As many of our "Digital Media Receiver" projects are using PC based servers, I am posting this info here as a service to the forum, I've been trying to figure out what Viiv is for awhile, here's a nice summary I found, its seems that if you have the right chipset and download the 1.5/1.6 software and driver from Intel, and follow these other spec's you can build your own Viiv compliant PC. Quick booting and "Sideshow" support seem to be the biggest gain. Anyway, I hope you find this info usefull.
-mw

What’s ViiV?

Intel® Viiv™ technology is a revolutionary technology that enhances your digital entertainment experiences. Being a “platform” or a combination of hardware and software, Intel® Viiv™ technology constructs an eco-system which includes PCs with media center OS, connected device, and user-friendly service & applications. Through Intel® Viiv™ certified PCs, connected device, service & applications, users enjoy digital entertainment more easily.

The important hardware spec for Intel® Viiv™ technology 1.5/1.6:
Desktop HW requirements

CPU: Conroe Extreme Edition, E6000/E4000 sequence, or Pentium D 900/800 sequence. Dual-core Performance.
Support to 1066 MHz Front Side Bus.

Chipset: Intel® newest Broadwater series, P965/G965 with ICH8DH or Intel 975X Chipsets With ICH7-DH. Built-in Intel GMA for G965.
ICH8DH focus on digital home market, support Intel® Quick Resume Technology.
Support to 1066 MHz Front Side Bus.

HD: NCQ SATA drive More efficient, more stable operation for your hardisk.

Audio: Intel® high-definition audio(5.1ch min.) High definition audio effect support to 7.1 channels, make your room a great theater.

LAN: Intel® 82562G/GT/GX/GZ/V 10/100 Platform LAN Connect or Intel® 82573 VL, 82566DM/DC Gigabit Platform LAN Connect

The important software and driver needed for Intel® Viiv™ technology 1.5/1.6:
Software and Driver

Software: Media center OS, Windows XP MCE for ViiV1.5 and Windows Vista for ViiV1.6. OS with strong multimedia application for digital home

Driver: Remote UI Service Service design for 10-foot UI, easy and relaxed enjoyment by your remote.
Intel ViiV Media Library Users can easily access to multimedia contents, search, find, play and watch even faster.
Secured Content Module Trough DTCP-IP, industry support standard, digital content can be protected and only played on Viiv certified devices.
Intel Smart Steaming Intel Viiv technology makes it easy and fun to share your digital media with friends and family from the comfort of your couch
Intel® Quick Resume Technology. Make you PC in living room just act like CE device, and the PC can also be waked up by verified devices.
Intel® Hub Connect Technology. Easy set up, easy connection between devices, secured home network.