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Still confused what Intel’s Viiv processor exactly is, so are we but here is a brief rundown that should help you out.  Viiv is Intel technology that lets manufacturers build computers or home receivers with all the multimedia features you would need in one box. The main feature is the ability to make your PC or receiver a digitial video recorder. The Viiv systems have Intel dual-core processors, run Windows XP Media Center edition, have instant on/off technology so your computer will power on and off just like a TV or DVD player.

If this sounds good to you check out Cnet’s roundup of current Viiv systems:

• The Dell XPS 400, while a little pricey, had a fast Pentium D 940 CPU, dual TV tuners, and a decent GeForce 6800 video card. Though it is pricey this Dell seems like one of the best bets with the new Intel Viiv platform.
• The HP m7360n, including a LightScribe DVD burner and a slot for HP’s Personal Media Drive, but those are also available on non-Viiv versions of the system. This is one of the less expensive machines out there but no features over the top.
• The iBuyPower Viiv-350 is a no-frills PC stuck in a weird half-height case, and it lacks a TV tuner and a Media Center remote, but you could probably build it to suit your needs, with iBuyPower’s everything-but-the-kitchen-sink configurator.
• The Alienware’s Area-51 3550 hits all of the requirements for Intel’s Viiv platform but otherwise fails to impress. It’s hard to think of an Alienware system without thinking of high-end gaming, but the 3550 is underpowered and has very limited video-card upgrade options.
• The Polywell Poly 975MCE-Extreme, on the other hand, goes all out, with 750GB of storage space and dual TV tuners. Still, for almost $4,000, you could get a media-friendly Mac Mini and a killer gaming rig and still have beer money left over.

Read [Cnet]

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