Shortcomings are also apparent in the graphics card specification. A graphics card with DVI port for the optimal activation of large-format displays alone is not sufficient. Whoever actually regards the PC as the centre of the digital universe, should look out for a powerful graphics specification. Only then can modern 3D applications operate smoothly and at a high quality level. If besides a large-format display, an existing LCD display also needs to be activated, then a graphics card with two DVI ports is essential.

A third aspect gives cause for criticism: most manufacturers of Media Center PCs use Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005 as their operating system. However this does not support digital TV cards with cable (DVB-C) or satellite (DVB-S) reception. According to a survey by Infratest the number of households with satellite in Germany rose in 2004 by more than 1 million to a total of 15.47 million (up 7 %). TV signals reach more than 19 million households via cable. This compares to only 0.62 million households with DVB-T reception. Whoever wishes to install a PC as multimedia center with integrated TV reception into their living-room must, as a cable or satellite customer, focus on other software and hardware solutions or factor out TV reception and look for an isolated application.