The HTPC or Home Theater Personal Computer was an idea before its time. Something only well-heeled and tech-savvy tinkering media geeks could even achieve, and then, more often than not, the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze. Yet, we have the HTPC to thank for our myriad modern media options. How-To Geek takes a look back at the HTPC, and gives it the respect it deserves.
The HTPC Was Ahead of Its Time
At it’s core, an HTPC is the combination of a PC and a TV, or at least some sort of AV (Audio-Visual) technology.
HTPCs Were Too Expensive and Too Complicated to Last
Even at their peak, HTPCs were a truly niche type of computer. All computers were expensive, and having one dedicated to your home entertainment setup meant you had the spare cash to afford such a luxury.
The First Xbox Spelled the End for HTPCs
Even if you had your heart set on an HTPC and didn’t want any of that consumer-grade stuff, the arrival of the original Xbox and homebrew media player apps for it.
You Can Still Roll Your Own HTPC
That’s not to say that the HTPC is entirely dead. It was always niche, but you can still easily buy an SFF (Small Form-Factor) PC or an HTPC case to add to your home theater setup. Why you would do this over, for example, an Apple TV or Android TV box is a question with only a few answers. Most of them deal with specific customizations or idiosyncrasies someone wants for their setup. Access to open-source software is a big one, and, of course, some HTPCs are also built to double as a gaming console replacement.
Ed. Note: Yes I had at least one HTPC, my last one a nice one in a special case with premium audio and a status display. I’ll have to dig it out and show it on Adafruit Show and Tell.
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