The results are in! Each calendar quarter we take a look at what home theater computers, components and accessories have been popular in the past 12 months (Q1 2011 – Q1 2012). The following is a compilation of the most purchased products on Amazon – by our readers.
There has been some changes in almost every category in the rankings after the Q1 2012, so be sure to check out the latest results.
So, here are the most popular products by category over the past year.
Acer Revo AR3700 is the latest in a generation of nettop computers that feature an ultra-small footprint and is ultra-silent. Acer has designed a home theater computer that features a dual-core processor, high definition capable graphics and HDMI connectivity. It would seem that this little box of tricks is perhaps the ultimate in HTPC hardware.
1. Acer Aspire Revo AR3700
2. Acer Revo RL100-U1002
3. Apple Mac Mini
4. Lenovo IdeaCentre Q180
5. ZOTAC ZBOX Intel Atom D525 1.8 GHz ZBOX-ID41-U
CHALLENGER: ZBOX Nano AD10-Plus AMD E-350
The Antec Fusion HTPC case looks like a stereo receiver, so it fits nicely into the living room design. There are several interesting details included in the case, such as rubber pads to absorb vibration and two 120 mm cooling fans that are able to keep most processors cool without need for extra ventilation in the HTPC case. It also has a built in display and remote control receiver.
1. Antec Fusion Remote Black Micro ATX Media Center / HTPC Case
2: SilverStone Grandia Series HTPC Case Micro-ATX GD06B
3. SilverStone Micro ATX HTPC Computer Case GD05B
4. SilverStone Micro ATX Case ML03B
5. Antec Mini-ITX Case ISK 300-150
CHALLENGER: SilverStone ATX HTPC Case LC17B
There is no doubt that the Intel Core i3-2105 is the processor of the year for home theater PCs. The processor provides an optimal amount of performance that is needed for media center activities such as HD video playback. The HD 3000 graphics chip that is integrated into the CPU saves you both energy consumption and money as you do not need to buy an additional graphics card with this processor. Please note that the LGA1155 chipset is the current Sandy Bridge platform while the LGA1156 is the previous generation.
1. Intel Core I3-2105 Processor LGA1155
2. Intel Core i5-2500K Processor 3.3GHz LGA1155
3. Intel Core i3-2100 Processor 3.1GHz LGA1155
4. AMD A4-3400 APU with AMD Radeon 6410 HD Graphics 2.7GHz Socket FM1
5. AMD A6-3650 APU with AMD Radeon 6530 HD Graphics 2.6GHz Socket FM1
CHALLENGER: AMD A8-3850 APU Quad-Core Processor
Gigabyte Z68 Micro ATX motherboard has proven to be a good motherboard for the Intel Core i3 Sandy Bridge processor, so it has been popular buy together with the i3. Another reason is its low price which makes it very good value for your money.
1. Gigabyte Intel Z68 Micro ATX LGA 1155
2. ASUS P8P67-M PRO LGA 1155 Micro ATX
3. ASUS P8H67-M EVO Micro ATX LGA 1155
4. Gigabyte A75M-UD2H AMD Llano CPU Micro ATX Motherboard
5. ASRock E350M1 AMD E-350 Mini-ITX Motherboard
CHALLENGER: ASUS P8Z68-V PRO LGA 1155 ATX Motherboard
Readers have chosen LG Blu-ray drive to watch the latest Blu-ray movies. It looks good and it fits well to the HTPC case. It has a nice discount at the amazon.com, so you are able to get a writer drive with the price of a simple reader drive.
1. LG Electronics WH12LS39K 12X Internal Blu-Ray
2. Samsung Blu-Ray Combo Internal 12X SH-B123L/BSBP
3. LG Super-Multi Slim Blu-ray Combo Drive
4. Panasonic UJ240 6x Slim Blu-ray Burner
5. ASUS External 12X Blu-Ray Burner with USB 3.0 BW-12D1S-U
CHALLENGER: Lite-On LightScribe 24X SATA DVD+/-RW Dual Layer Drive
Keyboards with an integrated mouse have been the choice for many people using their computer from their sofa. FAVI Entertainment Wireless Keyboard has been our readers choice of the year in the keyboards category.
1. FAVI Entertainment Wireless Keyboard (Built-in TouchPad/Laser Pointer)
2. Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 with Built-In Multi-Touch Touchpad
3. IOGear Multimedia Keyboard with Laser Trackball and Scroll Wheel
4. Microsoft Arc Wireless USB Keyboard
5. Logitech diNovo Mini
CHALLENGER: Lenovo Multimedia Remote with Keyboard
Universal remote controls are particularly useful if you have several devices in your home theater. Logitech Harmony remote controls have been dominating this category and the Harmony One has been the best buy. Over 1000 user reviews at Amazon.com with a 4 / 5 rating average couldn’t be wrong about this remote.
1. Logitech Harmony One Universal Remote
2. Wireless USB PC Remote Control Mouse for PC
3. Windows 7 MCE PC Remote Control and IR Receiver
4. Logitech Harmony 900 Rechargeable Remote with Color Touch Screen
5. Keyspan ER-V2 RF Remote for Windows
CHALLENGER: Gyration Motion Sensing Remote
Recently, readers who built their own computer have chosen the Ceton Infinitv4 TV tuner as the winner in this category. Many regard this TV tuner the best one in the market and it is definitely the right choice if you are looking for a quad tuner card.
1. Ceton Infinitv4 Digital Cable Quad-tuner Card
2. Hauppauge 1213 WinTV-HVR-2250 Dual Hybrid
3. Avertv HD Duet
4. Avertv Hybrid Volar Max USB TV Tuner
5. Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR
CHALLENGER: Ceton InfiniTV 4 USB (NEW)
Now that you have a better idea on which components are currently popular within the community, please make sure to check out our latest recommendations on HTPC builds.
*** Updated on May 1, 2012