I'm on the lookout for a good media centre and pvr, since my xbox is now downstairs and i'd like the option to use a media centre upstairs.

I've had a look around and Boxee and Apple TV both seem good, especially since you can hack the Apple TV.

But ideally i'd like one similar to Boxee/Apple tv, ie media centre, widgets, web apps etc, as well as the option to record from the telly to watch later, like Sky plus/Bt vision.

Is there anything out there like that?

Unless you build it yourself, there's nothing that combines a media centre with the pain-free operation of a Sky+ type box. Even then, it won't be as easy to use and take a considerable amount of time to set up. The easiest setup you can have is two separate boxes.

A media centre PC does all this? Do you already have one to use in conjunction with your Xbox?

You put one under one TV and that does all the recording etc and you put the xbox under the other TV and use as a media center extender.

Another good device is TiVO if you have cable TV from Virgin Media.