Multimedia (incl PS3) advice please

herman2811

Hi, my dad needs a replacement DVD player, but has decided he wants a device that can do all the following!

Plays DVDs
Has FULL internet access via the TV
Plays other format discs and will connect to a hi-fi, so he can for example, listen to MP3 CDs.
Allows SD cards to be inserted so can look at photos etc on the TV.

Does such a device exist? He seems to think his best option is the PS3. Does this allow full internet access? The gaming part of this is completely pointless for him, although he does have young grandchildren who he thinks in future would be able to download and play free games on it??

Any advice would be appreciated - we're open to devices other than the PS3 if applicable, thanks!

Hammyman

The PS3 does have a web browser however I would say he'd be better with a small form factor PC, a wireless mouse and keyboard set and a windows media center remote control. The cost would be roughly the same and Windows 7 Media Center is regarded as one of the best there is.

S0litaire

I'd go for a HTPC (Home Theater PC) rather than a console like a PS3. Something like this might be what you are looking for:
Zotac Z-Box DVD Atom ION. You CAN get a Blu-Ray version as well

gaming_guy

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almillar

The only PS3 with card readers is the very very first one, which has a 60gb drive I believe, but they command a premium, despite being the oldest, least energy efficient, noisiest and least reliable PS3s.

herman2811

S0litaire wrote: »

I'd go for a HTPC (Home Theater PC) rather than a console like a PS3. Something like this might be what you are looking for:
Zotac Z-Box DVD Atom ION. You CAN get a Blu-Ray version as well

Thanks, this looks quite interesting. But forgive my ignorance, is this basically a PC but without the monitor? We'd therefore use our TV?

What's the operating system and browser, assuming you can go on the internet in the same way you would on a PC?

InsideInsurance

A Home Theatre Personal Computer (HTPC) is just a PC that has been tuned for the purposes of being the centre of a home theatre set up, it'll generally be very quiet if not silent went running, very small case, sufficient spec to play HD video but not for cutting edge gaming.

They can be running MS Windows, a version of Linux or Apple OS X depending on the hardware and preferences.

drinkcaffeine

does he already have a pc?

you dont need to go and buy a dedicated pre-built home media server either you could modify a pc to suite your needs ;0)

herman2811

drinkcaffeine wrote: »

does he already have a pc?

you dont need to go and buy a dedicated pre-built home media server either you could modify a pc to suite your needs ;0)

He already has a laptop, but he kind of wants something that ticks all boxes so he "doesn't have to get the laptop out", as he puts it! He definitely won't want to keep the laptop out on display!

herman2811

Any other thoughts or suggestions on this? Thanks!