Another slow WHS week so I am doing a video of the final steps for my new budget HTPC. This week I will install a sound card and 3.5” media card reader in 6 minutes and six seconds.
Background
This is the last article on my cheapie HTPC build. The previous two articles are at:
https://moviesgamesandtech.com/2010/04/05/the-easy-250-outlet-htpc-on-a-friday-night/
Equipment Needed
- PCI Sound Card
- 3.5” Media Card Reader
- Six Minutes and Six Seconds
- One Beer (optional as always)
I got these basic components cheap at Newegg. For those of you really into sound there are much better, and more expensive, sound options available. For most of us though, a sound card like this is fine.
Installation Video
This is a quick video of the installation. Although every computer model is different, the basic concepts are the same. If in doubt, check with the manufacturers website for service instructions and warranty information.
Here are a few quick links:
If you have a video camera why not do a video of your own?
Conclusion
After I started the PC, the drivers for the sound card and media card reader automatically installed. Sweet.
The HTPC was then moved into the house and placed behind the 50”. The wife accepted the location and we watched “The Hangover” in Blu-Ray stutter free. Super Sweet.
This project should be an easy sell to your family. For about $320 you not only get a Blu-Ray player and Windows Media Center but you also get other great features of Windows 7 such as Internet Explorer and Zune. In addition, you can also download applications like Google Earth, Skype and iTunes. Netflix and Hulu also run great on a 50”.
See you next Friday night,
Tim
