Entertainment Central

Many families with a child have a video game system hooked up to a TV, which gives the child something to play on rainy days. However, many of these game systems can do more than simply playing games. These systems, especially the newest consoles, are in reality powerful pieces of hardware and are designed to become centers of home entertainment.

The Xbox 360 is a popular video game system by Microsoft that actually has its version of Windows Media Center built in. You can play commercial DVDs as well as HD DVDs, which provide great quality. The system can connect to an online marketplace where you can download games and movies, all to watch on your TV.

The Sony Playstation 3 is a prime example a media center, as it also serve as a DVD Player and a Blu-Ray player. DVD playback is standard with Sony, but the Playstation 3 specializes in reading Blu-Ray discs, which can hold over five times the data and provide video quality unparalleled in the market. The PS3 also has an online marketplace where one can download movies, games, and various other media to play on their TV. The PS3 can also browse the internet and display webpages on your TV.

The Wii can also serve as a media center, as it boasts an internet browser that utilizes its unique wiimote controls. It can also play DVDs like the other consoles, although some configuration is needed.Video game consoles often have useful features that are masked by their main purpose to play games. However, if these features are used right, they can serve as a home media center without the need for the purchase of other electronics.