HTPC instead of blu ray player

[jai1611]

Given the lack of options for region free blu ray players in India, I'm thinking of an HTPC as an alternate. The HTPC needs to be able to play back blu ray disks and other HD content. It does not need to work for gaming or do other system intensive tasks (have a desktop for that).

I'll be feeding HDMI video into a 42" or larger TV and audio through a DAC into a two channel system. I am not too bothered with size or looks.

Does an HTPC make sense?

Given the minimal requirements, what sort of configuration should I look at? What is a reasonable budget? Any suggestions on vendors I can use for making it?

Thanks
Jaibir

 

[vaibhavyagnik]

i would choose a HTPC over a BD player any day. They provide much more flexibility. For HTPC, here is the configuration:
MSI E350 E45 - 6.6K
Corsair Value RAM - 4 GB DDR3 - 1.5K
Blu Ray Drive - 9K (dont know exactly)
Seagate/WD Green 2 TB - 4K
Cooler Master Elite 100 (comes with PSU) - 3.2K
Software: AnyDVD HD. (you can also use the p*rated version)
after using anydvd hd, you will be able to watch any region disc in any region drive.