Turn Your Old PC Into A Family Media Center

Knowing what to do with an old computer is always a struggle. However I have found a great way to use my old computers as a family media center.

My name is David and I work with Dell.If you are interested in learning more about Desktop computers click here.

Stop piling up Old PCs in your computer room and put one of them to work as a family media center.

image credit here.

1. Old computer with: S video port2. TV with S Video Port, or S video to coax

adapter. See pictures.

What you will need?

S Video Port. Look at both computer and Television.

Traditional S video Cable. Connects S to S port

S Video to Coax Adapter

For the best long term results you will want to erase as much information on the old computer as possible. Get rid of programs files and any other information that is not needed for your media center. Even older PCs often had at least 500GB Hard Disks. This opens the door to a lot of media options. Create folders for pictures, music and videos.

You can create sub categories if you would like as well. I like to make easy access folders for children shows and more. You can also turn this machine into a DVR. Instructions here

If you have a wireless home network you can access this media via an Xbox or internet connected television. Otherwise you will have to hide the computer in your entertainment center to access the media easily.

Erase All Unneeded Documents And Media.

The best way to control the media is via Windows Media Center with an Xbox. This way the computer can stay in your office and be activated via your home wireless network. Learn how to set one of those up here. But if you are going to be hiding the PC in your family room you will need a way to control the pc without a mouse and keyboard. Your best option is the windows remote. You can get one for around $50. It will be well worth the purchase to access all of your media

Remote

Once everything is setup start transferring media to your new media center. Use the DVD drive to copy all of the DVDs you own so you have them in easy access digital formats.

Transfer Data and Enjoy