Comment XBMC frontend + MythTV backend (Score 1) 536
I've run a MythTV media center solution for the past 5 years and recently rebuilt it. I found that the backend was great, but all of my issues were with the frontend and getting that to work to my satisfaction.
My rebuild is based on Gentoo again, but this time with XBMC as the frontend, and it is fantastic - full HiDef (1080p), surround sound setup. Installation was a snap and I had a fully working frontend solution including remote (on Gentoo!) within a day. I'm going to install a MythTV backend on the same box for recording over the air signals, but I'm not in a hurry to do so. My media center is now more focused on DVD viewing/storage and less TV these days. I'm done with cable.