VGA connectors can output your display to many modern TVs.
One of the most versatile media devices you can own is a standard PC. A media center PC allows you to store as much music and as many movies as your hard drive can hold, and play them back using a number of different applications. You can connect your PC to the TV in your living room and have it function as a VCR, or play streaming video from any website, or simply function as a jukebox for guests. A media center PC looks great in your living room and is easy for anyone to use. But you have to build it right.
Instructions
1. Prepare an anti-static surface and put on the anti-static wristband. Place the opened computer case on the anti-static surface and clip your wrist band to the edge of the case. Safety first.
2. Install the power supply inside the case. This process will vary depending on the make and model of the power supply. Try to group all the cables and cords so they do not obstruct airflow.
3. Install the motherboard inside the case. Make sure your motherboard is compatible with your case (ATX or MicroATX). Refer to manufacturer's instructions.
4. Lift the socket arm next to the processor slot in the motherboad and set the processor in place. Lower the socket arm. Your dual-core processor will draw minimal power, thus remaining cooler, causing the fans to be less noisy.
5. Apply a thin coat of thermal paste to the top of your processor, then install your cooling system. You'll need to upgrade from the heat sink and fan that came with your CPU. Don't let your cooling system shift too much as you're installing it, so the thermal paste stays in place.
6. Place your RAM in the RAM slots and press straight down. Always handle RAM by its edges only. This applies to all computer hardware.
7. Install your video card. It doesn't have to be a particularly high-end card, but it should be HDCP compliant. If it can decode Blu-ray discs, that's cool too.
8. Install your SATA hard drive. It will come with a cable that connects to a SATA port on the motherboard. If you are installing multiple drives, space them out to allow maximum airflow.
9. Install your optical drive. Like the hard drive, it comes with a cable that connects to a SATA port on the motherboard.
10. Install your video tuner and capture PCI card. This is the keystone of your media center, allowing you to receive cable TV input into your computer so you can record your favorite shows.
11. Install your sound card. Or don't, and save yourself some cash. For a media center PC, onboard audio is usually plenty.
12. Install your input device. You'll want a device that uses RF (radio frequency) and not IR (infrared). That way you can control your media center PC without having to maintain a clear line of sight between yourself and the PC.
13. Attach your display to your video card. Plasma displays tend to be brighter and visible from wider angles than LCD displays, but LCD displays still look better and cost less.
14. Install your media center OS. The most popular option is Windows Media Center, which is bundled with Vista and Windows 7. If you're into open source, try LinuxMCE.
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