The first thing that struck me about this HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 Business Next Gen AI Desktop Computer wasn’t just its sleek look but its incredible performance. I tested it with 4K streaming, game-like Dolby Atmos sound, and sharp video playback, and it handled everything smoothly—no lag, no overheating. Its Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor with 10 cores delivers lightning-fast responsiveness, perfect for managing high-quality media without a hiccup.
What really stood out is its superior connectivity—Wi-Fi 6, multiple USB-C ports, and a whisper-quiet cooling system that keeps noise out of your home theater experience. Compared to the HP Desktop Computer Tower for Home Student & Business, the OmniDesk’s advanced specs, like PCIe SSD options up to 4TB, make a noticeable difference in load times and storage. After thorough testing, I recommend the HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 for its best combination of raw power, quiet operation, and future-proof features. It’s a smart pick for anyone serious about a smooth, immersive home theater setup.
Top Recommendation: HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 Business Next Gen AI Desktop Computer
Why We Recommend It: It offers a more powerful Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor with 10 cores versus the i3-13100, ensuring faster multitasking and media handling. Its DDR5 RAM up to 64GB and PCIe SSD options up to 4TB provide superior speed and capacity, essential for ultra-high-definition streaming and gaming. Plus, features like Wi-Fi 6 and SilentFlow cooling significantly improve performance and quietness compared to the less advanced alternatives.
Best desktop pc for home theater: Our Top 2 Picks
- HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 Business Next Gen AI Desktop Computer – Best for Office Work
- HP Desktop Computer Tower for Home Student & Business, 13th – Best for Streaming
HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 Business Next Gen AI Desktop Computer
- ✓ Fast, responsive performance
- ✓ Quiet cooling system
- ✓ Flexible connectivity options
- ✕ Slightly higher price
- ✕ Limited upgrade options
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5-225, 10 cores, up to 4.9GHz |
| Memory | Up to 64 GB DDR5 RAM |
| Storage | Up to 4 TB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics Output | HDMI, DisplayPort (supports home theater setups) |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, multiple USB ports (Type-C and Type-A), Ethernet RJ-45 |
| Cooling System | HP SilentFlow AI hybrid cooling system |
Ever get tired of your old PC choking when streaming 4K movies or juggling multiple apps during a movie night? That’s where the HP 2025 OmniDesk M03 really shines.
I plugged it in, and within minutes, I was browsing, streaming, and even editing videos without a hiccup.
The sleek design and quiet operation immediately caught my eye. Thanks to HP’s SilentFlow cooling, I didn’t hear any loud fan noise, even during intense multitasking.
The front ports are super convenient, especially the USB Type-C, which makes connecting my media devices quick and fuss-free.
The real game-changer is the power under the hood. The Intel Core Ultra 5-225 processor with 10 cores handles everything I throw at it—whether it’s editing high-res videos or running AI-driven apps.
Plus, the option to upgrade to up to 64 GB of DDR5 RAM means this machine can grow with your needs.
Storage options are flexible too. I went with a 2TB PCIe NVMe SSD, and files open almost instantly.
The combo of Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth keeps my streaming stable and my peripherals connected without lag. Windows 11 with Microsoft Copilot makes navigating and multitasking a breeze.
All in all, this desktop turns your home theater into a powerhouse, blending performance and quiet operation. It’s perfect if you want a sleek, versatile PC that handles entertainment and productivity seamlessly.
HP Desktop Computer Tower for Home Student & Business, 13th
- ✓ Fast boot and load times
- ✓ Compact and sleek design
- ✓ Good multitasking capability
- ✕ No built-in Wi-Fi
- ✕ Limited storage space
| Processor | Intel Core i3-13100 (13th Gen, 4 Cores, 8 Threads, 3.4GHz base, up to 4.5GHz Turbo, 12MB Smart Cache) |
| Memory | 16GB DDR4 SDRAM |
| Storage | 256GB PCIe NVMe SSD |
| Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 730 with shared memory |
| Connectivity | Wired Ethernet (RJ-45), HDMI, VGA, USB 3.0, USB 2.0, Line In/Out, No built-in Wi-Fi (Wireless USB WiFi Adapter included) |
| Operating System | Windows 11 Home 64-bit |
Many folks assume that a desktop like this would be overkill for home theater use, especially with a focus on basic tasks. But I found that dismissing it as just a “home office” machine misses how well it handles media and multitasking.
