Cheap ($150 or lower) HTPC for Flash/Netflix/Videos

[p5harma]

Hello,
Im looking to build a really cheap HTPC to play Hulu(flash)/Netflix/Videos(MKV,AVI) 1080p system.

I have a copy of windows 7, or open to use a linux based OS.

I would like to get it as small as possible, like a mini-ITX mobo/case. A dual-core celeron processor.

Help me with some directions please.

 

[xx_pemdas_xx]

Impossible for such a little amount of money.. get a roku box.

 

[inzone]

Save some more money or get a new dvd player and hook it to your tv.

 

[nnorton44]

Get the Western Digital TV Streaming Media Player. Its $100 plays Netflix and many many file formats.

 

[p5harma]

Thanks for the replies, the roku box is a no go cuz it will not stream local content. WD live will not let me play hulu, but its my backup choice.

@inzone the dvd player does not work on any option, but thanks for the thought you put into that reply.

 

[rwpritchett]

According to the WD website, the WD Live can do Hulu. (Hulu Plus that is.)

http://www.wdc.com/en/products/products.aspx?id=330

 

[inzone]

I have a Blue Ray dvd player that connects to the internet and I can get Netflix , Amazon , Hulu and a whole list of other options for streaming movies and tv shows. Is there a reason it won't work for you?

 

[rwpritchett]

But can your blu-ray player stream local content?

 

[inzone]

By local content do you mean from another device or computer connected to the network? It can do that.

 

[rwpritchett]

Sounds nice.... what's the make and model?

 

[inzone]

Sony BDP-S570 and once you connect it to your network it see's everything on the network and you can play what is in your shared folder for music and video.

 

[p5harma]

Thanks for the responses the DVD player is decent alternative to WD Live with a Blu-Ray. However I ended up getting
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16856119058&Tpk=N82E16856119058

2Gb Ram and I had an old 20gb laptop drive, since it is mostly a streaming machine.
This way I can stream local media content, watch Hulu (without plus) and Netflix.

 

[p5harma]

Best answer selected by p5harma.