8 best home theater pcs

A Home Theater PC (HTPC) is a computer that is designed to be used as the central hub for a home theater system, providing both computing functionality and multimedia capabilities.Here are key aspects related to Home Theater PCs:

  1. Form Factor:

    • HTPCs are often designed in compact form factors to fit seamlessly into a home theater setup. Mini-ITX and micro-ATX are common form factors for HTPC cases.
  2. Multimedia Capabilities:

    • HTPCs are equipped with multimedia components for audio and video playback. This includes a high-quality sound card or integrated audio, and a graphics card capable of handling HD or 4K video.
  3. Media Center Software:

    • HTPCs typically run specialized media center software that provides a user-friendly interface for accessing and managing multimedia content. Examples include Kodi, Plex, and Windows Media Center.
  4. Remote Control and Input Devices:

    • HTPCs are often controlled using remote controls to navigate through media libraries and adjust settings comfortably from a distance. Wireless keyboards and mice are also common input devices.
  5. Connectivity:

    • HTPCs come with a variety of connectivity options such as HDMI, DisplayPort, USB, and audio ports to connect to TVs, projectors, audio receivers, and other peripherals.
  6. Storage:

    • HTPCs typically have sufficient storage capacity for storing large multimedia libraries. This can be achieved through internal hard drives or external storage solutions.
  7. Streaming Capabilities:

    • Many HTPCs are capable of streaming content from online services, allowing users to access platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and others directly from their home theater setup.
  8. Silent Operation:

    • HTPCs are often designed to operate quietly, minimizing fan noise to enhance the home theater experience.
  9. Gaming Capabilities:

    • Some HTPCs are configured with gaming capabilities, allowing users to play video games on their home theater system. This may involve dedicated gaming graphics cards and additional gaming peripherals.
  10. Customization:

    • HTPCs offer a high degree of customization. Users can choose components based on their specific needs, whether it's focused on audio quality, 4K video playback, or gaming performance.
  11. Power Efficiency:

    • Many HTPCs are designed to be power-efficient, as they may be left running for extended periods during movie marathons or when used as a media server.

Setting up an HTPC involves careful consideration of the desired features, space constraints, and budget. With the right components and configuration, an HTPC can serve as a versatile and powerful centerpiece for a home theater system.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best home theater pcs on the market
  

The Invisible Man (2020) - DVD

Based on 89 reviews Check latest price

Product description

What you can't see can hurt you. Trapped in a violent, controlling relationship with a wealthy scientist, Cecilia (Elisabeth Moss) escapes in the dead of night and disappears into hiding. But when her abusive ex suddenly dies, Cecilia suspects his death was a hoax. As a series of eerie coincidences turns lethal, threatening the lives of those she loves, Cecilia's sanity begins to unravel while she desperately tries to prove she is being hunted by someone nobody can see.



Bonus Content:

  • Deleted Scenes
  • Moss Manifested
  • Director's Journey with Leigh Whannell
  • The Players
  • Timeless Terror
  • Feature Commentary with Writer/Director Leigh Whannell

    Product features

    Cecilia

    Cecilia is a smart, strong woman, but a toxic relationship sent her into a shell that allowed her abusive ex Adrian to control her. Despite his apparent death, Cecilia suspects Adrian is still very much alive and stalking her in unimaginable ways.

    Adrian

    In his professional life, Adrian is an industry leader in science and technology. In his personal life, Adrian is a domineering narcissist who physically and psychologically torments Cecilia to keep her under his thumb.

    James

    James and Cecilia have been close friends since childhood. Now that he’s a police officer, Cecilia turns to James for security and stability by hiding out in his home. But when Cecilia insists her dead boyfriend now haunts her as an invisible evil, James has to choose between supporting his possibly delusional friend and protecting his teenage daughter Sydney.

    Sydney

    The college-bound teen is smart, funny, and often seeks advice from Cecilia, whom she considers family. Sydney and James represent a normal reality for Cecilia, but that world gets shattered when terrifying events cause Sydney and her father to wonder whether or not Cecilia is stable.

    Emily

    Emily is Cecilia’s sister. She’s loyal and caring, but a relationship strain between the siblings often tests Emily’s patience. Emily still worries that Cecilia, whose sanity appears to be fraying by the minute, may be headed off the deep end if someone doesn’t intervene soon.

