Home > Articles > Home & Office Computing > Microsoft Windows Desktop

Understanding Windows Media Center PC Hardware

📄 Contents

  1. Media Center PC Basic Requirements
  2. Do You Need Bells and Whistles?
  3. Takeaways
Today, 19 different vendors offer PCs under the auspices of the Microsoft Media Center PC program. Other than requiring that the system come with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 preinstalled, include certain basic devices (for example, an infrared remote control) and meet basic hardware requirements, you'll find lots of different packages and prices to choose from, starting at about $750 to $3,000 and more. It's all in the options (and boy, are there a lot of them!) Careful research and shopping is highly recommended, so you can know what you want and how to ask for it properly.
Like this article? We recommend

Anybody who ever bought a new car knows that getting in and out of the dealer can be a really time-consuming chore. Sure, it would be nice to be able to zip in, fill out a few papers, write or hand over a check, pick up your car, and go home. But it's not that easy, for reasons that range from trying to match up what you want with what's available, dealing with myriads of financing offers, picking the exact set of options for your vehicle, dealing with warranties, choosing service contracts, and much, much more. It's a time-consuming and complicated process that usually involves spending a lot of money.

The good news is that although buying a Media Center PC is time-consuming and complex, it doesn't begin to compare with buying a car in terms of expense, effort, or time spent sitting at a dealership. That said, it is a tricky enough job that a little advance preparation and a careful survey of what's available can help you find something that suits your needs and your budget. You should also consider carefully how you want your Media Center PC to fit in with (or replace) current home entertainment system components because that decision will also affect the options you may want to include or leave out of a Media Center PC.

What's standard in a Media Center PC is a little different from what Microsoft touts in its Media Center Web page, so let's begin with a quick review of what MS requires from vendors to participate in the program. After that, I'll report on what's most typical in an average offering, and then conclude with a list of bells and whistles that those with needs (and funds) might want to consider. Along the way, you'll also find a table of information on the vendors in the Media Center PC program that's more informative and comprehensive than anything you'll find elsewhere on the Web (at least, in any one place).

Media Center PC Basic Requirements

The Microsoft FAQ for Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 and Media Center PCs states the basic requirements as follows:

"Media Center PCs are complete desktop PCs equipped with hardware and software to deliver advanced computing and rich digital entertainment experiences. Media Center PCs include mid- to high-end processors, high-capacity hard drives, CD-ROM and DVD drives, and a remote control. The systems feature advanced graphics and audio capabilities, as well as networking connectivity."

In terms of what my survey showed me, this is what that specification means in more concrete terms:

  • 1.8 GHz Pentium P4 processor or higher (some over 3 GHz)

  • 256 MB RAM (many with 512 MB or higher)

  • 40 GB hard disk (usually high-speed ATA, many drives 100 GB or larger)

  • 5.1- or 6-channel audio capabilities, many with speakers (some with separate woofers)

  • High-end graphics adapter with built-in TV tuner (some with FM radio, many with TV and DVI outputs)

  • Some kind of audio output for home entertainment hookup (analog or digital only in some cases, both kinds in others) along with a high-end audio adapter

  • Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) that use the hard drive, TV connection, and software to enable recording and playback of TV signals

  • Support for infrared remote devices, including a Microsoft-mandated remote control, plus keyboard and mouse (often wireless)

  • Various forms of digital video handling, with universal DVD playback capability (many included DVD burners as a standard option on such systems)

Table 1. Media Center PC Manufacturer Info

Name

Models

Prices*

Notes

ABS

3

$749–1,549

Cheaper units use standard PC case

Cyberpower

5

$905–1,775

Most models use standard PC cases, one uses compact case

Dell

3

$879–1,349

Two use standard PC cases, one compact case

Gateway

3

$1,099–1,799

All use standard PC cases

HP

3

$955–1,500

All use standard PC cases

Howard Computers

3

$999–1,866

Cheapest unit uses std PC case, others use slim-line cases

iBuyPower

4

$1,199–1,309

All use standard PC cases

Mind

2

$2,199 each

Both use standard PC cases

NiveusMedia

4

$2,499–3,489

All use audio component class cases, no fans

Northgate

1

$1,252

Standard PC case

Systemax

1

$1,299

Standard PC case

Tagar

1

$2,520

Brushed aluminum audio component case

Toshiba

1

$2,799

Satellite laptop with many outputs

Touch Systems

1

N/A

Special half-size case, still bulky for home entertainment

ViewSonic

2

$1,695–2,000

Stand-up slimline case

ZT Group

6

$949–2,499

Cheaper models use standard PC cases, others use big but passable boxes


* All prices are "starting from" prices in that adding or upgrading options pushes the price up

What's interesting about the collection of PCs offered in the Media Center PC program is how few vendors understand the form factor and appearance requirements for PC systems and enclosures likely to appear in a home entertainment center—which is indisputably the target for Microsoft's program (and its companion Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004 operating system). The majority of offerings come in standard tower computer cases (some are horizontal desktop cases), which are too big to fit inside most home entertainment center equipment bays. Only ABS, Cyberpower, Howard Computers, NiveusMedia, and Tagar appear to have considered the special circumstances involved (and Toshiba lucks into this group by offering a Media Center laptop PC). Touch Systems, Viewsonic, and the ZT Group's offerings might shoehorn themselves into an entertainment center, but it's probably a good idea to compare case measurements to space available before buying anything!

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020