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Media Center Requirements

For Media Center (minimum):

  • A Television (either HDTV (highly recommended) or Standard Definition). TV must be able to accept a composite, S-Video, Component, VGA, DVI or HDMI (with DVI to HDMI adaptor) input OR Computer Monitor
  • For cable or satellite, a cable or satellite subscription and a set-top-box with composite or S-Video and audio out
  • For free over-the-air reception, either a TV antenna or a "basic cable" connection
  • Internet connection. A broadband (either cable or DSL) connection is STRONGLY recommended
  • If using dual SDTV tuners, then both set-top-boxes must be the same make and model (i.e. both from same cable/satellite company and both same model box)

Optional:

  • 5.1 (or greater) surround sound receiver or amplifier with digital (S/PDIF) or analog inputs
  • www.antennaweb.org to see what channels you can receive in your area
  • Wired or wireless network

For multi-room options:

  • Wired or wireless network (note only one extender may be used wirelessly due to bandwidth considerations) - 802.11a or new ";MIMO" or "pre-N" network is highly recommended for wireless connection to extender