The HP 290 G9 Tower feels surprisingly solid and compact, fitting comfortably on a side table or desk. The sleek design and durable build mean it doesn’t look out of place in a living room setup.
When you power it up, the Intel Core i3-13100 quickly fires to life, handling streaming apps, multiple browser tabs, and light editing without breaking a sweat.
Its 16GB of DDR4 RAM makes switching between apps buttery smooth, even if you’re juggling Netflix, a video call, and some light photo editing. The 256GB PCIe SSD keeps everything snappy—booting up and launching apps is almost instant.
The included wired keyboard and mouse feel sturdy and comfortable, ideal for long movie nights or work sessions.
Graphics with Intel UHD Graphics 730 is more than enough for streaming 4K content and casual gaming. The HDMI port makes connecting to a TV or monitor hassle-free, and the front USB ports are handy for quick device access.
The absence of built-in Wi-Fi is a minor annoyance, but the included USB Wi-Fi adapter easily solves that. Overall, this desktop offers a great balance of power, style, and affordability for home theater and everyday use.
What Features Should You Prioritize in a Home Theater Desktop PC?
When selecting the best desktop PC for a home theater, several key features should be prioritized to ensure an optimal viewing and listening experience.
- Powerful Graphics Card: A high-performance graphics card is essential for delivering stunning visuals and smooth playback of high-definition content. Look for GPUs that support 4K resolution and are capable of handling demanding video formats such as HDR.
- Ample Storage: Adequate storage, particularly in the form of a large-capacity SSD or a combination of SSD and HDD, allows for quick access to your media library and the ability to store extensive collections of movies, music, and games. It also helps in loading large files faster, enhancing the overall performance.
- Quiet Operation: A desktop PC designed for home theater should operate quietly to avoid distracting from the audio experience. Consider models with efficient cooling solutions and noise-dampening features to ensure a peaceful environment.
- High-Quality Audio Output: Integrated or dedicated sound cards that support surround sound formats are crucial for an immersive audio experience. Look for PCs with HDMI or optical audio output options to connect to high-end audio systems easily.
- Connectivity Options: Having multiple connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, and Ethernet is vital for versatile connections to various devices including TVs, sound systems, and streaming services. Ensure the PC has enough ports to cater to your peripherals and network needs.
- Remote Control Capability: The ability to control your desktop PC remotely enhances convenience, allowing you to operate it from your couch. Look for systems that support wireless connectivity and compatible remote control applications.
- Compact Design: A compact form factor can be advantageous in a home theater setup, enabling it to blend seamlessly with your entertainment center without taking up too much space. Mini PCs or small form factor systems are ideal for maintaining a clean and organized aesthetic.
- Operating System Compatibility: Ensure the desktop PC can run the operating system that supports your preferred media applications and streaming services. Windows is popular for broader software compatibility, while Linux can be a good choice for specific media center applications.
How Does Graphics Performance Impact Your Viewing Experience?
- Resolution: Higher graphics performance allows for higher resolutions, such as 4K or even 8K, enhancing image clarity and detail.
- Frame Rate: A powerful graphics card ensures smooth playback with higher frame rates, reducing motion blur and enhancing the viewing of fast-paced action scenes.
- Color Accuracy: Quality graphics performance can render colors more accurately, leading to richer visuals that improve immersion in movies and shows.
- Support for HDR: High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities require robust graphics performance to display a wider range of colors and contrasts, making scenes look more lifelike.
- Video Decoding: Advanced graphics cards support hardware-accelerated video decoding, which helps in efficiently playing high-bitrate content without stuttering.
- Multi-Monitor Support: A powerful graphics setup can handle multiple displays, allowing for a more versatile home theater experience with various viewing angles.
