Media PC build?

SeñorAmor

I just got me a new fancy-schmancy 46" LCD tv and I'm considering building a Media PC to hook up to it. Problem is, I've never used one, let alone built one, so I'm not sure what I would really put into it.

Any suggestions on what I could/should get? I hear the Linux Media Center distros are quite nice (which is good, as I really don't want to pay for WinMCE if I don't have to), and I suspect I'll need some sort of capture card. This would be going in my living room so a shiny, gaudy case with a million loud-ass fans is out. I'm fine with building it, so please no suggestions on pre-made boxes, unless it's a better deal than I could get if I put it together myself.

Thanks in advance.

shadydentist

I think Mythbuntu is the OS you're looking for. You mentioned you don't want a loud, big case, so Newegg has these cases.

OremLK

Keep in mind that if you ever want to go for Netflix Watch Instantly, you kind of... can't, with Linux. Don't know whether that matters at all to you, or not.

L*2*G*X

Silverstone cases are awesome. I'm looking at getting one myself, actually. Not decided on the OS yet, likely will use XP and Elisa.
I'll also be running unRaid on a virtual box for storage.

For lots of information on HTPC's try AVS fora and SilentPCReview.