Nope, Media player or HTPC will not affect he PQ or SQ, provided source material(Rip quality) is good.
Media players is for SD and HD streaming. Latest media player have pass through for HD sound too.
Please go thru the section and have plenty of information discussed by our members Media & Streaming Players
Ok, I now have the AC Ryan Playon HD and also bought 1TB portable HD, now what is the best way to rip the DVDs, is there a recommended software to be used?