Using Computer as Home Entertainment Centre

[Andy]

I'm playing about with my new laptop and found it's great for playing music. Compressed CD's playing from Microsoft Media Player 10 to my HiFi sound perfectly fine.

Video to my 32" TV via SVGA is no good with warped edges to the picture, just like my other PC with video output. Video on the laptop screen is great.

p.s. the fan is a small problem with its noise.

Anyone else with experience of using a PC/laptop in a home entertainment system?

[SensoVision]

if watching recording programs like Simpsons and few others could be considered as entertainment than I do altough I don't connect it to my TV or HiFi(which I don't have actually).
We're watching everything on 17" monitor.
I also turn sometime FM radio which is built-in on my TV tuner.

p.s. the fan is a small problem with its noise.

after I've start using SeaSonic PSU noise isn't an issue anymore, air bubbles in aquarium actually produce much more noise than whole PC

[Queen Bee]

I use my PC for practically everything! I found that it is a nice alternative to cable television, and like to watch episodes on my PC rather than on the TV (I have managed to watch many missed episodes from my favourite shows through this method, and at my own leisure). I also enjoy loading CDs to my harddrive and listening to music while I'm working on web projects or artwork. My speakers aren't any good, but my sister recently donated her music system to my collection, so I think I will hook it up to my computer and enjoy the higher quality sound.

And of course, I have my setup for PC gaming...

[Andy]

I don't know anything about how to get TV shows on my PC. Are there some streaming TV sites that can be recommended? I am very interested now since I'm moving countries. I am hooked on the Australian soap Neighbours and can't stand the idea of missing out on this 

[Queen Bee]

I don't know anything about how to get TV shows on my PC. Are there some streaming TV sites that can be recommended? I am very interested now since I'm moving countries. I am hooked on the Australian soap Neighbours and can't stand the idea of missing out on this

I can't recommend anything in particular because I have to search for specific shows in hopes that fan subs or official sites might offer missed episodes. It's disappointing to say that I've seen several good fan sub sites close down recently, however. Apparently the bandwidth is too much to handle.

I went ahead and did a search for Neighbours and found one fan kindly offering a nice collection of episodes on his site, here:
http://www.geocities.com/clarke_thomas/

I downloaded one episode and they seem pretty decent. A little small, but that's what I usually get.

The other thing I like to use is called Netflix, which is an online DVD rental system (I'm sure you've heard of something like this before). I wouldn't be surprised if they had a similar system in Japan, since they always seem to be 'ahead of the crowd' in terms of technological progress and entertainment. If they do, you might be able to get older seasons as they are released (Which is what I like to do with Stargate SG-1 now that I no longer have cable.)