Originally Posted by
flipped cracka
My in-laws want me to set them up with an HTPC so they can ditch cable. Should I? I'm considering a roku or something like it, but they don't want netflix or hulu, they want "other means", which means a media server. I'm thinking self downloading HTPC, but I'd probably have to fix it all the time. Worth it?
http://www.reddit.com/r/cordcutters
If your in-laws can provide their own means of tech support, then HTPC is an option. If they suck at computers, this will turn into a nightmare for you.
Also, it really depends on their viewing habits. I can survive cable-free because I have means of acquiring viewing content (legal streams, illegal streams, antennas, etc). I'm not sure others will put in the time / effort into doing this ... especially when a resource goes down (torrent site, stream, etc).
I still have cable, but it's very basic w. limited HD channels (it's really cheap with my business class internet service, $10 per mo)