The integration of the television and personal computer dates back to the end of1980swhen tuners were added to the Commodore Amiga PC using Video Toaster. This adaptation allowed a small video window to be broadcast on the screen.In1993yearcorporationAppledeveloped the Macintosh TV — a television with a built-in personal computer, however, it never gained widespread popularity and was discontinued after about 10,000 units were produced.
In1996In [year], Gateway Computer released a computer that included a tuner and a video card. The device cost $4000 and primarily integrated television and computer functions on one color monitor. It was called the "PC-TV Combo," but in December it was renamed the "Home-theater PC" and featured in the media: "The home theater PC will combine entertainment and information.application.
In1997In [year], a small company called Chromatic Research developed the Mpact1 chip, capable of decoding MPEG1/MPEG2 and obtaining a progressive RGB signal from interlaced. This chip had a number of multimedia functions and expansion capabilities. However, upon completion of development, the chip was not in demand due to the slow growth of the DVD industry. About a year later, the company released the updated Mpact2 chip, which was used in various video adapters such as the 3DFusion DVD card, STB NitroDND, Leadtek WinFast 3D S800 AGP, as well as in exotic motherboards. Initial sales were quite slow until the first reviews and notes about the possibility of obtaining a progressive image using the 3DFusion card based on the Mpact2 chip began to appear online.
From the middle1998In the year, reviews began to appear in the print press, which drew attention to the capabilities of the PC. At this time, the abbreviation was formed.HTPC, as an abbreviation of the phrasesHome TheaterandPersonal Computer.
Another quite interesting attempt to give new properties to the PC was the development by Philips — the multimedia receiver DVX 8000, which combined a tuner, preamplifier, DVD-ROM, and a personal computer running Windows 95. The system was based on an Intel Pentium MMX 233 MHz processor, 32 MB of RAM, a 3.1 GB HDD, a 3.5-inch drive, USB, and a 33.6 Kbps modem. A wireless keyboard was used for control. The first attempt, as they say, was a failure; these once revolutionary achievements have already become part of history, which is not so easy to find even on the Internet.
In just 10 years, new technologies have burst into our lives. DVD/MP3 standards, "smart" homes, satellite broadcasting, digital photography — all these triumphs of modern digital technologies are implemented in household appliances. However, the capabilities of such devices are initially limited by manufacturers, which has led to the widespread use of PCs as an alternative to household appliances.
At first, ease of use and appearance did not greatly please HTPC fans, but by now almost all the "childhood" issues have been resolved, and the development of HTPC is beginning a new phase with the involvement of a large number of manufacturers producing components and software specifically for HTPC. This convergence of computer technology and household appliances fits perfectly within Intel's concept called the "Digital Home," in which the personal computer is given the role of a unifying hub for all household devices.
And in our online store, you will be able tobuy Intel MINI-HTPC with licensed Windows 8.1 OS!For example, a modelMINI PCMeLE PCG09 has compact design, as well as a wide range of applications: at home, at work, and in business.
Happy shopping and a great choice with VenSys.ua!
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