Here's the dealio ... hopefully some of the fine brains out there can help me cobble together the right solution:

- 90% Mac guy. All editing done in FCP.
- Recently got a Canon HV20, which can output live via HDMI and bypass crappy HDV compression.
- BlackMagic's Intensity can capture that HDMI stream as 1080i 4:2:2.
- I have a spare 20" Apple CinemaDisplay that I can use for live monitoring (DVI.)

I'd like to put together a capture machine. A new MacPro is way overkill for this, not to mention weighs just shy of a Volkswagen Beetle, so I'm thinking that a small form factor PC would be a better solution.

I'm really confusing myself trying to find a machine that:
- Is relatively small, durable form factor
- Has a fast enough CPU
- Has enough RAM
- Has firewire
- Can support the Intensity (PCIe, 1 lane)
- I in the neighborhood of $1k.

Assuming such a beast exists, is it safe to assume that BlackMagic's M-JPEG codec is cross-platform compatible? (i.e. if I capture on the PC, will I be able to edit on the Mac without jumping through hoops?)

Thanks in advance,
Joe

Joseph, you can find a lot useful information in next discussions:

Chris Swartz solution:Intensity Capture Station (http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=97526)

Kevin Kondra released idea: Wearable Computer System for HD Capture (http://dvinfo.net/conf/showthread.php?t=99632)

...and best codec for MAC<->PC is Cineform with MOV<->AVI non destructive wrapper ;)

Also you can install MAC OS and XP as dual boot on same computer with Intensity card.

Thanks,
Serge. I had seen those threads. I don't think either uses a motherboard with DVI output, though I suppose another card could be worked in.

I shall agree with Chris Swartz - GIGABYTE GA-G33M-DS2R LGA 775 Intel G33 Micro ATX Intel Motherboard (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128053) is very good to build a mobile "windows capture station" with Intensity card.
Onboard Video Chipset Intel GMA 3100 good enough for this task if you not gamer:) Regards PCIe-16x you can add any modern video card.
Also look at very usefull Jon McGuffin recommendation (http://dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=688743&postcount=2)