In reply to:

After all of that, there is nothing about using a PC as a DVD player that improves upon a properly-made consumer DVD player.


This may be the case with your equipment but it isn't true as a blanket statement. For film based material, an HTPC provides the best image for a reasonable price when used with front projectors. The advantages of an HTPC are scaling to virtually any reasonable resolution and refresh rate. A 72 Hz refresh rate elimintes the need for 3:2 pulldown and eliminates the judder effect on slow pans. Many CRT projectors benefit from higher resolutions than 480p and fixed panel devices (LCD, DLP, DILA) always benefit from the having the input be at their native resolution.

Now I agree with your other practical points. It's why I continue to predominantly use my standalone DVD player even though I've got an HTPC in the room.

-Dylan