6. Multimedia Goodies

What's an HTPC without a remote control? The answer is "Just another ordinary PC in a living or family room." While you can run HTPCs using a wireless mouse and keyboard, a remote control with lots of buttons and an on-screen display is a more natural home-entertainment interface. Add a vacuum fluorescent display (VFD) for simple status and station readout and you'll feel like you're controlling a fancy DVD player more than wrestling with Windows.

Many vendors have come to this realization, and are either offering their own such products or have cut OEM deals with other manufacturers. Whether or not you need a small display in your HTPC is something you'll need to decide for yourself. Just remember that at distances of more than six to eight feet, you really can't read them anyway - at least, not without a pair of binoculars!

VL System M-Play 202

The hardware for the M-Play 202 consists of a large IR remote control and a 5.25" form factor unit with a two-line VFD. The M-Play ties into your system through a USB connection, and works with all versions of Windows as far back as Windows 98. Some of its functions only work inside Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, however. For all the details, please consult our detailed review.