    Tom

    Growing up as brothers, Adrian was always the puppeteer and Tom was his puppet. Now that he’s an attorney, Tom continues following Adrian’s orders as the executor of his brother’s estate. What Cecilia can’t fully figure out is if Tom truly resents Adrian as much as he insists, or if Tom is actually another pawn in Adrian’s game to drive Cecilia insane.

    Abominable

    Based on 27 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    When mischievous friends Yi (Chloe Bennet), Jin, and Peng discover a young yeti on their roof, they name him Everest and embark on a thrilling adventure to reunite the magical creature with his family. On the journey of their lifetimes, Everest helps Yi, Jin, and Peng unlock an inner bravery they didn't know they had. And as they travel across China to return the magical creature to his home, Everest will help them discover where they truly belong, too.



    Bonus Content:

  • DreamWorks Short - Marooned
  • Show and Tell
  • Deleted Scenes with Intros by Writer/Director Jill Culton and Co-Director Todd Wilderman
  • Making a Myth (Movie)
  • Animating Abominable
  • Meet the Cast
  • Your Yeti Care Guide
  • Courage to Dream
  • An Abominable Tour with Chloe Bennet
  • Everest's Talk Box
  • Cooking with Nai Nai
  • How to... Abominable
  • You Can Speak Yeti-ese
  • Nai Nai Says
  • Feature Commentary with Filmmakers

    Product features

    Everest

    Everest is a 2000 lb Yeti who is the age-equivalent of a 9-year-old human boy. Although he doesn't speak, it is always clear what he is thinking. He is curious and playful and like all kids he plays hard. His relationship with Yi is deep and forms the emotional core of the film.

    Yi

    Yi is spirited, independent, and driven, the kind of girl who leaps before she looks. Like all teens, she's not sure where she belongs in the world. When she discovers Everest on the roof of her building, she immediately begins to protect and help him. Yi has an open and loving heart and makes it her mission to get Everest back home.

    Peng

    Peng is a fun loving, basketball - playing 9-year-old who is constantly trying to get Yi or his cousin Jin to play with him. He finds a kindred spirit in Everest and is instantly enthusiastic about adventure to help return his new yeti back home.

    Jin

    Jin is a popular and self-involved teenaged boy. He and Yi have grown up together, but they have developed different tastes and are no longer close. But when Yi needs his help getting Everest home, Jin rises to the occasion and is willing to endure even the loss of WiFi to help his friend.

    New Ryan Hall Brazilian Jiu Jitsu DVDs - Arm Triangles!! New release for 2012!

    Based on 25 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Grappling sensation Ryan Hall is back with his greatest instructional DVD set to date, The Arm Triangle Series! This 3 DVD set is the most complete work ever created on this highly effective choke and covers Arm Triangles and their variations like the Brabo, Kata Gatame (Side Choke) Guillotine, Ezekiel, Anaconda and many more. Ryan even explains the details needed to execute these chokes for Gi and NoGI, making this series a must for any style of grappler. The entire series covers over 6 hours of non-stop instruction and will surely become your new favorite grappling instructional for years to come.

    Love and Sunshine

    Hallmark

    Based on 951 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    Ally Craig has been fostering retired military dog, Sunshine, as she recovers from a broken engagement. But sparks fly again when Sunshine's military partner, Jake Terry, returns to claim the dog.

    AK1 Mini PC Windows 10 Pro, ACEPC 4K Mini Computer Intel Celeron J3455 Processor(up to 2.3GHz) Micro Desktop PC, 4GB DDR3/64GB eMMC, 2.4G+5G Dual WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, BT 4.2

    ACEPC

    Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
    • 🚀【FASTER RUNNING SPEED】ACEPC AK1 Mini PC equips with Windows 10 Pro Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 Quad-Core processor.And loaded with 4GB RAM, 64GB Flash Memory, Bluetooth 4.0,Fast Wi-Fi and Gigabit Ethernet. Powerful hardware makes it run more smoothly and stable.
    • 🚀【EXPAND STORAGE BY MULTI-WAYS】1.Fit mSATA SSD to the mSATA slot inside the main unit(mSATA SSD up to 128GB,but not include),by this way you can choose to clone the preinstalled Win 10 into the SSD; 2.It's expandable with the addition of up to 2 TB of 2.5 inch SSD or HDD fitted in the base expansion box.
    • 🚀【STRONG WIRELESS SUPPORTS】The latest wireless connectivity with 802.11ac Dual Band 2.4 & 5GHz Wi-Fi,it offers speeds up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band & 1300Mbps on the 5GHz.
    • 🚀【GREAT HOME THEATER PC】The mini desktop computer comes with 4K ultra high definition streaming capability, giving you a best-in-class television experience with true-to-life picture quality, which can be used as a media center to enjoy TV shows or games.
    • 🚀【WHAT YOU GET】Designed with fan helps to reduce heat. All important connections are available: 1x LAN, 2x USB 3.0, 2x USB 2.0, 2x HDMI, 1x audio output, 1x Micro SD slot (for TF cards with up to 128GB). ACEPC provide 12-month satisfaction and LIFETIME technical support service, please feel free to contact ACEPC customer service if any issues happened.

