3. The Software

Many media center programs exist today. But in 2003, however, there weren't as many from which to choose. Fortunately, ATI includes a decent home theater software package called Multimedia Center (MMC) with their All in Wonder cards. Using the included ATI remote control, I was able to manipulate live TV, and it also managed DVD, video and MP3 playback. I found the ATI MMC software (Version 7.5) to be cumbersome at first. The menu navigation was confusing, and the included GemStar TV programming scheduler often crashed.

However, after becoming accustomed to the interface I found that I was pleased with the overall package and used it until Windows Media Center 2005 became available. (Windows Media Center 2005 is the HTPC software that I use today). For Linux fans, Myth TV is a free and very powerful media center operating system. I have used it and found it to be well thought out and intuitive. If you're new to Linux there is also an easy to install distribution that includes Myth TV called Knoppmyth.

The Case

I chose the Raidmax Storm 847W to house my HTPC. I modified it slightly so that the DVD drive would not stand out and painted the interior black before installing the rest of the hardware.

Figure 3: Raidmax Storm 847W Mid Tower Case