Best media center setup

[JawsThemeSwimming428]

I have been looking for a good media center device for a while now. I have been using the Neuros Link for a few months now. It is currently in a late testing phase and is pretty good but not totally what I am looking for at this point. So my search continues. I was wondering if anyone here could provide some insight on the specs and system I am going to list/briefly describe below:

Requirements:

1. Wireless g or n
2. HD output (at least 720p) via HDMI
3. Wireless remote
4. Ability to play networked movies, pictures, and music (off a Vista and/or Ubuntu/Mepis network share)
5. Play video from sites like Hulu, Youtube, etc.
7. Ability to play Netflix Watch Instantly videos (or other similar video service)

Optional:

1. Web Browser
2. TV Tuner and ability to function as a DVR
3. Blu-Ray


Here are the devices I have found and I am not sure that any of them satisfy all of the requirements. I would just like to hear your thoughts on which to pursue if any and reasons. I want something simple and easy to understand with a good looking menu driven interface.

1.Moxi - http://moxi.com/us/home.html
I've read some reviews on this and they were not very good. They say the remote is horrible and the interface is not logically organized and somewhat difficult to understand. Also, I don't believe it supports Hulu or Netflix at this point.
2.Popcorn Hour C-200 - http://www.popcornhour.com/onlinestore/
I don't think it does Netflix or Hulu.
3.Netgear EVA9150 - http://www.netgear.com/Products/Entertainment/DigitalMediaPlayers/eva9150.aspx
I don't think it does Netflix or Hulu at this point.
4.SageTV HD Theater - http://www.sagetv.com/sagetv.html
Requires a Windows XP or Vista machine I think. No Netflix or Hulu
5.Playstation 3 - http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3
Does not do Hulu or Netflix but does have a Video service. Has a Blu-Ray player and the added bonus of being a game console
6.Xbox 360 - http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/
Does Netflix but no Blu-Ray or Hulu. Not sure about network streaming capabilities. Game console
7.Verisimo VuNow HD - http://www.vunow.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=flypage.tpl&product_id=17&category_id=6&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=22
Does Hulu but not Netflix. Not sure about network streaming capabilities.
8.LaCie LaCinema Black MAX – Couldn't find the website
Not available in the US but it looks pretty decent.
I appreciate any and all feedback. I would like to find something that is consumer ready and be done with my search. I do not want to build an HTPC due to time constraints. Just remembered I could also check into a AppleTV? Thanks everyone!

[agentlame]

7. Ability to play Netflix Watch Instantly videos (or other similar video service)

this limits you to a mac, currently.

[JawsThemeSwimming428]

I guess you are talking about an Apple TV? How does the Apple TV function with Vista/XP/and Linux network shares? Also, will I be able to get Hulu? Xbox 360 allows you to play Netflix Watch Instantly. Others can also do it (I think) through PlayOn but how is the quality? Thanks for the response!

[mphype]

I guess you are talking about an Apple TV? How does the Apple TV function with Vista/XP/and Linux network shares? Also, will I be able to get Hulu? Xbox 360 allows you to play Netflix Watch Instantly. Others can also do it (I think) through PlayOn but how is the quality? Thanks for the response!

hes most likely reffering to the mac mini

the apple tv is too underpowered to stream content via netflix and it struggles with hulu imo

best bet atm is the mac mini. I JUST WISH APPLE WOULD REFRESH IT WITH AN HDMI

[NRSTech]

this limits you to a mac, currently.

Umm... no it doesn't Netflix has a MCE plug in for Vista MCE ;)


Build an el'cheapo PC with Vista home premium and your golden, you get MCE, Boxee and all the rest or better yet get Windows 7 when it comes out. You can build a mini machine for about $500 that would ROCK!

APEVIA Black SECC Steel / Aluminum X-MASTER-BK/500 ATX Media Center / HTPC Case - $70
ASUS P5KPL-CM LGA 775 Intel G31 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard - $55
Intel Core 2 Duo E7400 Wolfdale 2.8GHz LGA 775 65W Dual-Core Processor Model BX80571E7400 - $110
OCZ 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR2 SDRAM DDR2 1066 (PC2 8500) Dual Channel Kit Desktop Memory Model OCZ2G10664GK - $53
ASUS EN9600GSO/DI/512MD3/V2 GeForce 9600 GSO 512MB GDDR3 PCI Express 2.0 x16 HDCP Ready SLI Supported Video Card - $55
Western Digital Caviar Green WD10EADS 1TB SATA 3.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive - $85
Anyware HA-IR01SV Infrared Certified MCE VISTA Remote Control - $23
LITE-ON Black 4X Blu-ray Reader SATA Model iHOS104-06 - $60
D-Link DWA-556 PCI Express Xtreme Desktop Adapter - $52
Or if you want USB -
D-Link DWA-140 USB 2.0 Wireless RangeBooster N USB Adapter - $49

Total is $563 and this system would RIP it up ;) Oh yeah I didn't include the OS because at the moment it's free to DL from MS. Yes would eventually have to purchase it but that can be at a later date. This would be able to do 1080p and you would also be able to play PC games, browse the web, add TV Tuners, watch Blueray movies you name it, it can do it.

-N

[Hansen]

Great source of info.Thanks for sharing.

[lament]

hes most likely reffering to the mac mini

the apple tv is too underpowered to stream content via netflix and it struggles with hulu imo

best bet atm is the mac mini. I JUST WISH APPLE WOULD REFRESH IT WITH AN HDMI

why when you can get a mini-Displayport-to-HDMI-with-audio adapter (http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/07/prweb2622184.htm) soon..

[xmcnuggetx]

I have one of these currently and it's running really well (it's a refurb, but about 300$). Acer had some bios problems with this model (I think thats the reason for so many refurbs). The 1st release of the bios had network issues. A later bios fixed that issue, but ruined the hdmi audio out, but with the latest version everything seems great.

The machine came with plastic covering on the front cover of mine like it was replaced. I don't see any signs of use prior to me on this unit.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/search.asp?keywords=x1200&searchbtn.x=0&searchbtn.y=0

[landesmd]

warning: At last check (they may have fixed it) the Netflix plug-in (vmcNetflix) doesn't work flawlessly in Windows 7. When the plug-in fires up at first you have to move the mouse to set focus on the plug-in, which for me required getting off the couch. Once focus is set, you can happily use the remote!

[panamamike]

Sounds like you'd have a server for movies, if you can stomach living with PlayOn, running on the server to do HULU/Netflix, you could do what you want with a PS3.

Mike