If your PC has a lot of movies and other video files that you want to view on a big screen, you can make the PC the central component to build a home theater around. By linking the computer with a projector and surround sound system, you can play the PC's videos through its own media player application, but with the picture size and sound quality of a home theater. If the PC has a DVD player installed, you can also view your DVD movies on this system through the computer.
Instructions
1. Make sure your PC has a media player application that can play all video and movie files stored on it. Also, see that your PC's DVD player (and the media application that it uses) is properly working.
2. Connect the PC to an LCD projector. If the projector doesn't have a VGA input port (the 15-pin connector used by a monitor), get a VGA to component adapter cable that will connect to the projector's component (red, green and yellow) ports.
3. Hook up a surround sound system to the PC's audio output. The sound card likely uses a mini stereo output port so use a mini to RCA audio cable that can connect to the main RCA (red and white) input ports on the surround sound amplifier. Connect the sound system's speakers to their proper output ports on the central amplifier
4. Find a place to set the PC within the theater's room. A simple idea is a small, sturdy table behind the room's main seating area. The keyboard might not be needed, but you will need at least the mouse to navigate the desktop and open your media files and applications.
5. Place the projector in a spot where it can project its image on a blank wall. Draping the wall with a white sheet will improve the projector's picture quality. Near the PC is good so one person can operate both devices at the same time.
Tags: sound system, surround sound, application that, cable that, home theater, media player, media player application
