sff vs existing home theater setup

[awolkoff]

simply put:
at present, i've got cable running into a a 40" Tosh HD projection tv, with dvd player. keep this setup and buy a tivo, or build a sff box to handle dvd playback, dvd record, tivo, tv?

any input appreciated.

ASW

 

[jpeyton]

You're looking at two very different paths here. Buying a TIVO would give you instant gratification and simplicity. Building a SFF box would require some dedication and configuration, and would run about twice the cost. Of course, the SFF box would give you the greatest quality and flexibility in the end; software DVD players are leagues above the best low-mid level hardware DVD players, and you could also stream music, surf the web, etc.

Check AVSForum if you're serious about the SFF HTPC.