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Media Centre PC

Thinking about buying a media centre PC so that we can get free HDTV.

I have been advised by an 'expert' in our local PC shack that for about £500 I can buy a media PC with a freeview tuner that will give free to air HDTV. I will then also be able to connect 5.1 surround sound speakers, and download movies etc via bit torrent sites.

I am also advised that we will be able to buy a card reader to be able to continue with our Sky subscriptions (kids like Disney channels etc), as well as have the DVD drive upgradable to Blue Ray when the prices drop. Am also advised that the DVD drive will be upgradable giving almost HDMI quality.

Is all of this correct?

If so is around £500 reasonable for what I am wanting to do?

Will it be easy to use (via a wireless Windows media keyboard)?

Any one else done this?

Thanks for any advice/suggestions!:beer:
Don't lie, thieve, cheat or steal. The Government do not like the competition.
The Lord Giveth and the Government Taketh Away.
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Comments

  • Lakeuk
    Lakeuk Posts: 1,084 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture
    Your shop expert is telling you a few porkies to get a sale:-

    You can't get HD on Freeview, Free HD is only available on satellite and that is for BBCHD only.
    The dvd drive won't be upgradable, it could be replaced with a blu-ray when prices come down or if the PC allows an addition blu-ray drive could be installed.
    If you want to watch sky subscriptions on a PC then you'll need a satellite decoder card, cam module, quad lnb and sky card plus special software - it's not easy to setup, not supported by sky - not worth the hassle IMO.

    Following forum will help you find something for your needs:-
    http://www.avforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=265
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