Home Theatre Personal Computers (HTPC) are computers designed to fully
replace home theatre hardware and software. In addition to handling
all standard PVR functionality, HTPC integrates, via a wireless network, a
number of household devices and appliances such as the following:
- telephone system
- home security system (including motion detectors)
- stereo system
- television & radio
- computer (e.g. computer games, music organizers, Internet browser)
- DVD players
- lighting system
There are many advantages to integration. For example, when the
phone rings, the PVR system can be made to automatically activate, such that
a portion of a show is not missed during the phone call. When the
television is turned on, the room lighting can be adjusted for optimal
viewing. It you forget to schedule a show to be recorded, you can
access your HTPC controls from anywhere in the world, via the Internet.
This integration of technologies is sometimes referred to as
"convergence".
HTPC systems can either be purchased or custom-built using media centre
technology and concepts.
