Small yet powerful, that is VOT550 mini computer from ViewSonic. It is powered by a 2.2 Ghz Intel Core 2 Duo T6600 processor with a 4 GB of RAM, a 500 GB HDD, a built-in Blu-Ray drive, and Microsoft Windows 7. The ViewSonic VOT550 is covered with a sleek piano black casing that will look great alongside the majority of LCD or plasma TVs. This Mac Mini alternative also supports a total of six USB 2.0 ports (two at the front and four at the rear), and an S/PDIF port to connect with your AV receiver. Besides that, there is also a Kensington lock that provides an optimum physical security. The ViewSonic VOT550 mini PC is priced at $949 each.

If you’ve got your eyes on a Mac Mini alike to sit underneath the flatscreen, the Dell Inspiron Zino HD is right up your alley. It’s a colourful, compact desktop PC that fits everything from Blu-ray, a 1 TB hard drive and 8 GB of RAM into its 7.8×7.8 inch shell.

With all the bells and whistles, the Dell Inspiron Zino HD will set you back a cool £744, but even £299 Dell Inspiron Zino HD option with 2 GB of RAM and a DVD drive should suit you fine as a home theatre PC – if you’re able to take your eyes off the case and on the screen itself!

The Windows 7 powered Dell Inspiron Zino HD is on sale now from Dell’s UK website, so head on over there now and start customising your rig.

The LG HB954SP home cinema system surely isn’t lacking in the features department. As well as that 1000W audio system you’ll also get an iDock for hooking up your iPod or iPhone for music playback and BD Live for tucking into exclusive online extras.

You will also find two HDMI ports for connecting your console for surround sound gaming via the 5.1 channel output. Chuck in USB playback for snagging flicks off your PC or Mac and feel the powerful yet clear LG HB954SP sounds. The LG HB954SP system is planned to be launched in November with price-tag of £750.

LG HB954SP Blu-ray Home Theatre System