LOL!
Real Extender being what hardware? I do agree in the respect of flexibility as you have use multiple tuners as you have stated.I prefer a W7MC server with extender (be it an xbox or real extender). Gives a real media centre interface, allows for an insain amount of tuners (I have 6) and nice and quiet in your viewing room if you use a real extender. Also multiroom. W7MC is not 'LOL' - far from it if used correctly.
LOL!
Did I miss something?
Set up correctly with media browser, stark covers, metabrower etc. It's one of the best media centers going.
Supporting most files and extenders
It not just a simple plug and play, but you can't beat it
well for a start the op's question was "What is there on the market, pref one which can handle heavy streaming and has HDMI out."
not what software to run on his pc.
You replied WMC... Which is not what the op asked forRight, but my htpc can handle heavy streaming and has hdmi output, plus many other outputs like HD satellite cards etc.
I only use my htpc as a media center, which is what the op asked for.
Bit pedanticYou replied WMC... Which is not what the op asked for