October 6, 2001 Update - I changed references to the HDTV PC tuner cards for less than $300 to less than $400. I was confusing DTV cards with HDTV cards.
January 31, 2001 Update - The HDTV FAQ and HDTV On Your PC pages have been updated and all links on all C-TECH pages are current as of January 31, 2001.
December 21, 1999 - By Brian Covault
A New Computer - Over the past year, I have bought a new PC with about six times more of just about everything my last computer had plus a few things my last computer didn't have at all. And, the price for that new computer was over $1,000 less than what I paid for my last PC. I have also moved from a dial-up Internet connection to a 300K ADSL modem connection .
New Discoveries - I have noticed some other changes in what I do around the house over the past year. For example, this summer, I discovered Internet radio featuring CD quality music over the Internet 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I have not touched my stereo system since.
Throw Out The Stereo - Well, I did touch the stereo today. I re-routed the sound for the stereo from the stereo system speakers to the speaker system that came with my computer. The stereo system sounds just as good if not better now. Looks like the stereo system speakers, CD player and radio receiver can be removed any time now. That will free up some space around here.
Throw Out the TV and VCR - And, now, I am looking at PC TV tuner cards. Some will record shows right onto a hard drive. My TV and VCR may soon be going the way of the stereo system. I have even come across the first TV tuner card I have seen on the Internet that will bring HDTV to the PC. And, it can be purchased for under $400! Wow!
C-TECH - In short, I have discovered convergence technology or C-TECH in a major way. Convergence technology is the combination of several multimedia technologies into one platform. And, I would like to see that platform be the PC. And, it looks like we are well on our way there already. The voice chat channels on this site are just another example. I believe a revolution is coming to the PC industry that will make the home computer our mutlimedia and entertainment center.
More C-TECH Information - See the links below for more information about the changes that are coming. I plan to add more links soon.
The NetTable Forum - Click here to check out the NetTable message board. Discuss HDTV with other forum members.
Comments - If you have any questions or comments about this page, just click the link below and fire off an email to me. Thanks!