I believe the trend (or revolution, if you will) of moving towards HTPC's has already started. Video/graphics card engineers and manufacturers have already realized the potential of PC-based entertainment systems for quite some time as evidenced by inclusion of HD video-specific features along with a myriad of video output choices (DVI/HDMI, component, etc.).
Personally, I've been using an HTPC mainly as a media server and HD video playback system married to a 720p projector, a rear projection HDTV, an AV receiver and some decent speakers. I also have quite a small collection of HD videos/movies (from 720 to 1080p) in formats ranging from .TS, HD XviD, HD DivX, HD WMV, HD Matroska, etc. and I've never had any problems playing them back on my pretty average HTPC setup.
My HTPC rig:
- P4 3.0 GHz Intel Processor
- 6600 256MB nVidia graphics card
- 8.1 channel on-board sound processor
- 2 x 200GB SATA hard drives
- 16x multi-form CD/DVD rewriter
- 550w HEC WinPower power supply
- 1kva APC UPS
- RF wireless keyboard with built-in touchpad (my favorite accessory)
- 19" LCD monitor acting as secondary display
- true 1.5mbps SkyDSL connection
- Xyxel X-550 MIMO-G Wi-Fi router
At present, I think HTPC usage varies slightly among us enthusiasts. Some lean more on integrating cable TV programming and scheduled recording and upscaling DVD videos with their rigs. Some may have a more obscure setup like mine, where my HTPC also acts as a "24/7 always on" media/download server and test server (for my work). This is also why the long boot time is never an issue with me. And being able to readily surf or do some work on your big screen while laying on the sofa is just very convenient.
What I don't see happening soon (at least not for the next couple of years or so) is having a lot of HD DVD or Blu-ray movies readily available. Although there are already quite a few HD titles out there, the HTPC is the next best thing with all the HD movies (in already existing/established formats) floating all around. Where and how do I get my HD movies?
They're everywhere. You just need to know how to find them. For instance, if you've got friends abroad and are blessed with HDTV programming and are able to record them, then you're blessed as well. Another source is the most obvious one... P2P. That is, if you want to experience HD "now" (not to encourage piracy).
For now, I'm just waiting for HD DVD / Blu-ray optical drives to go into the mainstream PC market (a.k.a. become more practically affordable) and proliferation of "more" legit HD titles to choose from and simply upgrade my HTPC's optical drive. The HD DVD and Blu-ray format war is yet another annoying story, but I won't be surprised if a freaky genius out there finds a way to make a universal (dual format) HD optical drive. The under $500 Linux-based Toshiba HD A1 discussed here earlier is also a great alternative for those who want to simplify their life and skip the HTPC shopping/assembly/setup.
Eventually, everything will be PC-based and modular... we just add which components we need or as better components come out. Bottomline... eternal upgrades and discontentment
Just a lot of my 2 cents. Haven't been logging on to PDVD for a while, so bumabawi lang ako