HTPC or other extender device?

[trimicada]

So apparently I'm in the market to either build an htpc (or re-purpose my current desktop into an htpc and build a new desktop) or buy some other sort of media extender. I have a PS3 and I have been able to stream things to it...I've ripped some DVD's and such for playback to the PS3 and that has done alright, but some recent experiments with finally ripping some of my HD movies and then trying to stream the m2ts file to the PS3 has been much less than successful. So instead of fighting the PS3 I've convinced myself to move to a more compatible device.

So, I'm looking for a device that can:

playback by receiving stream from my WHS or accessing the WHS share
support blu-ray's by either ISO or folder structure
support DVD by either ISO or Video_TS folder
support mkv, mp4, m2ts, avi, etc.
stream television from the internet (hulu, abc.com, cbs.com, hgtv.com, etc.)
stream netflix
gigabit ethernet port
1080p
IR remote (so I can use a Harmony with it)


Given my wish list, I tend to assume that an htpc is the way to go but I don't know about enough of the other products out there to know if there is one that will do all the above.

If I go htpc, I think my current desktop can be re-tooled for this use. I have a core 2 duo e6750 on an Asus board in an Antec Solo case. I think the only thing that would be "required" would be a new video card (to get HDMI out). While I might prefer a smaller case (a microATX or miniITX build), I can make do for now and just set the Antec case next to my entertainment center and speakers.

So, is an htpc the best option or are there some other devices out there that will do what I want?

[garryward]

I use a Asus R3610 PC its small and has a Cuda graphics card that plays everything. I also have a Stand a lone Sumvision cyclone MKV box which plays everything I put on it. its downside is that you dont know what you have watched . Stick with the PC but get a Video card with Cuda