I wish to create a media center program to run on a windows based system.

I am a bit lost as to which language would be best for this situation so i am hoping for a little bit of advise on the subject.

I want the program to be similar to XBMC (I don't want to use XBMC because i want to be able to modify the program to do what i want at my will).

I have already created one with windows forms in vb.net which functions really well but i do not like the limitations on the gui (true transparency and lack of transitions are the main ones)

I have tried WPF but i just don't understand it at all, seems really complicated but it seems like what i need to start looking into..

So i need to know if WPF would be my best option? or is there something else that offers the functionality of a vb.net windows form but also offers the ability to create a visually stunning gui.

also is everything that can be done with a vb.net form be done in WPF?