will HTPC work for me?

[guggas]

So, I was thinking about getting the Netgear Neo TV, so that I could stream my music from my computer in pretty much any format, but the wife really wants to get Hulu on the TV for her TV shows, so I was thinking maybe if I could just connect my PC to my reciever we could both be happy, and I wouldnt really need to buy anything except cables.
My computer has an ATI Radeon HD 5770 and I have heard that these cards can output audio/video from its hdmi out. I was thinking of running a long hdmi cable from the PC in my office to the living room reciever.
Its nearly 50 feet, but by the time I run the cable up the wall through the attic and down behind the TV I may need a 75' cable. Is this too far? I may be able to get by with a 50 footer, I havnt really measured it yet. I know this probably sounds rediculous. I was also thinking about running a usb cable to my TV stand to plug in a wireless mouse/keyboard sensor so that I could control my PC from the couch. Would this work at all or do I need to go another route?

 

[jp_over]

Here's some info on length:
How Long Can HDMI Cable be Run? -- Blue Jeans Cable

So far as HTPC, we went with these and haven't looked back:
Echo Mini PC: See our Video Review by HD Nation on Revision

Amazon.com: Logitech Wireless Solar Keyboard K750: Electronics

(already had this): Amazon.com: Razer Mamba Wireless Gaming Laser Mouse 5600 DPI: Electronics

I hooked up the HTPC directly into my entertainment system as as separate component via HDMI. So long as you're into doing some fine tuning a separate HTPC might be an option.

 

[jp_over]

I also wanted to mention that I looked at a few $100 - $300 streaming devices (even using WD Live for a bit) and they just didn't give me the full PC functionality I was looking for. Perhaps one of these might work for you.

I re-read my post and didn’t mean to try to sell you on a new PC. I just remembered starting off with the thought of "if I can only run a few cables…” and after aesthetic, technology, and practical limits simply gave up and got a new small format dedicated HTPC.

 

[guggas]

Thanks for the input man. Your system looks real nice. I know a dedicated htpc would be better, I just don't really want to pay for it. After reading the blue jeans article, it seems if I can reach my pc with a 50' cable it might work ok.

 

[Grador]

It should work, but I think USB is a little sketchier at that distance so control may be a little difficult. Adding a hub halfway MAY help with this.