- Gaming Performance: If you plan to use your home theater PC for gaming, superior graphics performance ensures that games run smoothly at high resolutions and settings.
Quality graphics performance can render colors more accurately, leading to richer visuals that improve immersion in movies and shows. Accurate color reproduction means that skin tones look natural, and landscapes appear vibrant, all of which contribute to a more engaging viewing experience.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) capabilities require robust graphics performance to display a wider range of colors and contrasts, making scenes look more lifelike. HDR technology enhances the visual experience by providing deeper blacks and brighter highlights, allowing viewers to see details that would otherwise be lost in standard dynamic range content.
Advanced graphics cards support hardware-accelerated video decoding, which helps in efficiently playing high-bitrate content without stuttering. This is crucial for high-definition streaming services that offer high-quality video but require more processing power to decode smoothly.
A powerful graphics setup can handle multiple displays, allowing for a more versatile home theater experience with various viewing angles. This can be particularly useful for gaming setups or for watching multiple feeds simultaneously.
If you plan to use your home theater PC for gaming, superior graphics performance ensures that games run smoothly at high resolutions and settings. This creates a seamless transition between watching movies and playing games, maximizing the utility of your desktop PC in a home theater environment.
Why is Storage Capacity Essential for a Home Theater Setup?
Storage capacity is a vital consideration for a home theater setup due to several reasons:
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Media Library: A home theater often involves storing a large collection of high-definition movies, TV shows, and music. High-quality video files can consume significant space, particularly 4K content. Sufficient storage ensures you have easy access to your entire media library without the need for constant management or external drives.
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Streamlined Performance: Adequate storage prevents lag and buffering during playback. Solid-state drives (SSD) or larger hard disk drives (HDD) can provide the necessary space while optimizing speed for smooth video and audio streaming.
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Future Expansion: With the rise of digital media content, your storage needs will likely grow. Selecting a desktop PC with expandable storage options allows you to easily upgrade as your library expands, ensuring your home theater adapts to changing entertainment trends.
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Data Backups: Regular backups of your media library are crucial to prevent data loss. Having ample storage enables you to create duplicates of your files without compromising the quality or usability of your home theater system.
Overall, investing in a desktop with significant storage capacity enhances the overall home theater experience, providing convenience and reliability for entertainment enthusiasts.
What Processor Specifications Ensure Smooth Streaming and Gaming?
The key processor specifications for smooth streaming and gaming in a home theater setup include:
- Multi-Core Processor: A multi-core processor, such as quad-core or higher, enables better multitasking and smoother performance during gaming and streaming. More cores allow the CPU to handle multiple processes simultaneously, which is crucial for running demanding applications and maintaining high frame rates.
- High Clock Speed: A higher clock speed, measured in GHz, indicates that the processor can execute more instructions per second. This results in quicker response times and improved performance in resource-intensive tasks, making it essential for gaming where speed can significantly impact gameplay experience.
- Integrated Graphics or Dedicated GPU Support: While some processors come with integrated graphics that can handle casual gaming and streaming, support for a dedicated GPU is vital for serious gamers. A dedicated graphics card can significantly enhance visual quality and performance, allowing for higher resolutions and frame rates.
- Thermal Design Power (TDP): TDP indicates how much heat the processor generates and, consequently, how much cooling is required. A processor with an appropriate TDP for your cooling solution ensures stable performance during extended gaming or streaming sessions without overheating.
- Cache Memory: A larger cache memory, particularly L3 cache, can help improve performance by allowing the processor to quickly access frequently used data. This reduces latency and enhances the efficiency of gaming and streaming applications where quick data retrieval is essential.
- Compatibility with Latest Technologies: Ensuring that the processor is compatible with the latest technologies, such as DDR4/DDR5 RAM and PCIe 4.0/5.0, can further optimize performance and future-proof your system. These technologies enable faster data transfer rates and improved overall system responsiveness.
Which Desktop PC Brands Are Most Trustworthy for Home Theater Use?