    Product features

    GIFTS FOR MEN

    Christmas Gifts, Father's Day gift, Birthday gift, Valentine's Day Gifts, Business PC for Men Husband Dad Boyfriend Teen boy and Women. A nice PC gift for men who specialized in business or family who like to enjoy home theater entertainment. Get more done faster on a reliable mini computer that can keep up with your everyday tasks, that's also cheap enough to purchase several for your office desk. Ideal for visually home entertainment, home office, conference room, etc.

    Double Screens Display-Double your work efficiency

    Built in Intel Celeron Apollo Lake J3455 Processor(Quad-core, 4M Cache, up to 2.3GHz) and Intel HD Graphics ,Pre-installed with Windows 10 Pro(64-bit) version, set up is effortless.Works with all Microsoft products in a seamless fashion and maintain productivity.

    Intel HD Graphics ACEPC AK1 mini computer comes with integrated Intel HD graphic supports the 4K videos smoothly,giving you a best ultimate playback experience.The max support resolutions is 3840*2160@30Hz.

    Packed with connectivity

    AK1 mini pc has all features of old desktop computer, it works with server, monitoring equipment, office equipment, monitor, projector, tv and so on.

    Super mini and wisdom

    Smooth edges and compact dimensions measuring just 5.04*5.04*2.05inch.Holding it easily in your palm. One mini PC for a tidy, clutter-free environment.

    Strong Wireless Supports

    2.4GHz+5GHz Dual Band WiFi, Gigabit Ethernet, Bluetooth 4.0 make everything smoother whenever transmission and download.

    SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case (HTPC) with Faux Aluminum Design for ATX/Micro-ATX Motherboards (SST-GD09B-USA)

    SilverStone Technology

    Based on 476 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    As the leader in HTPC design, SilverStone's Grandia GD09 and GD10 are the pinnacle of space efficiency and compatibility. Designed to fit full size components such as ATX power supply, ATX Motherboard, 5.25" Drive, 3.5", and 2.5" Drives, it is still compact enough to fit inside most living room TV stand or home theater cabinet comfortably.

    • Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-prevention
    • Support expansion cards up to 12.2". Support ATX motherboards
    • Quick access filters included
    • Incredible 358mm depth to fit comfortably inside home theater cabinet
    • Drive cages with multi-purpose mounts eliminate need for adapters.Independent graphics card vent

    User questions & answers

    Question: Some pictures of this show the front as a brushed aluminum and some pictures show it as a smooth cover. Is the front of this case smooth or not
    Answer: The front of this case is brushed aluminum.
    Question: How many 3.5" hard drives will fit in this case
    Answer: I fit 3 3.5 drives and a 2.5 SSD as well as a cd drive in mine. But in order to this you need to not utilize one of the side fans at the top (left side)
    Question: Is this case suitable for a monitor resting on top
    Answer: This would be ideal for a light monitor - the structure is solid, but wouldn't support a heavy object on top.
    Question: I'm confused about the dimensions. Amazon lists dimensions as 22 x 18 x 11 inches, and another seller says 17.32"x14.09"x6.69". Can someone verify
    Answer: Using a tape measure, I measured mine. Its 17.25" x 14" x 6.75". This is total outside dimensions. Obviously since I was using a tape it may be +/- a few tenths. Looks like the other seller is correct.

