Home theater

The Ultimate Set-Top Box (DVR) to Rule Them All?

Image created by PC World and Brian Christie Design.

The pitch: Our ultimate set-top box/high-def DVR is a home theater PC--hey, we're PC World--that's quiet and turns on in seconds. (That's not an impossible dream either: Microsoft has thought about it, and ASrock has motherboards that use an advanced standby state to boot Windows in around 4 seconds). A PC-based DVR lets you hand-pick and upgrade hardware (drives, tuners, CableCards), manage codecs, and use add-ons like DVRMSToolbox, ShowAnalyzer or ComSkip to automatically detect and skip commercials. We'd follow the lead of MythTV and make ad-skipping standard.

Our interface blends the slick look and networking chops of Windows 7 Media Center with TiVo's ease of use; the latter already runs on PCs via Nero's Liquid TV kit.

Wireless keyboard, streaming features: The concept you see pictured (rendered to our spec by Brian Christie Design) includes a keyboard for PC tasks and Internet use. Our SlingLoaded DVR also lets you schedule from, and stream to, any Web device. Further options: Use a remote server to record or stream shows (inspired by actual Cablevision plans), or share live TV with friends (as on Monsoon's HAVA boxes with SociableTV).

Detachable touch remote: Though influenced by Asus's Eee Keyboard PC, our touchscreen also functions as a detachable remote control/minitablet that communicates with the DVR through Wi-Fi or infrared.

Touch display: Interface to adjust settings without a TV, to display the program guide, and more. Can be switched off.

Media drives: Blu-ray/DVD to play movies, back up recordings (within DRM restrictions), and rip discs. Portable media drive has HDMI and works with the remote.