Purchase the components needed to build your media center. You need a basic computer case and DVD-compatible optical drive. Select the fastest processor, most amount of memory and largest hard drive that will work with the motherboard you purchase. Although the motherboard will usually have built-in graphics and sound, you should purchase an additional top-of-the-line sound card and graphics card for best performance. If you plan on watching broadcast television through your media center, you need a TV tuner card as well. Select a quiet power supply to reduce any sound interference.
Assemble the computer components according to the manufacturers' instructions.
Determine which operating system you want to use. Windows supports Windows Media Center as well as open-source media center software like Boxee and XBMC. Linux operating systems also provide support for XBMC and Boxee in addition to MythTV, a software that allows you to watch, pause, rewind and record live TV shows.
Connect the media center to your television. With newer LCDs and plasma TVs, you can connect using a VGA or DVI cable. Older TVs will need an S-Video connection.
Install a media center software such as Boxee, XMBC, Windows Media Center or MythTV. You can download these options at no cost (see Resources). Follow the software manufacturer's instructions on how to configure the software to index your media collection or work with your TV tuner card to download TV program schedules.
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