Doctor M said:
I could build a HTPC out of my head, but I haven't been able to find a guide to what recent parts are recommended.

I have a few stuff laying around to offset the cost. Can you recommend a guide lordjedi?

I see that you've bought something already. The next time you think about a HTPC, give this site a go http://www.mythtv.org/ You can start your parts list from there to get an idea of what works. If you decide to go XP or Vista, then you can just expand the parts list.

Pretty much all you'll need is a Hauppage card that can encode HD, a fast dual or quad core processor, and a lot of diskspace.