Here's the setup I've implemented which my roommate seems to have figured out:
1) Live TV - WMC via Xbox 360 connected to Mac mini running Windows 8.
2) Downloaded TV - Plex via Roku (Plex Server running on Mac mini)
3) Downloaded Movies - Plex via Roku (Plex Server running on Mac mini)
3) Netflix - Roku
4) Amazon Instant Video - Roku
5) Hulu Plus - Roku
6) Blurays - PS3
This setup gives pretty great flexibility, ability to watch TV shows and movies on any device with Plex installed, even a web browser remotely over the Internet via Plex Web ($3.99/month). My key insight is that family members and friends should NEVER interact with an HTPC directly, but instead dedicated boxes. HTPCs are too unstable, not-remote friendly enough (even with an IR receiver installed), and anything that requires a keyboard in the living room is asking for trouble. Plus, no having to deal with drivers for video output or the system crashing.
1) Live TV - WMC via Xbox 360 connected to Mac mini running Windows 8.
2) Downloaded TV - Plex via Roku (Plex Server running on Mac mini)
3) Downloaded Movies - Plex via Roku (Plex Server running on Mac mini)
3) Netflix - Roku
4) Amazon Instant Video - Roku
5) Hulu Plus - Roku
6) Blurays - PS3
This setup gives pretty great flexibility, ability to watch TV shows and movies on any device with Plex installed, even a web browser remotely over the Internet via Plex Web ($3.99/month). My key insight is that family members and friends should NEVER interact with an HTPC directly, but instead dedicated boxes. HTPCs are too unstable, not-remote friendly enough (even with an IR receiver installed), and anything that requires a keyboard in the living room is asking for trouble. Plus, no having to deal with drivers for video output or the system crashing.