Which hardware and system? (HDTV, no 3D, good sound system, NAS, little gaming)
#1
I'm looking for advise how to approach an own home theater system using XBMC and other related software. This is what I plan to do in a step-by-step implementation (i.e. start with the first, then proceed step by step both for cost reasons as well as to prioritize):

1. HDTV + HTPC: Buy a good HDTV and setup a HTPC
2. NAS: Build an own NAS server using FreeNAS
3. Sound system: Add a great dolby surround sound system
4. Ambilight: Add a DIY ambilight

My requirements are:
- Best user experience in terms of video quality: Full HD/1080p/BluRay (what is uncompressed 1080p and do I need it?)
- Best user experience in terms of audio quality: I read about DTS-HD/TrueHD?
- Best user experience in terms of presentation:
---- not much noise
---- small cool looking box
---- UI running smoothly without hanging
---- HTPC can be started/turned off by remote
---- Underlying OS can't be seen
---- HTPC boots fast
- No 3D needed
- No or only little gaming needed (i.e. would be nice-to-have)
- PVR not needed now but probably added later
- Live TV not needed now but probably added later
- Not too much storage needed because own NAS/media server added later (i.e. still enough to survive the first weeks)
- BluRay drive that integrates with XBMC (only R, not RW/W needed)
- Possibility to add VPN + Netflix/Hulu/etc.

My main questions are:

- Which system/OS: Windows vs. Linux, XBMC vs. Live vs. OpenELEC: What's the right one?
- Custom-built vs. from-the-shelf?
- Which hardware?
- Which HDTV?

Would be great to get some advise.
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#2
Can anyone help? I read poofhairy's and eskro's guide but still am a bit lost in how far I can mix certain parts or in how fair they are dependend on each other.

Should I start with my favorite case because it determines what hardware fits in?
What's the difference between Micro and Mini ATX and what are the pros and cons?
When should I choose a 80mm and when a 120mm fan?
What's a (non) active psu?
Which OS/XBMC should I choose and why? Live? Windows? OpenELEC?

I'm a Group 6 type.
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#3
1) Not necessarily. For me I started with the Motherboard because it was free.

2) Micro is bigger than the mini and has a pci-e slot although I think I have see and mini with one. I think the mini has smaller components like laptop memory. Mini = ITX

3) Almost never and when ever you can

4) Power Factor Correction (Active PFC) More efficient !

5) I just like windows 7, and I know it better so it makes sense

You have to ask your self, do i like building computers? Or would I rather get something off a shelf. I am like you a Group 6 and I build a lot so throwing something together was easy because i like troubleshooting and don't get frustrated easily. My build is below and really its an overkill even with using the onboard graphics. I still haven't decided on a case Im using an old Dell case for now. Also start with XBMC 10.1 as its stable. Eden looks better and has a few more features but mine locks up every ounce and a while
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Which hardware and system? (HDTV, no 3D, good sound system, NAS, little gaming)0