8600GTS For HTPC?

That would be a great card for a HTPC computer as it is HDCP compatible. Not to mention it has a nice feature that enables it to take much of the video playback process away from the CPU.


XFX Support

If going with Vista either now or in the future is a consideration, then keep in mind the DRM / digital audio issues when it comes to your sol'n. For that reason, a lower-end ATi 2x00 series might help you out.
Disclaimer: I have never worked with Vista, nor with the 2x00 series A/V cards. But after reading about them here and elsewhere, and reading about the issues with digital audio, it might be worth considering this factor when deciding on a card.

I learned a lesson the hard way with my HTPC. The graphics card I got (see sig) turned out to be too big, too hot, too loud, and too expensive. Live and learn.

Well the GTS also gives you 100 points and an S (the S is for SEXy).

Yeah if not gaming, then a GF8500GT with fully complaint HDCP support, is the way to go.

I'd still be willing to wait for the HD2K models and for some people to compare the updated PurevideoHD and AVIVO-HD with extensive reviews many Many MANY pages/pictures/graphs in lenght before deciding, but if the purchase is a 'right here / right now' type of purchae that can't wait, then I agree 100% the GF8500GT would be my recommendation, and preferably passive one at that.

If he for some reason wants those extra 100 point and extra S, then the Gigabyte passive model is a wicked solution IMO.

Russian favourite ixbt has a nice look at a bunch of the various models (Digit-Life doesn't have the english version translated yet) and that Gigabyte still makes me say, ahah nice 8) ;
http://www.ixbt.com/video3/g84-2.shtml

Gotta love Gigabyte's persistence with the passive heatsinks, perfect for HTPCs and editing rigs.

I have the Gigabyte passively cooled 8600gt and I love it. More than powerful enough for HTPC use, even does some gaming decently. If you aren't buying until Aug. then all of this speculation isn't very useful, there will be new cards coming out that may (but I doubt it) perform better. Post closer to your build to get a more accurate recommendation.