from_nothing2words asked:

What I’m trying to do is go to this consumer electronics show that has all things “electronic/computer” at largely discounted prices. I know some of the stuff is big brand names (Sony.Toshiba, etc.) but I don’t know what names are good as far as “PC parts” and the difference between a “TV video card” and a “graphics card”, “RAM”(I thought 1gb is the most you can get?), and what works well as far as a DVD/CD burner goes? Here’s the ultimate goal:
A desktop PC that is connected to my 42″plasma and my Onkyo home theater; for the purpose of having a “media center”.
A)All my video files(from home movies-music videos-Netflix or some other online video rental, etc.)&plays back MP3s
B)Acts as a “Tivo/DVR” that connects to the TV/Stereo in pure digital…The Onkyo receiver actually doesn’t have that many “optical inputs”(maybe 2-3) and only about 2-3 HDMI inputs
C)I’d also like to “sync” alot of home automation equipment as well (X-10 components)
D)An emulator to play all the HD video games.


Question posted courtesy of: home automation device