The Truth about HDTV and HD Programming.

Did you buy an HDTV without an HD tuner? Did you know that you can receive HD programming over the air with no subscription fees? You can receive and record HD programming, and watch it at your convenience, using Windows XP Media Center Edition and an HD tuner PC card. Add DVI or component video output to your Media Center PC, and you have the perfect way to enjoy HD programming, at your convenience, on your new HDTV, without paying any subscription fees.

But a media center PC is not just for recording and watching HD content.  It's also an upscaling DVD player that can display DVD video at 720p, 1080i or even 1080p resolutions. It can also record data and video DVDs, display digital photos, record and play FM radio, create music and video CDs, connect to your digital music player, play your music collection, video games, and access the Internet and email. All on your HDTV.

Most pre-assembled media center PCs cost in excess of $2000. FredPC.com can build one for you for less than $1000.

The key to building a low-cost media center is using quality components that meet or exceed the minimum requirements. Many media center PCs today utilize dual-core processors. These alone can cost in excess of $500 or even $1000. A single-core processor can do the job just fine. An Intel CPU of at least 2Ghz or an AMD CPU of at least an Athlon 2400+ can give the PC the ability to record one HD program while playing another.

A typical $900 FredPC.com Media Center includes:

AMD Athlon 64 3200+

1 GB 400 mhz DRAM

200GB HD

Dual Layer DVD writer

Component and DVI HDTV output

HD (ATSC) PCI tuner card (receives over the air High Definition TV)

SD (NTSC) PCI tuner card  (receives over the air standard definition TV)

Remote Control

Wireless Keyboard

Wireless Mouse

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition

Delivery and custom in-home installation of your Media Center PC and we'll even show you how to use it!