Antec HTPC Case And Easy Media Center Upgrade Kits

Case manufacturer Antec has taken the wraps off of its latest HTPC case, together with a new range of "Multimedia Station" add-ons to make existing computers more home-entertainment friendly.  The Micro Fusion Remote 350 is compact 4.5 x 15.1 x 16.1-inches and includes an aluminium front panel with IR receiver, remote control and LCD display.  Inside, Antec have separated the motherboard from the included 350W power supply in a dual-chamber design it claims reduces noise, as well as provided silicone grommets for quiet-mounting hardware.

The new Multimedia Station range, meanwhile, consists of 3.5-inch or 5.25-inch bays that offer the choice of IR control, sub-displays and other controls to existing PCs.  Four versions make up the range, from the Basic (an IR receiver and remote combo, for a 3.5-inch bay), through the Elite (a 5.25-inch VFD display, IR receiver and volume dial) and the Premier (a double 5.25-inch VFD display with multiple controls, IR receiver and deluxe remote), as well as the E-Z which is basically a USB IR receiver that plugs into a laptop.

All the Multimedia Station units, together with the new HTPC case, come with Antec's iMEDIAN HD media station software, that can support 1080p high-definition and is compatible with XP and Vista Media Center functionality.  The Micro Fusion Remote 350 is priced at $239.95, while the Multimedia Station range is priced at $39.95, $99.95, $119.95 and $29.95 for the Basic, Elite, Premium and E-Z respectively.