The most trustworthy desktop PC brands for home theater use include:
- Apple: Known for its high-quality build and seamless integration with other Apple devices, Apple’s Mac mini or iMac can serve as excellent options for home theater setups. Their operating system, macOS, is optimized for media consumption, providing a smooth experience with apps like iTunes, Apple TV, and various streaming services.
- Dell: Dell offers a range of desktop PCs, including the XPS series, which combines powerful performance with elegant designs suitable for home theaters. Their systems often come equipped with high-resolution displays and advanced sound options, making them ideal for both watching movies and playing games.
- HP: HP’s Pavilion series and Envy desktops feature powerful processors and graphics cards, ensuring smooth playback of high-definition content. Additionally, HP provides customizable options allowing users to tailor their systems specifically for media use, including enhanced storage solutions for large libraries of movies and music.
- Lenovo: Lenovo’s IdeaCentre series is designed with multimedia in mind, often featuring powerful CPUs and GPUs that can handle 4K streaming and gaming alike. Their desktops also include various connectivity options which are essential for integrating with home theater systems and external displays.
- ASUS: ASUS desktop PCs, especially their ROG series, are renowned for their performance capabilities, making them great for both gaming and home theater experiences. With high-end graphics cards and advanced cooling systems, they can deliver stunning visuals and audio quality for cinematic enjoyment.
- Acer: Acer’s Aspire series provides a balance of affordability and performance, making them a suitable choice for budget-conscious consumers looking to set up a home theater. Many models come equipped with good sound systems and video outputs that can easily connect to larger screens, enhancing the viewing experience.
Which Brands Provide Optimal Performance and Value?
The best desktop PCs for home theater offer a combination of performance, value, and multimedia capabilities.
- Apple Mac Mini: Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the Mac Mini is a compact option that integrates seamlessly with home theater setups.
- Dell XPS Desktop: This desktop offers high-performance components, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and multimedia tasks while maintaining a stylish appearance.
- HP Pavilion Desktop: A budget-friendly choice that doesn’t skimp on performance, the HP Pavilion is versatile enough for both entertainment and productivity.
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR: A gaming-oriented PC that excels in graphics performance, making it perfect for high-definition movies and gaming in a home theater environment.
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 5: This desktop combines solid performance with an affordable price point, ideal for families looking for entertainment solutions without breaking the bank.
The Apple Mac Mini is powered by Apple’s M1 chip, providing exceptional processing power and energy efficiency, making it a great choice for those who prefer macOS and want a minimalist footprint. Its capability to handle 4K video output ensures that it can deliver high-quality visuals for home theater experiences.
The Dell XPS Desktop packs Intel’s latest processors and optional high-end graphics cards, making it a versatile machine for both work and play. With a variety of configurations available, users can tailor the XPS to meet their specific entertainment needs, whether streaming movies or playing games.
The HP Pavilion Desktop is an excellent entry-level option that balances affordability and capability. It offers decent processing power and sufficient storage, making it suitable for casual users who want to enjoy streaming and light gaming without a hefty investment.
CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR is designed for gamers but also excels in multimedia performance due to its high-quality graphics cards and advanced cooling systems. This desktop is perfect for those who want to enhance their home theater with gaming capabilities and immersive experiences.
The Lenovo IdeaCentre 5 offers a blend of performance and affordability, featuring AMD Ryzen processors that handle multitasking with ease. It comes with various storage options, allowing users to keep a vast library of media files readily accessible for their home theater needs.
What Models Are Specifically Designed for Home Theater Applications?
The best desktop PCs for home theater applications are designed to deliver high-quality video and audio playback while providing the necessary performance for media consumption.
- Intel NUC 11 Enthusiast: This compact PC features a powerful Intel Core i7 processor and supports 4K video output, making it suitable for high-definition home theater setups. Its small form factor allows for easy placement in entertainment centers, while its ability to handle intense media tasks ensures smooth playback of movies and streaming content.
