Gaming I have a question about a hometheater pc setup

[kjb1686]

I have a emachines el1200-05w computer and am getting a new computer so i was going to set this up as a hometheater pc but i was wondering what programs would be best for it. I was looking at mediaportal and xbmc both are nice, also i was wondering about using a remote for this computer, along with downloading all the posters and information for T.V shows, anime, and movies so it is all right there what would i need for that. I am looking for some help also i want this as simple as it can get i am computer savvy but my mother who this is going to be for isn't so it would be nice if she could use it easily.