Relatively inexpensive HTPC build?

[Excelsior]

What about the XBOX 360 with PS3 Media Server isn't cutting it? Also, I don't see how the XBOX 360 is a solution if you already don't like how it works with PS3 Media Server.

The only thing not cutting it was the lack of 5.1 support with certain files. Otherwise, when it works it works alright.

I guess I only consider it a solution because of the other positives (friend with one, games i own) but other than that, it isn't ideal.

 

[kalrith]

But you already own the XBOX, right? Were you going to buy another one?

 

[Excelsior]

But you already own the XBOX, right? Were you going to buy another one?

Noooo. It is my roommate's xbox. I think he is going to keep it in his room now rather than in the living room so I was going to need some kind of replacement.

 

[kalrith]

Hmmm...well, you laid out the pros and cons pretty well in your previous post. It really boils down to what you want. I personally went with the PS3 as a BD player/media streamer/gaming machine, and I haven't regretted that decision one bit. However, I didn't have the ties to the XBOX that you do. I wound up building an HTPC as an OTA DVR and don't use media streaming on the PS3 any more, but I always used the BD player and gaming more anyways.

If all you're doing is streaming, then I'm not sure that the HTPC offers a lot of plusses over the PS3. If you want to play computer games, record shows, etc., then the HTPC has some good things in its favor.

If you won't miss the gaming and BD player of the PS3, then the WD Live is definitely a less-expensive streaming solution.

 

[Excelsior]

Well I have the cable box for HD and DVR duty. So yeah, it would really only be used for streaming.

I don't intend on buying blu-rays or anything, so ultimately the BD player would be a novelty for me now.

I suppose I should just get the 360. Looks like I can still get the Arcade bundle for $150 with a GC.