Media centers are actually computers that connect to televisions. Not everyone wants a computer side by side their TV but these two can go along together perfectly as integral parts of a complete entertainment gear. There are a number of computer builders that sell preconfigured media centers but it is also possible to build one’s own with the help of online groups.

Computer enthusiasts will find a media center computer a great alternative to off-the-shelf Personal Video Recorders or PVRs. Even if one is not exactly confident about building one’s own, the abundance of available pre-built systems will be enough to overcome initial hesitation. Future software upgrades are expected to make it still a lot easier.