (Network Attached Storage)]] device, or another type of network-connected [[file server]].<ref name="Lifehacker2010"/>

=== TV tuner cards ===
A [[TV tuner card]] is a computer component that allows television signals to be received by a computer. Most TV tuners also function as video capture cards, allowing them to record television programs onto a hard disk. Several manufacturers build combined TV tuner plus capture cards for PCs. Many such cards offer hardware MPEG encoding to reduce the computing requirements. Some cards are designed for analog TV signals such as standard definition cable or off the air television, while others are designed for high-definition digital TV.<ref name="Top 10"/>

=== Network TV tuner ===
A network TV tuner or [[TV gateway]] is a TV server that converts TV signal from satellite, cable or antenna to IP. With multiple TV tuners, the TV gateway can stream multiple TV channels to devices across the network. Several TV gateway manufacturers build the device to stream the entire DVB stream, relying on the host player device to process the feed and to capture/record, while other devices such as [[VBox Home TV Gateway]] provide a variety of option from full PVR and live TV features, to streaming of specific DVB layers to support less powerful devices and to save network bandwidth.

=== Quiet/minimal noise ===
{{see also|Quiet PC}}
A common user complaint with using standard PCs as HTPC units is background noise, especially in quieter film scenes. Most personal computers are designed for maximum performance, while the functions of a HTPC system may not be processor-intensive. Thus, passive cooling systems, low-noise fans, vibration-absorbing elastic mounts for fans and hard drives, and other noise-minimizing devices are used in place of conventional cooling systems.<ref name="Top 10"/>

== Software ==
HTPC options exist for each of the major operating systems: [[Microsoft Windows]], [[Mac OS X]] and [[Linux]]. The software is sometimes called "Media Center Software".

=== Linux, Unix, and BSD ===
A number of media center software solutions exist for Linux-, Unix-, and BSD-based operating systems; for example [[MythTV]] is a fully fledged integrated suite of software which incorporates TV recording, video library, video game library, image/picture gallery, information portal and music collection playback among other capabilities. [[Kodi (software)|Kodi]] is also available (as it is for many platforms), and can be used to present all the available media including TV programmes recorded by MythTV. [[Freevo]], [[Video Disk Recorder|VDR]], [[SageTV]] and [[Boxee]] are other solutions.

Linux, partially due to its opensource nature, is available as customised versions including the mediacentre pre-installed and with superfluous software removed. Examples include [[MythBuntu]] (based on [[Xubuntu]]), and [[Ubuntu TV]] or [[Kodi (software)#Native applications|Kodibuntu (formerly XBMCbuntu)]], (all based on [[Ubuntu (operating system)|Ubuntu]]).

[[LinuxMCE]] is a complete [[home automation]] solution including lighting/curtains, security, and MythTV capability.

=== Mac OS X ===
For [[Mac OS X]] versions before 10.7 (Lion), HTPC functionality is built into the operating system itself. Specifically, the programs [[Front Row (software)|Front Row]] and [[Cover Flow]], used in conjunction with the [[Apple Remote]], allow users easily to browse and view any multimedia content stored on their Macs. With the July 2011 release of Mac OS X Lion, Front Row has been discontinued.<ref name=multimediaMac/>

Several third-party applications provide HTPC support, including [[Plex (software)|Plex]],<ref name=Afterdawn>{{cite web|url=http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/15933.cfm|title=Plex media player hands-on|last=Vähäkainu |first=Matti |date=2008-10-12 |publisher=Afterdawn.com|access-date=2009-10-31}}</ref> and [[XBMC]].<ref name="Breen2009">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.macworld.com/article/140090/2009/04/macmini_mediacenter_content.html| title=Mac mini media center: Get content | last=Breen |first=Christopher |date=April 22, 2009 |magazine=[[Macworld]] |access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref>

Beyond the operating system itself, add-on hardware-plus-software combinations (for adding more full-featured HTPC abilities to any Mac) include [[Elgato]]'s [[EyeTV]] series [[Digital video recorder|PVRs]],<ref name="Breen2009"/> [[AMD]]'s "[[ATI (brand)|ATI]] Wonder" external USB 2.0 TV-tuners, and various individual devices from third-party manufacturers.

=== Microsoft Windows ===
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:MediaPortal Backdrop Skin Video Screen.jpg|250px|right|thumb| [[MediaPortal]], a full featured [[Open Source]] Media Center, with the "Backdrop" user interface.]] -->
For [[Microsoft Windows]], a common approach was to install a version that contains the [[Windows Media Center]] ([[Windows 7 editions#Editions for personal computers|Home Premium, Professional, Enterprise or Ultimate]] for [[Windows 7]] or [[Windows Vista Basic|Home Premium or Ultimate]] for [[Windows Vista]]). Windows Media Center included additional software that covered the [[Personal Video Recorder|PVR]] functions of the proposed HTPC, including free program guide information and automatic program recording. Windows 7, [[Windows Vista Home Premium]] and [[Windows Vista Ultimate]] included an MPEG2 decoder.<ref name="ArsHTPC"/><ref name="Lifehacker2010"/><ref name="Lifehacker2008"/> With the introduction of Windows 8, Media Center was no longer included with the operating system; instead it was necessary to buy Windows 8 Pro and then purchase the Media Center Pack via the Windows Control Panel. Windows Media Centre is not available at all for Windows 10. However, it may be restored by a number of unofficial ways.

Alternative HTPC software may be built with the addition of a third party software [[Digital video recorder|PVR]] to a Windows PC. SageTV, GB-PVR, and [[DVBViewer]] have integrated [[placeshifting]] comparable to the [[Slingbox]], allowing client PCs and the [[Hauppauge MediaMVP]] to be connected to the server over the network. Snapstream provides heuristic commercial detection and program recompression. When using a faster CPU, [[SageTV]] and [[Beyond TV]] can record content from TV capture cards which do not include hardware MPEG2 compression. For a free alternative, [[GB-PVR]] and [[MediaPortal]] provide full home theater support and good multi-card DVR capabilities. {{Original research inline|date=August 2021}} GB-PVR also has a free client, free mediaMVP client, and free network media playback. MediaPortal provides a full client/server set-up with live TV/DVR (recorded or timeshifted) streaming. MediaPortal is open-source and offers a variety of skins and plugins for music videos, Netflix, Pandora and others.<ref name="ArsHTPC"/><ref name="Lifehacker2010"/><ref name="Lifehacker2008"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/06/18/sage-tv-htpc-software-acquired-by-google-next-stop-google-tv/|title=SageTV HTPC software acquired by Google, next stop Google TV?|author=Richard Lawler|publisher=AOL|work=Engadget|access-date=2 October 2015}}</ref>

== Digital media receivers and consumer electronics integration ==
{{main|Digital media player}}
Although digital media players are often built using similar components to personal computers, they are often smaller, quieter and less costly than the full-featured computers adapted to multi-media entertainment.<ref name="MaximumPC"/>

[[File:Roku XDS with Remote.jpg|200px|left|thumb|The [[Roku]] XD/S player supports streaming internet media and local media through a USB port or home media servers such as [[Plex (software)|Plex]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-media-receivers/roku-xds-2100x/4505-6739_7-34182627.html#reviewPage1 | title=Roku XDS (2100X) Review | publisher=[[CNET]] |date=2010-12-02 | access-date=2011-02-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Horsey| first = Jillian| title = Plex Media Now Available On Roku | publisher = Geeky Gadgets.com  | date = May 4, 2011 | url = http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/plex-media-now-available-on-roku-04-05-2011/n  | access-date = May 12, 2011}}</ref>]][[File:Netflix XBox Live Fair USE.jpg|thumb|Netflix has integrated its streaming player in many consumer electronics devices including the Xbox 360.]]In recent years, convergence devices for home entertainment including gaming systems, DVRs, Blu-Ray players and dedicated devices such as the [[Roku]] have also started managing local video, music and streaming internet content. Likewise, some managed video services such as Verizon's [[FiOS]] allow users to incorporate their photographs, video, and music from their personal computers to their FiOS set-top-box including DVRs.<ref name="FiOS">{{Citation |title=Verizon FiOS TV: What is Media Manager |publisher=[[Verizon]] |url=http://www22.verizon.com/residentialhelp/fiostv/guide/enhanced+tv/questionsone/124941.htm |access-date=September 2, 2010}}</ref> Gaming systems such as the Nintendo [[Wii]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-20019842-17.html|title=Nintendo Wii debuts disc-free Netflix streaming}}</ref> Sony [[PlayStation 3]]<ref>{{cite news | last = Moran | first = Nancy | title = Sony to Offer Online Video Over PlayStation, L.A. Times Reports | publisher = [[Bloomberg L.P.|Bloomberg]]  | date = April 21, 2008 | url = https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=newsarchive&sid=aRKwM5L7aX2s&refer=japan  | access-date = February 10, 2011}}</ref> and the Microsoft [[Xbox 360]]<ref>{{cite web | work = [[Joystiq]] | title = HD-Streaming: Guide For Streaming HD To The Xbox360 |date=2007-07-27 | url = http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/07/how-to-transcode-and-stream-videos-on-xbox-360/ | access-date = 2011-02-08}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.reuters.com/article/rbssTechMediaTelecomNews/idUSLS97781220090528 | title=Xbox 360 to show Sky live and on-demand programming | work=Reuters |date=2009-05-28 | access-date=2011-02-08}}</ref> support media management beyond their original gaming orientation.

