How to Build Your Own Home Theater PC

In the last few posts, we've been talking about specific satellite to PC software.  Now I want to talk about something equally important: how to build a good home media PC. 

If you've never built your own computer before, this can seem intimidating, but in reality it's not that bad.  There are actually many computer retailers like iBuypower that give you enough customization options that you are essentially building your own PC.  You don't have to get together all the bits and pieces and hardwire it yourself; you just need to know exactly what you want to go into it. 

A few important things to know when you start building a home media PC: 

-What kind of CPU and memory you want

-What graphics card is best

-What monitor gives you the best picture

-How to network it for internet and TV reception

-Processor speed 

-Speakers

So before you go out and invest in all the latest hardware on the market, be sure you research your specs and know exactly what you want.  It helps to consult an expert or find a good how-to guide; the one I personally used was Ed Tittel's Build the Ultimate Home Theater PC.  A good place to start getting your hands dirty, and it has simply, clear instructions that work well even for newbies. 

How does TV to PC software really work?

For anyone who's new to TV to PC software, it might sound too good to be true.  Software that lets you watch premium channels on your computer anywhere without monthly fees - yeah, it does sound too good to be true.  So how does it actually work, and why is it so inexpensive?

The way it works is that the software providers themselves, like Satellite Direct and SatelliteSoft, pay royalty fees to networks in order to host their content.  Then, they create software that gives viewers access to these channels.  You pay a one time fee, then download the software, install it, and you're good to go.  It's basically the same format you'd get with a cable subscriber for regular TV, where you can choose channels by category, name, title, etc.

Even if you're not a computer expert, this software is simple to use.  If you can click a button, you can use SatelliteSoft or Satellite Direct - or any other TV to PC software in existence.

SatelliteSoft Review

SatelliteSoft is one of the oldest satellite TV on PC programs available.  It is downloadable, just as the other programs reviewed on this site.  It has three different editions, and the only differences between them are the number of stations you get access to.

So how does SatelliteSoft rank up to other, newer programs?

The short answer is that SatelliteSoft is still a very good program for watching satellite TV on your PC and maintains its reputation because it has delivered quality satellite stations to computers for years.

Just as with other satellite TV on PC software programs, SatelliteSoft hosts their content by paying different providers who own the content.  This way they can provide quality satellite stations to anyone who downloads the software.  So you do get "real" channels with software like this.

The program works with all versions of Windows, but is not yet available to Macs.  You only need to download the software to get it up and running - no extra cables or  hardware (unless you want to hook your PC up to your TV to watch from your TV screen).

 Read more about SatelliteSoft

Author's pick: Warpia Wireless PC to TV/Projector Display Converter Kit

I recently bought the Warpia Wireless USB Display Adapter set to enable a PC to TV connection.  I didn't want to deal with the hassle of a wired connector, which I'd had before, and was a pain.  This adapter can be used for laptop or PC hookup.  It can also be used for work purposes if you need to display PC content on a projector. 

Features of the Warpia Wireless USB Adapter: 

• Wireless High Definition (720p) connectivity from notebook/PC to projectors, flat TVs and monitors
• Full room coverage with line of site and non-line of site
• Pre-associated (paired) adapters
• VGA & HDMI connectivity (DVI with additional adapter)
• 32-bit True Color depth for high quality images
• Supports up to SXGA+ (1400x1050) resolution
• Fully standard solution (Wireless USB from the USB-IF)
• Worldwide Regulations compliance
• Windows Vista/XP compatible
• 128-bit AES security

Pros: 

-Very easy to set up

-No cables or wires involved

-Great display and quality

Cons: 

-Receiver sometimes has a hard time finding signal

This is a very easy-to-set up adapter for anyone who wants to enable a fast PC to TV connection.  It's also very affordable, being priced at $130.  I really have no bad things to say about it because it worked so well.

