HTPC Case Final Thoughts

The idea is simple: substitute a computer in place of a DVD player or other home theater appliance. Home Theater PCs are meant for a niche market, and through the years that market has maintained some very small consumer numbers. I attribute this to several factors, but the three most significant are:

1. Added cost of custom building a HTPC over using a dual-purpose desktop or notebook
2. Lack of industry support for MCE-specific features and functionality
3. Constantly evolving mini- and micro-ATX platforms

With such a small market clamoring for HTPC hardware, manufacturers tightened their belts and reduced their product offerings to a few key designs or purposes. Additionally, the shrinking economy forced some companies to scrap their HTPC ambitions altogether. Ultimately, only HTPC-specific manufacturers, such as nMediaPC, remained.

Very recently Benchmark Reviews tested the Antec ISK300-65, Silverstone LC10B-E, Antec MicroFusion Remote 350, and Thermaltake DH101, all of which offer rack component-like appearance and design. This is fairly traditional with HTPC makers, since they equate the need to replace an entertainment center device with the HTPC. But sometimes there's functionality lost in the pursuit of fashion.

While I'm an admirer of nMediaPC HTPC 8000 wooden Media Center Edition HTPC case, I also understand that this isn't going to be the component-replacement enclosure that everyone else building for... and therein lies the rub. Since HTPCs haven't exactly set the world on fire, perhaps it's good to experiment with variety again. The antique radio themed HTPC-8000 is a perfect example of this idea, and it could prove to be a lucrative risk for nMedia.

<< Previous Page - Next Page >>