Digital Home Thoughts: Build Your Own HTPC on the Cheap

"Sure, you can always pick up a set-top streamer like an Apple TV, a Roku, or a Boxee Box, or even use your Xbox 360 as a Media Extender, but when you go that route, you give up one important feature: control. That's fine if one of those devices (and its pre-packaged software) has all of the features you want and need in a streamer, but if you're looking for more flexibility in your set-top box, it might be worthwhile to roll your own. That way you can install any set-top software you like, and if something else catches your eye, you can switch to that just as easily."

This is the way to go if you want to maximize the control you have over your media. While most consumers will prefer the simplicity of an inexpensive streamer or the functionality of the game console they already own, this simply gives you the most total bang even though it is a bit more expensive and requires more setup work than any of the other options.