As computing power increases and costs fall, traditional media devices such as televisions have been given network capabilities. So-called [[Smart TV]]s from [[BRAVIA#Sony Bravia Internet TV and Video|Sony]], [[Samsung Smart TV|Samsung]], and [[LG Smart TV|LG]] (to name a few) have models that allow owners to include some free or subscription media content available on the Internet.<ref>{{cite news|last=Yuhnke |first=Kirk |title=TVs get smart with Internet access in 2011 |publisher=ABC 15, Arizona |date=January 20, 2011 |url=http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/science_tech/tvs-get-smart-with-internet-access-in-2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707072843/http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/science_tech/tvs-get-smart-with-internet-access-in-2011 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 7, 2011 |access-date=February 9, 2011 }}</ref> The rapid growth in the availability of online content, including music, video and games, has also made it easier for consumers to use these networked devices. [[YouTube]], for instance, is a common plug-in available on most networked devices. [[Netflix]] has also struck deals with many consumer electronics makers to have their interface available for their streaming subscribers. This symbiotic relationship between Netflix and consumer electronics makers has helped propel Netflix to become the largest subscription video service in the U.S.,<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Narcisse | first = Evan | title = Netflix Becoming Largest Subscription Entertainment Company | magazine = [[Time (magazine)|Time]] | date = April 25, 2011 | url = https://techland.time.com/2011/04/25/netflix-becoming-largest-subscription-entertainment-company/ | access-date = May 2, 2011}}</ref> using up to 20% of U.S. bandwidth at peak times.<ref>{{cite news|last=Liedtke |first=Michael |title=Netflix expects video streaming to drown out DVDs |agency=Associated Press |date=November 22, 2010 |url=http://www.valleynewslive.com/Global/story.asp?S=13551980&clienttype=printable |access-date=February 7, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=April 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

Other digital media retailers such as Apple, [[Amazon.com]] and [[Blockbuster Inc.|Blockbuster]] have purchase and rental options for video and music on demand. Apple in particular has developed a tightly integrated device and content management ecosystem with their [[iTunes Store]], personal computers, [[iOS (Apple)|iOS]] [[List of iOS devices|devices]], and the [[Apple TV]] [[digital media receiver]].<ref>{{cite magazine | url=http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/10/01/how-apple-took-the-high-ground-in-the-battle-for-the-global-digital-living-room/ | title=How Apple took the high ground in the battle for the global digital living room | first=Philip | last=Elmer-DeWitt | date=2010-10-01 | magazine=[[Fortune (magazine)|Fortune]] | access-date=2011-02-13 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101229054808/http://tech.fortune.cnn.com/2010/10/01/how-apple-took-the-high-ground-in-the-battle-for-the-global-digital-living-room/ | archive-date=2010-12-29 | url-status=dead }}</ref> The most recent version of the Apple TV, at $99, has lost the hard drive included in its predecessor and fully depends either on streaming internet content, or another computer on the home network for media.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.bostonherald.com/business/technology/reviews/view/20110124apples_web_tv_packs_big_bang_for_the_buck/srvc=home&position=also | title=Apple's Web TV packs big bang for the buck | first=Brendan| last=Lynch | date=2011-01-24 | newspaper=[[Boston Herald]] | access-date=2011-02-08}}</ref>

== Impact on traditional television services ==
The convergence of content, technology, and broadband access allows consumers to stream television shows and movies to their high-definition television in competition with traditional service providers ([[cable TV]] and [[satellite television]]). The research company SNL Kagan expects 12 million households, roughly 10%, to go without cable, satellite or telco video service by 2015 using [[Over-the-top content|over-the-top]] services.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://blogs.forbes.com/dorothypomerantz/2011/07/20/12-million-households-expected-to-cut-the-cord-by-2015 | title=12 Million Households Expected to Cut the Cord By 2015 | date=2011-07-20 | work=[[Forbes]] | access-date=2011-07-20}}</ref> This represents a new trend in the broadcast television industry, as the list of options for watching movies and TV over the Internet grows every day. Research also shows that even as traditional television service providers are trimming their customer base, adding [[broadband]] Internet customers. Nearly 76.6 million U.S. households get broadband from leading cable and telephone companies,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leichtmanresearch.com/press/051711release.html |title=Nearly 1.3 Million Add Broadband in the First Quarter of 2011 |date=2011-05-17 |publisher=Leichtman Research Group |access-date=2011-05-17 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110713200733/http://www.leichtmanresearch.com/press/051711release.html |archive-date=2011-07-13 }}</ref> although only a portion have sufficient speeds to support quality video streaming.<ref name=Forrester>{{cite web | url=http://www.forrester.com/rb/Research/online_video_on_tv_leads_to_cord-cutting/q/id/57160/t/2/ | title=Online Video On TV Leads To Cord-Cutting By 2012 | first=James L. | last=McQuivey, Ph.D. | date=2011-03-14 | publisher=[[Forrester Research]] | access-date=2011-07-22}}</ref>{{dead link|date=April 2025}} Convergent devices for home entertainment will likely play a much larger role in the future of broadcast television, effectively shifting traditional revenue streams while providing consumers with more options.<ref name=Forrester/>

== See also ==
* [[Comparison of DVR software packages]]
* [[Comparison of digital media players]]
* [[Cord-cutting]]
* [[Digital video recorder]]
* [[Digital media player]]
* [[Home cinema]]
* [[Media server]]
* [[Portable media player]]
* [[Skin (computing)|Skin]]

== References ==
{{reflist|30em}}

{{Home theater PC (application software)}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Home Theater Pc}}
[[Category:Home video]]
[[Category:Multimedia]]
[[Category:Personal computers]]