Media Center Demo 1: 

Media Center Demo 2:  This opens an interactive demo that lets you actually navigate through a virtual Media Center menu.  The menu is somewhat limited compared to the real thing, but you'll get the idea.

Is a Theater PC different from a "normal" PC?

A Theater PC is really just a fast PC with the following extras:

• Available in a standard "tower" chassis, a "cube" design, or one that looks like a stereo receiver.  Take a look at this one.
• Tuner card(s) (Dual cards let you record two shows at once)
• Video-out card (Lets you view on Monitor and/or TV screen)
• Remote Control w/ "IR Blaster" (Controls tuner box)
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition or Vista Home Premium Edition

Hook it up to your cable or satellite TV tuner/receiver box.  What you end up with is a multimedia system and digital video recorder (DVR) for your home that will spoil you rotten for ever watching television the "old way" again.

Can a Theater PC actually control my television?

Yes, and then some!  Record shows, download movie rentals, watch photo slideshows, listen to your CDs or MP3s, organize your home videos.  And experience it all through your surround audio system and big screen TV.

The digital video recorder (DVR) feature is probably the coolest part.  Browse or search up to two weeks ahead, pick any show from any channel, and hit the record button.  Done.  When the time comes, the "IR Blaster" will tune your receiver box to the right channel, and record the show to your hard drive.  It's that easy.

You can even set the system to "watch" for your favorite movies and automatically record them.  Browse movies from your favorite actors or directors, pick a movie you like, and if it ever comes on, Media Center will record it.  Too cool.

Can I use it on more than one TV or Stereo?

Yes!  Wireless Media Center Extender set-top-boxes are available that let you access all of your audio, video and photos from additional Televisions or Stereos.  Put on in the guestroom, kitchen, game room.  And if you like video games, Microsoft's new Xbox 360 Gaming Console has a built in Media Center Extender. 

Can I install Windows Media Center on my current PC?

Try Demo 2 at the top of this page.  If the demo runs slowly, your system might be too slow to run Media Center as it is.  Tyber PC may be able to install some upgrades.  Just let us check it out for you.

How much does all this cost?

Assuming you're already starting with a fast, new Tyber PC, the only major items you really need to add are Video Cards and an IR Blaster.  Our Theater PCs start around $799. 

Does this Media Center stuff really work?

With the right hardware, yes!  Media Center is smooth and very cool.  And Tyber techs have lots of experience building high performance machines. 

Let Tyber PC upgrade your old hardware or configure a new Theater PC for your home today!

Page last edited on: Monday, July 28, 2008.