I really don't see the need to network a receiver/processor. Those products need to deliver quality sound, that's all that's required of them.

What's preventing you from buying a dedicated media player - be it a full-fledged HTPC, or something more specialized like Apple TV or Popcorn Hour? Those things become obsolete very fast so it makes sense to invest in a quality audio component that will stay with you for a long time and just change/upgrade the media players.