What can I do with a SphereTV Media Center?

The Media Center main menuThe main use of the STMC is as a digital terrestrial receiver for your television. The STMC will upgrade your television so it can receive all the digital services available in your area. If you have a Digital Satellite Receiver (Sky, for example), then the STMC will be able to work with it.

The SphereTV Media Center works as a Personal Video Recorder, so you can pause live TV any time you want, and resume playback later. You can also get an instant replay in case you miss something and want to see it again. The STMC has its own TV Guide (EPG) that you can use to schedule recordings. You can also tell the unit to record your favourite programme whenever it is shown, no matter what time or channel. If you select the Dual Tuner upgrade, then you will be able to watch one channel while recording another. You will also be able to watch and record two channels at the same time. Now there's no reason to miss your favourite TV programmes ever again.

The PVR is the most useful feature of the STMC. If you watch a lot of sport, then the PVR means that you can pause the game if you need to leave the room, so you don't miss any of the action. If you do miss anything, then you can rewind the action and see what you missed. You can create your very own replay whenever you want.

If you run out of space on the hard drive, then you will need to delete the recordings you no longer want. However, you can use the STMC's DVD recording feature to make DVDs with your recordings. The STMC can also make CDs with recordings made from DVB radio stations. Of course, the STMC will also play your DVDs as well.

All your existing PC games will work on the STMC. You can play them with the included keyboard and mouse, or you can add a USB game controller to your order, and treat the unit as a games console. Now you can play all your PC games on your TV!

On top of all that, don't forget that this machine is also a full featured Windows XP computer. This means that you can run all your programs on this machine. You can check your email, surf the web, make internet phone calls, and write letters from the comfort of your sofa.

The STMC is also quieter than a desktop PC, and uses less power. So even if you don't want to connect it to a TV, it will work great as a replacement for your existing noisy, power-hungry computer. You can connect it to your existing monitor, or buy a new monitor with the STMC.

The STMC comes with Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 pre-installed.

SphereTV Media Center (Standard Model)

All prices on this page include VAT, so what you see is what you pay

• Dimensions 35 x 34.5 x 14 cm
• AMD 64 bit Sempron 2600 processor
• 512 MB RAM
• 80 GB Hard Drive 7200 rpm
• DVD±RW Dual Layer Drive
• Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005
• ATI Radeon Xpress 200 Graphics
• Single Tuner Digital TV Card
• Gyration Ultra Cordless Suite (Keyboard + "in-air" mouse)
• 6 USB Ports (2 Front 4 Rear)
• 5.1 Surround Sound Output (Speakers not included)
• Ethernet port
• Price: £699 including VAT + £20 delivery charge

Optional Upgrades

• Dual Tuner Digital TV Card £59 Recommended for family room televisions
• Athlon 64 3200 processor £89
• 1 GB RAM £35
• 200 GB Hard Drive £49 Recommended for archiving media