XBMC on a Linux Distro or OpenELec all the way.
XBMC has been connected the TV in my house for over 5 years - The wife loves it as her iPhone is all she needs to browse media (on the phone inc' metadata) and play or add to the queue.
Tie in with Sickbeard et al and getting media for your library becomes automated.
I can even Airplay to it.
As previously mentioned above, the Frodo beta see the long awaited PVR branch merged. It just keeps getting better.
Windows 8 however - fine for office work, just.
Biting the hand that feeds IT
