Image Credit: usingwindowshomeserver.com

Timothy over at Using Windows Home Server has chronicled how he built a low powered computer to record TV streams from his SiliconDust HD Homerun tuners on a Friday night. He whipped up this bad boy using a Cooler Master Elite 100 Case ($70) and other obvious essential HTPC parts. What I like most about this build is that it mounts underneath a desk (or other cabinetry). This provides a minimal effect and allows you to add a HTPC to your existing setup without looking out of place or obtrusive. Read more about this $230 HTPC build at Using Windows Home Server.

XBMC is by far one of the best media center software available. While not as social-centric and internet savvy, as it’s kindred Boxee it still packs a powerful, stable punch.

Adam Pash at Lifehacker posted some pretty good step-by-step instructions on how for $200 you can get XBMC on your TV using the Acer Aspire Revo ARH1600-U910H nettop computer.

It’s small, light-weight, and does a better job at playing 1080p content than computers that cost 2-3x as much.