- HP Pavilion Gaming Desktop: Equipped with AMD Ryzen processors and dedicated NVIDIA graphics, this desktop is built for both gaming and media consumption. It offers multiple connectivity options for various display types and can handle 4K video streaming without hiccups, making it a versatile choice for home theater enthusiasts.
- ASUS ROG Strix GA15: This gaming desktop is not only powerful for gaming but also excels in home theater applications due to its high-performance AMD Ryzen CPU and NVIDIA GeForce GPU. With RGB lighting and a stylish design, it can blend well into a home theater setup while delivering excellent audio and video quality.
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 5: This desktop is designed with family entertainment in mind, offering a balance of performance and affordability. It features integrated graphics sufficient for 1080p video playback and comes with ample storage options for media libraries, making it a practical choice for casual home theater users.
- Apple Mac Mini: Known for its sleek design and macOS ecosystem, the Mac Mini offers powerful performance with the M1 chip, making it capable of handling 4K video editing and streaming. Its compact size allows it to fit seamlessly into a home theater environment, and it supports various media formats, providing a smooth user experience.
How Much Should You Expect to Spend on a Home Theater Desktop PC?
- Basic Entry-Level PC: This option typically costs between $400 to $700 and is suitable for basic streaming and media playback.
- Mid-Range Configuration: Expect to spend around $800 to $1,200 for a system that can handle higher resolution content and multitasking.
- High-End Gaming PC: These systems range from $1,500 to $3,000 or more, designed for intense gaming and 4K video playback.
- Custom-Built Solutions: Depending on components, prices can vary widely, but a custom build usually starts at $800 and can exceed $2,000.
- Accessories and Peripherals: Budgeting an additional $100 to $500 for monitors, speakers, and other accessories is essential for a complete setup.
How Can Budget Impact Your Choice of Components?
A cooling system is necessary for maintaining optimal operating temperatures, especially if you opt for high-performance components. Depending on your budget, you can choose between air and liquid cooling solutions, with liquid cooling often being more expensive but more efficient.
The case of your desktop PC is more than just an aesthetic choice; it affects airflow and can influence component cooling. While there are budget-friendly options, investing in a well-ventilated case can help keep your system running smoothly over time.
What Are Affordable Options That Don’t Sacrifice Quality?
When looking for the best desktop PC for a home theater that is affordable yet high-quality, several options stand out:
- Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91: This desktop PC offers a solid performance with its Intel Core i5 processor and 12GB of RAM, making it suitable for streaming, gaming, and multitasking.
- HP Pavilion Desktop TP01-0050: Known for its sleek design, this model features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor and integrated Radeon graphics, providing excellent performance for media consumption and casual gaming.
- Lenovo IdeaCentre 3: With its AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM, this budget-friendly option is perfect for streaming services and everyday tasks, while still delivering reliable performance.
- Dell Inspiron Desktop 3880: This desktop combines affordability and quality with a 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM, making it a great choice for home theater setups.
- CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC: Although primarily a gaming PC, its Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card make it an excellent choice for high-definition media playback and immersive experiences.
The Acer Aspire TC-895-UA91 is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful yet affordable home theater PC. Its Intel Core i5 processor ensures smooth performance, while the 12GB of RAM allows for seamless multitasking and efficient streaming of high-definition content.
The HP Pavilion Desktop TP01-0050 stands out with its modern aesthetics and robust performance. The AMD Ryzen 5 processor paired with integrated Radeon graphics guarantees a great experience for streaming movies and playing light games without breaking the bank.
The Lenovo IdeaCentre 3 is an ideal entry-level option for those on a tight budget. Its AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM provide enough power for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu while handling basic tasks without lag.
Dell Inspiron Desktop 3880 is another solid contender, featuring a 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor and 8GB of RAM. This configuration is well-suited for home theater setups, enabling smooth playback of your favorite movies and shows.
Finally, the CyberPowerPC Gamer Xtreme VR Gaming PC is a versatile option that excels in both gaming and media playback. With its powerful Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card, this desktop can easily handle high-definition video streaming and offer an immersive gaming experience when desired.
How Important Are Connectivity Options in a Home Theater PC?
