I am a very happy HTPC owner. Built my own, running Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and using both XBMC, Boxee, and streaming "incompatible" web content in Firefox. Only Netflix does not work natively on my system, but that is my choice to run linux. I have no problem running Netflix in XP via virtual box. I've not replaced by DVR with the HTPC yet, but you could do that. Any PC DVR has its limitations though, based on your providers content encryption.
I could go on and on, but the biggest advantage of the HTPC is its flexibility. The biggest disadvantage is maintenance.
Oh yeah, Harmony 880 to control the HTPC, my Yamaha receiver, and everything else in my system. A good universal remote is a must, and the harmony 880 is one of the best for under $100 if you can find a refurb deal, like I did.
I don't think that anyone has the perfect, "one box to rule them all" solution. At least not for a true enthusiast. You will most likely still need multiple sources. But with a good uni remote, they can all act as if they were one device. So, perhaps "one remote to rule them all" is more apropos.
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I am a very happy HTPC owner. Built my own, running Ubuntu Linux 8.04 and using both XBMC, Boxee, and streaming "incompatible" web content in Firefox. Only Netflix does not work natively on my system, but that is my choice to run linux. I have no problem running Netflix in XP via virtual box. I've not replaced by DVR with the HTPC yet, but you could do that. Any PC DVR has its limitations though, based on your providers content encryption.
I could go on and on, but the biggest advantage of the HTPC is its flexibility. The biggest disadvantage is maintenance.
Oh yeah, Harmony 880 to control the HTPC, my Yamaha receiver, and everything else in my system. A good universal remote is a must, and the harmony 880 is one of the best for under $100 if you can find a refurb deal, like I did.
I don't think that anyone has the perfect, "one box to rule them all" solution. At least not for a true enthusiast. You will most likely still need multiple sources. But with a good uni remote, they can all act as if they were one device. So, perhaps "one remote to rule them all" is more apropos.