[stomachmonkey]

The Sony players use the same interface and possibly share some base OS code with the PlayStation.

If you think Windows updates are bad then you ain't seen nuthin.

While not as frequent the issue has more to do with the size of the updates and the fact that the POS PS3 won't let you do squat till you've applied it.

At least Windows allows you to defer and get on with your life.

I swear every time I turn on my PS3 it's an hour before I can use the damn thing.

FWIW I have a Sony Blu Ray, don't have it connected to the net yet so for now not an issue.

You could look at picking up a Zomax bookshelf box. They make platforms with Media Center use in mind so they have optical out.

Then you can load/run Myth TV, XBMC or roll your own Boxee