8600GT or GTS?

I'm looking to upgrade my HTPC for HD and HDCP. My AMD 3500 and nVidia 7300 just won't cut it. If I upgrade the CPU to a 4200 X2 can I get away with a 8600GT or should I spring for the GTS? This is just for video. No games. 1920 by 1080P. And I want to do it this week. I've waited long enough for ATI(AMD).

The "I've waited long enough" statements stem from a need to feel justified in jumping for Nvidia's latest offerings. It really doesn't have any merit since there have been plenty of great HDCP DX9 (and some DX10) cards for a long time now. If you're waiting to see what happens in the DX10 world, than what's a few more weeks? If you really need something right away, why didn't you buy an 8800 or DX9 card a long time ago?

Admit it, you're a closet Nvidia fanboi, and bashing ATI/AMD has a lot less to anything they've done than your desire to purchase an Nvidia right now. Which is all well and good, Nvidia has some great cards out. But don't bash ATI until you consider how many DX10 titles are out right now. And furthermore, what's the need for a DX10 card anyway if you're not gaming?

So my advice to you is: if you want it now, buy it now. 8600GT or 8600GTS should both fine. Heck, if it were me and I wasn't a gamer I'd just pick up an XFX passively cooled card. However, I am a gamer, so I'll be waiting to pick up an R600 of some type very soon. They can't be any worse than the 8600's, and will likely be significantly better, and that doesn't even take in to account Nvidia's current driver situation.

Yes I do have a HD-DVD player. And when the BR comes out below $200 I'll have it as well. That's how I know my present system won't work. As for the 7300, it has served me well until now. The reviews I've read have concentrated on game fps. The comments about video have been that the 8600 will help slower systems decode mp4, etc. But how much? Will the slower 8600GT be enough for 1080P? And yes I could wait the 2 weeks, or 3, or 4, for the AMD. But would it give me better video for less money?