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Home theater PC
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<p>A home theater PC (HTPC) or media center computer is a <a href="/facts/Technological_convergence/GaHzk37u">convergent</a> device that combines some or all the capabilities of a <a href="/facts/Personal_computer/koaYfNce">personal computer</a> with a <a href="/facts/Software_application/YQuj7Kog">software application</a> that focuses on video, photo, audio playback, and sometimes <a href="/facts/Digital_video_recorder/g8V6BsU5">video recording</a> functionality. Since the mid-2000s, other types of <a href="/facts/Consumer_electronics/cJ8g9NXh">consumer electronics</a>, including <a href="/facts/Video_game_console/K72D1NSS">game consoles</a> and dedicated media devices, have crossed over to manage video and music content. The term "media center" also refers to specialized <a href="/facts/Application_software/YQuj7Kog">application software</a> designed to run on standard <a href="/facts/Personal_computer/koaYfNce">personal computers</a>. </p><p>HTPC and other convergent devices integrate components of a <a href="/facts/Home_cinema/Yuue1prS">home theater</a> into a unit co-located with a home entertainment system. An HTPC system typically has a remote control and the software interface normally has a <a href="/facts/10-foot_user_interface/FqfaXmbw">10-foot (3 m) user interface</a> design so that it can be comfortably viewed at typical television viewing distances. An HTPC can be purchased pre-configured with the required hardware and software needed to add video programming or music to the PC. Enthusiasts can also piece together a system out of discrete components as part of a software-based HTPC. </p><p>Since 2007, <a href="/facts/Digital_media_players/sXozrqGf">digital media players</a> and <a href="/facts/Smart_TV/JE3CHk0y">smart TV</a> software has been incorporated into consumer electronics through software or hardware changes including video game consoles, <a href="/facts/Blu-ray/zyPalhfG">Blu-ray</a> players, <a href="/facts/Digital_media_player/sXozrqGf">networked media players</a>, televisions, and <a href="/facts/Set-top_box/hAsUsw67">set-top boxes</a>. The increased availability of specialized devices, coupled with paid and free digital online content, now offers an alternative to multipurpose (and more costly) personal computers. </p>