So you’ve decided you want in on this robust entertainment experience. However, you must first decide: Do I buy a ready-to-roll, pre-configured complete system? Or do I build one myself?

This is a question that really, only you can answer. There are advantages to either approach, but there can be some limitations as well. Understanding these differences will greatly aid you in the decision process. For this segment, I will focus on purchasing a pre-configured system.

A wise manager once advised me to “begin with the end in mind.” I’ve found this very useful in various areas throughout my life and it is equally applicable here. It is important to understand what your end goal is so that you can make the right decisions along the way.

If your end goal is to quickly and easily simplify your entertainment stack or use this to replace your cable set-top box and get all your premium channels, then buying a turn-key solution is probably the best option. Buying from a system integrator or OEM vendor can greatly reduce the stress and hassle of implementing an HTPC into your life because they have a great deal of experience and resources not necessarily available to a a do-it-yourself (DIY) builder.

There are many advantages of purchasing a pre-configured unit and one of the biggest is the ability to access your paid protected and/or premium services and content. Cable channels are typically broadcast in two formats; encrypted, and clear QAM. Premium content like HBO, Cinemax, etc., are protected and therefore must be encrypted before transmission.

As mentioned in a previous blog post, accessing protected/premium content is restricted to boxes with a digital cable tuner (a.k.a. OCUR) and those are only available through the system integrator (SI) and/or the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) channel. This is due in large part to the legal and business requirements involving protected premium content. As such, system integrators and OEM vendors can offer the necessary hardware, software and firmware to properly decrypt and secure the content for distribution. It is important to understand here that not all system integrators have the ability to deliver an OCUR-enabled solution. System integrators must meet certain requirements in order to qualify as authorized distributors of these digital cable solutions. Check with your local integrator first before plopping down your hard earned $$ to make sure you are getting what you want. I have provided the names of a few integrators below that are selling quality HTPCs and some are able to offer digital cable tuners as part of their product offerings.

Another advantage of purchasing a pre-configured HTPC is the ability to add advanced features like home automation/control. Many of the system integrators can come out and not only install your HTPC, but offer you additional services and functions like home automation. I have some screen shots posted in this blog. Now, a do-it-yourself (DIY) build can also implement some of these features, however, due to the complex nature of some of the additional equipment, it can get rather tricky. Before you know it, you may find yourself in over your head, so to speak. Sometimes it may involve running wires through the walls and connecting up multiple devices and making sure that they are all working together, seamlessly. Given this, it is often best left to a professional installer that has experience in this area.

Peace of mind. It can be frustrating trying to get everything working exactly as you want it in an HTPC when you build it yourself. Purchasing a pre-configured unit can help give you ease of mind and near immediate operability with your unit. Since the system is built and tested by the integrator, you’ll know that many of the bugs that you might see in a DIY configuration will have already been worked through by the integrator. This means you can start enjoying your HTPC right away instead of spending time troubleshooting some functionality that is not working as intended.

Additionally, purchasing from an integrator will usually get some type of warranty and support. Knowing that you have a support line if you experience problems can greatly ease any doubts you might have along the way.

If you think you are ready to plunge into this exciting world of Home Theater PCs, I have provided a few system integrators that are selling solutions based on AMD technology. The list is not all-inclusive and new vendors are joining the ranks and offering similar solutions fairly regularly. Some include digital cable tuner functionality as an option as well. Some of these vendors can also help you find professional install services for the more advanced features and functions discussed in earlier blogs. I would encourage you to visit these vendor sites or contact them directly to learn more about how they can help you find an AMD technology-based solution that best meets your needs. For simplicity, vendors are listed alphabetically.

Ace Computer (Home Installer/Consumer Channel)

Aspen Media Products (Home Installer/Consumer Channel)

Colorado vNet (Home Installer/Dealer channel)

Fluid Digital (Home Installer/Consumer Channel)

Fusion Research (Home Installer Channel)

Maingear Computer (Consumer Channel)

Okoro Media Systems (Home Installer/Consumer Channel)

Vidabox (Home Installer/Consumer Channel)
 

Stay tuned for next time where we will cover some of the hardware changes taking place in the industry and how these changes are making the HTPC a very viable product for entertainment.

Till next time, Happy Trails!

Jay Taylor is a Senior Developer Relations Engineer at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied.