Considering moving my collection to an HTPC.

[Zman2k2]

So, I've been doing some reading, and I'm interested in what it would take to put my entire BD collection onto HDD, and run the whole system from a HTPC. I do have numerous questions, basic things right now, but I'm sure as I get answers, I'll come up with additional questions.

First, when I get a BD, how is is possible to copy the info to a HDD for later viewing? I thought there were copy protections on the discs that prevent this? I like the idea though of calling up a HTPC and playing any number of movies off a HDD, saving storage space of the discs.

Second, what about audio? Do you still get lossless audio? How is that accomplished? I assume you get an HDMI capable video card, but does it pass audio as well, or is that a sacrifice for the convienience of having everything on HDD?

Third, about how much HDD space do you need to save around 200BDs do HDD? I assume you would set up a master drive with your OS, and then a series of slave drives with your data?

What programs do you use to run the system? I would probably keep it Win7 based, maybe on a SSD, but for the media software, where do you go?

That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure I'll come up with more. Thanks for taking the time to inform a n00b on the basics.