    Product features

    SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case

    GD09

    ■ Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-prevention

    ■ Support expansion cards up to 12.2 inches (309mm)

    ■ Support ATX motherboards

    ■ Quick access filters included

    ■ Incredible 358mm depth to fit comfortably inside home theater cabinet

    ■ Drive cages with multi-purpose mounts eliminate need for adapters

    SilverStone Technology Home Theater Computer Case with Lockable Aluminum Front Panel for E-ATX/ATX/Micro-ATX Motherboards GD07B-USA

    Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

    Product description

    The introduction of Grandia GD07 and GD08 cases from Silverstone ushers in a new era of home theater computing like never before. For the first time, the power and storage capacity of a server can now be neatly stowed beautifully and quietly in a home theater environment. Completely engineered to fully utilize all available spaces, The Grandia GD07 can accommodate an incredible amount of drives (up to eleven) and high-end components (graphics cards up to 13.6 inches long) with minimal sacrifices. It is even possible to fit SSI EEB (12” x 13”) extended ATX motherboards In the GD07 despite maintaining an exterior Dimension similar to SilverStone's previous generation full-size HTPC cases. With a wealth of lessons learned from building the best performing tower cases in the last several years, Silverstone engineers upgraded gd07’s cooling performance tremendously with up to four 120mm fan options. And to make sure owners can easily maintain their cases’ cooling ability over time with the lowest noise possible, custom designed removable filters surround the case for positive pressure to work effectively and quietly. Built to hide The imperfection of I/O ports and the plethora of drives that may be installed in its four 5.25” drive bays, The gd07’s lockable aluminum front door is beautifully finished with hairline brush pattern to match other home theater components. For those looking to build a powerful Home media sever with security Features, this is the perfect case.

    • Positive air pressure design for excellent cooling/quietness and dust-preven
    • Support expansion cards up to 13.6 inches (345mm)
    • Supports extended ATX Motherboard
    • Quick access filters to prevent dust buildup
    • Lockable front door and Power button ensure security of system and drives
    • Led indicator with adjustable brightness
    • Impressive storage capacity of up to eleven drive Bays

    User questions & answers

    Question: What is recommended configuration for this cases fans
    Answer: For most setups, we recommend having two front bottom fans and side fans as intakes, rear fans as exhausts.

    CHUWI HeroBox Windows 10 Mini PC,Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core Processor,8GB DDR4 256GB SSD,Expandable 2TB 2.5 Inch HDD,1TB SSD with 2.4GHz/5GHz Dual WiFi 1000Mbps/BT4.2

    CHUWI

    Based on 393 reviews Check latest price
    • ✔ Faster Running Speed —— CHUWI Herobox Mini PC equips with 64-bit windows 10 Intel Gemini-Lake N4100 Quad-Core processor.And loaded with 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB SSD ROM. Powerful hardware makes it run more smoothly and stable.
    • ✔ Expand Storage by Multi-ways —— Support SATA HDD ( up to 2TB ) and TF card ( up to 128GB), Meanwhile, it comes with 2*USB 2.0 ports, 2 *USB 3.0 ports and Type-c. VGA and HD port are also availble, and the HD port port can output 4K, 60FPS video.
    • ✔ Greatly improve transmission frequency —— The latest wireless connectivity with Dual-Band 2.4G+5G Wi-Fi, it offers speeds up to 450Mbps on the 2.4GHz band & 1300Mbps on the 5GHz.
    • ✔ Fanless and Silence design —— Very Silent with great performance, this mini pc adopts energy efficient components and cooling elements, there is no noisy during operating and the resolution up to 4096*2160@60Hz and plays 4K video smoothly.
    • ✔ Great Home Theater PC —— The mini desktop computer comes with 4K ultra high definition streaming capability, giving you a best-in-class television experience with true-to-life picture quality,which can be used as a media center to enjoy TV shows or games.

    User questions & answers

    Question: Is this a good starter pc for games such as minecraft java and doom 1993? Also if there is a cheap alternative that's better can someone pls tell me
    Answer: I only use it with my Cricut. It is however, a great unit. Boots up faster than my desktop pc does.
    Question: does it work for HDMI and can what is its starter disk size and ram
    Answer: Yes it works very well on HDMI! 256 GB ssd with 8 gb ram>
    Question: Is this a updated herobox it says 3ghz($219) there is a second listing almost identical that says 2.4ghz that is
    Answer: The processor in this machine is 1.1 GHz with a burst of 2.4. I'm not sure why it says 3 GHz on the listing. The N 4100 processor isn't 3ghz.
    Question: Is vesa mount bracket supplied with computer
    Answer: Thank you for your question, this mini pc does not have a vesa mount bracket, but it provides a professional computer back bracket, which can be easily installed on the back of the computer monitor.

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