Read more reviews of this product

Stream Online Movies.com Review

More and more people are starting to use their computers as televisions.  Because of streaming video technology, online television is one of the easiest, fastest, and most convenient ways to get access to movies and TV shows.  Instead of dealing with cable companies and movie stores, it’s much easier to just go online, fill in a quick signup form, and start watching whatever you want.

Streaming video is a technique that lets you watch real-time content just by click on a link.  Your computer downloads the background files while you’re watching, so you don’t have to wait at all. 

Stream Online Movies.com is a unique provider who offers unlimited access to your favorite movies and TV shows at all times.  Because you pay a one-time fee, you can basically watch everything you want, whenever you want, continuously.  Stream Online Movies also offers software that lets you watch movies right through your home television, or even burn them to CD/DVD.

I gave Stream Online Movies a try and was impressed with their customer service and quick download time.  The movies themselves are high quality and everything is very easy to use.  As someone who wants access to my favorite movies through my PC, this was a great investment.  I’ve cut back on my movie rental bills, at any rate.

The downside to Stream Online Movies is that it’s a new company and there are a few minor hiccups, though most of them have been ironed out from what I can tell.  Their staff is definitely on the ball; I contacted customer service to test out their support, and since it’s online, it’s very easy to get a response.  They also have a money-back guarantee if you’re waffling.

I think it’s safe to say that streaming online movies is the way of the future, just as Stream Online Movies says in their slogan.  With the economy like it is and people looking to save money everywhere, streaming movies offer a quick solution. 

Click here to visit Stream Online Movies website

Satellite Direct Lets You Watch Local TV and Your Favorite Shows Right from Your PC

If you’re like me, chances are that you’ve wanted to be able to eliminate your cable TV service entirely and just use your PC as a TV - especially considering that you can frequently get a better picture and higher sound quality with your PC anyway.  Given the fact that you can use your PC for everything these days – news, shopping, sports, entertainment, gaming, work, etc. – it makes sense to use it for TV, too. 

At least, that was my thinking.  I spend most of my time between my desktop and my laptop because my job requires constant PC access.  So I looked for a way to eliminate my monthly cable bill and just watch local TV on my PC.

So after a little research, I found a few programs out there, most of which were subscription-based which was NOT something I wanted to deal with.  I wanted a one-time fee to get all my favorite channels right away.  I finally found one that delivered: Satellite Direct.

With Satellite Direct, you get several benefits:



• 24/7 unlimited access to over 3,500 channels
• Hard to find international channels, as well as all the best movies, sports and news shows- at no additional cost
• No hardware to install
• No bandwidth limits
• No subscription or installation fees
• Automatic channel updates

My favorite part about Satellite Direct, though, is that I’m able to have full-time access to my favorite channels like Shotime and HBO, which I was paying A LOT more through my Charter cable service.  As someone who uses his PC for every task imaginable, this was great for me.  I’m on my computer several hours of the day and want to be able to just flip open MSNBC in a new window to check the stock market; Satellite Direct lets me do this.


Here's what the main page of Satellite Direct will look like: 

And when you actually download it: 

On top of those benefits, you never have to worry about hardware issues with this service, because all you need to install it is your PC and the software you purchase.  It costs about $50 to download the software, and it took me less than 10 minutes to get it installed.  I have a Windows Media PC, so I’m now getting better quality than I ever did with my old TV.  I’m also saving a lot of money, which is obviously important in this economic climate.
I’m also saving money on movie rentals, because now I’m just watching all my favorite movies through this service.

Satellite Direct also offers great customer service, though the only time I ever had to contact them was about a week after my initial setup when I had some questions about channel access.  The rep got back to me right away and was friendly and helpful.
It’s also great when traveling, because I can still have the same access to any channel I want through my laptop.  Forget hotel HBO!

I highly recommend Satellite Direct to anyone who wants to watch local (or premium) TV right on your PC.  It’s quick, cheap, easy to install, and very user-friendly.

Read more about Satellite Direct on their homepage or order Satellite Direct here