I really don't understand why you want to go through as much trouble messing with HTPCs, operating systems etc. when you can just get it solved easily with reliability from day one.

1. Get a Dune HD Smart B1 (USA: 299 USD, EU, with VAT: 309 EUR)
2. Connect an USB or eSATA disk
3. Done!

What you have now is:
1. A Blu-Ray disc player (physical BD-Drive).
2. The most reliable streamer for HD content.
3. Meridian HD621 support (decoding of DTS Master HD/Dolby TrueHD to PCM over HDMI).
4. No headaches!



DSP8000SE, DSP7200SEHC, DSP5200SE sides, DSP7200SE rears, 861v8, 210, Sim2 Ultranero 4, Stewart Cinecurve 2.35:1, XEIT CM-5E Anamorphic lens, Dune HD Duo Cinema 8K and Wireworld Platinum 48G HDMI -> UHD722 -> Shunyata Omega Ethernet. Shunyata/Furutech power-cables/filters. SR Master Fuse@861v8. Uptone Etherregen with 10MHz OCXO clock.