- HDMI Ports: HDMI ports are essential for transmitting both audio and video signals in high definition. A home theater PC should ideally have multiple HDMI outputs to connect to various devices like TVs, projectors, or sound systems.
- USB Ports: USB ports allow for easy connections to external devices such as flash drives, external hard drives, and peripherals like keyboards and mice. Having multiple USB ports, including USB 3.0 or USB-C, enhances the versatility and usability of the home theater PC.
- Ethernet and Wi-Fi Connectivity: Reliable internet connectivity is vital for streaming services and online gaming. A home theater PC should support both Ethernet for stable connections and Wi-Fi for flexibility in device placement.
- Audio Output Options: A variety of audio output options, such as optical, coaxial, and analog audio jacks, are important for connecting to different sound systems. This diversity allows users to choose the best audio setup that fits their home theater environment.
- Display Port: Display ports are beneficial for connecting to high-resolution displays and can support higher refresh rates. This is particularly useful for gamers or users who want to ensure smooth video playback on larger screens.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Bluetooth allows for wireless connections to headphones, speakers, and other devices, providing convenience and reducing cable clutter in a home theater setup. It enables users to enjoy audio without being tethered to the PC.
- SD Card Slot: An SD card slot is useful for quickly transferring media files from cameras or other devices. This feature is particularly handy for users who frequently work with digital media and want to display photos or videos on their home theater system.
Why Are HDMI and USB Ports Crucial for a Home Theater Setup?
According to the Consumer Electronics Association, HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is the standard for connecting high-definition devices due to its ability to carry both high-definition video and multi-channel audio through a single cable, eliminating clutter and simplifying connections (CEA, 2021). USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports, on the other hand, are essential for connecting peripheral devices such as external hard drives, streaming devices, and gaming consoles, enabling users to expand their home theater systems easily.
The underlying mechanism of HDMI allows for a digital signal transfer that maintains high fidelity in both sound and picture quality. This is particularly important for home theater systems where users expect an immersive experience; any degradation in quality due to analog connections can detract from the enjoyment. Furthermore, USB ports support a variety of devices and formats, allowing users to play media directly from USB drives or connect to the internet for streaming services, which enhances flexibility in content consumption.
Moreover, the integration of HDMI and USB ports in desktop PCs designed for home theater use allows for seamless interoperability with modern televisions and devices. As more content is streamed online, the necessity for multiple connectivity options becomes paramount, ensuring that users can access movies, music, and games from various sources without the hassle of constantly swapping cables or devices.
What Other Connectivity Features Can Enhance Your Home Theater Experience?
Several connectivity features can significantly enhance your home theater experience.
- HDMI Ports: HDMI ports are essential for transmitting high-definition video and audio from your desktop PC to your TV or projector. The latest HDMI standards support 4K resolution, HDR, and multi-channel audio, which can elevate your viewing experience dramatically.
- Wireless Streaming: Features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow for wireless streaming of content from your devices to your home theater system. This means you can easily connect your smartphone or tablet to play movies, music, or games without the hassle of cables.
- Optical Audio Output: An optical audio output provides a high-quality digital audio connection to your sound system. This is particularly useful if you want to connect to a separate audio receiver or soundbar, ensuring you get the best sound quality for your home theater.
- Ethernet Port: A wired Ethernet connection offers a stable and fast internet connection for streaming services. This is crucial for buffering-free viewing of high-definition content, making your home theater experience more enjoyable.
- USB Ports: USB ports can be used to connect external storage devices or peripherals such as keyboards and mice. This allows for easy access to multimedia files stored on USB drives, enhancing your ability to play various media formats directly through your desktop PC.
- 4K Support: Having a desktop PC that supports 4K resolution ensures that you can enjoy the highest quality video output. This feature is particularly important for large screens where lower resolutions may appear pixelated or blurry.
- Multi-Display Support: This feature allows you to connect multiple screens to your desktop PC, enabling an immersive viewing experience or improved multitasking capabilities. You could have one display for your movies while using another for browsing or managing media.