Hi tim,

Since that post was last updated I've switched to Win7 Ultimate. I'm using the same combo TV tuner HVR-1600 hooked up to Comcast cable box for cable as well as QAM/ATSC channels. Indeed, HD channels may occasionally lag, but it's natural - they require more processing power than Pentium 4 and my video card can provide.

Video is ATI 9800Pro, but I added a fan directly above it to pull hot air out of the box - it's the hottest spot in the case.

Also, I'm trying to keep my system clean of any software not needed for Media Center functionality, alas some of the MC plug-ins that I use install services that run in the background, slowing down the system.

Anyway, I think the time has come for an upgrade. Currently I'm looking into Atom/ION systems. Check the following post for some of the options... http://bit.ly/67kX6b

The new ION2 boxes look pretty sweet - they are quiet, low power and optimized for HD video.

Good luck.