• An HTPC displays video content on a television.tv control and tv 3 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com
  
  A home theater PC (HTPC) is a computer that connects to a television rather than a computer monitor. An HTPC can record and play back television broadcasts and films, and with a few wireless controllers, can double as a living room game console. While HTPCs are flexible machines, they can also be quite expensive. Before you purchase an HTPC, consider some of the available alternatives, which offer similar functionality at lower prices.
  
  

Internet Streaming

• Several companies offer customers the opportunity to rent or purchase videos online, and stream them to low-cost devices in the living room, such as Apple with the Apple TV device and the iTunes download service, and Netflix, which can stream media to several types of devices. The advantage of streaming media online is that the costs of doing so are generally low, and the devices generally cost less than full-fledged HTPCs. The disadvantage is the lack of flexibility; devices for streaming media online are often single-purpose devices, and you may only be able to choose from the content offered by the media provider, while an HTPC allows you to download and watch anything you like. Streaming media devices also generally cannot record television broadcasts.
  
  

Wireless Media Streaming

• A wireless streaming system allows you to stream videos and music to your television from a computer in another room. Depending on the design of the system, the content would stream over your existing wireless network, or a separate radio transmission established by the media streaming system. An advantage of a wireless streaming system is it can generally play any of the content your computer can play. Additionally, if your computer has noisy fans, this allows you to keep it in another room, where it will not cause disruption during a movie. However, you may need to go to the other room to control your computer when you want to watch a different video, and cannot use this type of system for gaming.
  
  

Game Consoles

• A game console can be an ideal alternative to an HTPC, as game consoles can often perform many of the same functions. For example, the Sony PlayStation 3 is also a Blu-ray disc player. The Microsoft Xbox 360 plays DVDs, and can stream movies online from Netflix. Additionally, these consoles can play all of the latest games, and you may already have one in your living room. Simply select a streaming video service that works with your game console, and you will have much of the functionality of a full HTPC.
  
  

Digital Video Recorders

• A digital video recorder (DVR) is usually an option when you sign up for cable or satellite television service. A DVR can record television broadcasts and play them back for you later. Some of the advantages of a DVR may include a large hard drive for storing several hours or days of video, the ability to skip commercials and the ability to schedule recordings while you are out of the house. Some service providers also give you the ability to watch content such as movies on demand, much like an Internet streaming media service. The disadvantage of a DVR is you cannot play games on one.