If you are new to building a high performance computer or want more information on the home theater applications then is the book for you. Be aware that this book does not give in depth coverage of media center software.

If you are new to building a high performance computer or want more information on the home theater applications then is the book for you. Be aware that this book does not give in depth coverage of media center software.

This book is great reference material for any HTPC newbie. It has clear directions and setup diagrams. If your not planning on using MCE, then this book will only be useful to you on the hardware side. Also, technology changes so quickly that you need to compliment this book with websites such as [...]

I had high expectations for this book but I guess I should have researched it more. As it turns out this book is really two books in one. The first describes how to build your own PC. The second describes how to use Windows MCE.

The only difference between an HTPC and a regular PC hardware is the form factor and the inclusion of a capture card. Essentially any decent book on building your own PC can help you out on the hardware side. It looks like this book did a decent job with it, even though I simply went to newegg and picked out my pieces since I had built a PC before.

What I was hoping for was coverage of all HTPC software out there today and a comparison of options. This book unfortunately only covers MCE. BeyondTV, MythTV(and Linux), Meedio and Mediaplay are all ignored. This is a huge oversite on the part of the author. Hence my 3 stars.

In summary if you are new to building a PC and intend on using MCE this is the book for you. Experienced PC builders and those that wish to use other software options should avoid it.

I uncovered this book just after I finished building my own HTPC (Media Center). In process, I did extensive online research, leveraging ExtremeTech.com, AVSforum.com, TheGreenButton.com and other resources. Finding simple answers was such a tedious task, that I decided to create my own knowldege base online at BuildMediaCenter.com to help others. If I had had this book earlier I would have saved a lot of time in finding those answers and money on buying uncompatible parts. This book is simply an enciclopedia for all Media Center technology enthusiasts and PC builders!

I uncovered this book just after I finished building my own HTPC (Media Center). In process, I did extensive online research, leveraging ExtremeTech.com, AVSforum.com, TheGreenButton.com and other sources. It was such a tedious task, that I decided to put my own KnowldegeBase online at BuildMediaCenter.com to help others. If I had had this book earlier I would have saved a lot of time spent in digging through the Internet and money on buying uncompatible parts. This book is simply an enciclopedia for all Media Center technology enthusiasts and PC builders!

I purchased this book in December. I have wanted to build my own computer for some time. I never had a reason for one until I read about Microsoft's Media Center Edition. This prompted me to hit the Internet for info. I came across 5 or 6 sites with good info, but they were outdated. I came upon this book on ExtremeTech.com. The book is "hot off the presses." It give 3 great examples from start to finish, which include 3 different platforms. Each one of the components are assigned a chapter which included recommendations.

If you are able to partition a hard drive and use hand tools you will be able to build your own HTPC. The process is very rewarding. By the way I am 55 years old and this is my first computer.