It's just over 2 years since I last posted on this topic and I still don't have a solution I'm happy for all my video streaming. Perhaps the only thing that significantly changed is that for the last year I've had the full Sky package, so using them for most streaming activities, therefore from 1 box, but now I've cancelled my subscription I'm looking for something for the following:

a. Watching Now TV
b. Watching Amazon Instant Video
c. Streaming movies from NAS (currently ISO format)
d. Watching YouTube

At present I would have to watch Now TV via Apple TV, Amazon Instant Video via PS3 and movies from NAS via Dune H1. As I understand it a Mac Mini or HTPC would be my best solution for all of the above, or only the HTPC if I also wanted to add live TV viewing & recording to the list.

All viewing would be on my TV via a HD621, although additional options to watch on iPad (for my kids) would be a potential bonus, but not a requirement.

I'm looking for advice on whether I've missed any options I should be considering and re Mac Mini and HTPC any minimum specifications.

As I could potentially live with viewing/ recording live TV from a separate TV box (would be FreeSat) and currently have a growing number of Apple items, I have an initial leaning preference towards a Mac Mini in the hope that there would be some other benefits (considering other Apple equipment), but am curious what others are currently using.

What I'm trying a achieve is:

1) Avoid need for HDMI splitters/ switchers due to needing more HDMI ports than available on HD621 (potentially inconvenient and reducing quality)
2) Increase convenience, by making content more easily available and integrated
3) Maintain video and audio quality compared to using best available separate boxes
4) Still be controllable by my universal remote control when I want it to be

I notice that the most recent Mac Mini has a much lower power rating than the 2012 model, which would be good for when it is sitting unused and wondered if I followed this route if the base model would be OK for all the above duties?

Trinnov Altitude 32-8-16, Meridian 271, Front: DSP7200SE, Centre: DSP7200SEHC, Rear: DSP3200, Ceiling Front & Rear: DSP320.2, Sub: Velodyne DD15+, MC200, Oppo 203, Sony VPL-VW360es, Lumagen 5348.