HTPC to replace V+ box

[Flashheart]

I am considering saving £20 a month and getting rid of the tv portion of my virgin media connection.

I am still in the prelim thinking stages really, but was wondering if anybody had tried a similair thing?

My TV has freeview, but I'd like to have a "do all" HTPC to record tv, play blu ray, dvds etc and to stream tv online, Iplayer etc.

Currently on a 50mb virgin connection (soon to be upgraded to 120) so internet speeds are not a problem.

How big do the hard drives need to be to record TV shows in windows media center? Is this a suitable alternative to my V+ box?

Any information or experiences would be duly welcome

Thanks Flash

 

[Flashheart]

This is a possibility, but I'd still like a PVR function which won't work with virgin unless I pay the fiver a month.
Plus I'd really like to have the project to work on

 

[Flashheart]

Not sure on budget yet, although I'm looking to keep it conservative.

Does anybody know if the Gpu in the Celeron G530 will be capable video wise for a HTPC? Having trouble finding reviews. It looks a great cpu for the money, about evens with the Llano 3300 just not so good for gaming, but that doesn't matter.

Coupled with 8gb DDR3 for £24 and we are cooking so far.