HTPC
 

I am looking for a small footprint PC to plug in to my TV and use as a media center. I want full internet to stream from network websites, Netflix, HuluPlus, Pandora blah blah blah. I do not want AppleTV or to go into the Apple product line (out of my price range). After further research Roku doesn't really fit my needs. A small footprint PC is really what I need. I am looking at Boxee but their live service isn't live yet and it's not clear if that is an extra charge or different box.

Suggestions? Dell killed the Zino line I was looking at but ideally it would be nearly identical to that.

What benefit does a TV Tuner card offer?

I want something pretty out of the box ready to go.

A TV Tuner card would allow you to use the PC as a DVR. MythTV is a highly regarded free DVR software, though I have no personal experience with it so can't vouch.

As for the PC, really, as long as you aren't gaming, just about any PC these days is plenty powerful for simple video stuff. You can get one and add a low cost HD video card. That's what we did.

Thanks. I just want a small PC instead of a tower. I'm so bummed the Zino was discontinued.

My ultimate goal is to get rid of cable and watch everything online via network websites. I'll have to check out that DVR software if I keep some level of cable.

How about one of these?

I've built a couple nice systems using Shuttle barebones- they're a lil pricier, but very well designed, quiet and built to last.

$100 is out of your price range? Is there something I'm missing?

We watch everything via our WiFi bluetooth player or connect the iDVR (our old iPhone) to watch downloads. We don't have TV service and use only Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc. But, we watch a whopping 3-4 shows. Hulu has a great Criterion collection which is enjoyable.

You're missing knowing what I mean when I say the completely wrong thing. :p I meant MacMini.

BluRay players do not have a full web browser and I need that to stream content off SciFi.com, USANetwork.com and other network websites. You can't do that from blu-ray player and other content streaming device apps.

Matt - I deal with hardware all day, I don't want to have to fvck around with building something after work.

Don't know what your price range is, but the Asrock ION series seems to get good reviews. No TV tuner card, but you can always add a USB tuner if you care.

The link I put up is not for a build your own system, it's a nice ready to go htpc.

I just mentioned Shuttle, because I've built several systems for others, based on their cases/mobo packages.

Thanks for both.

Matt - not sure why I thought that needed to be built. I'll look at both when I get home.