Are you itching to ditch that name-brand DVR and install an Intel-powered home entertainment computer? It sounds like something big (and small) may be just around the corner …

Think Secret is reporting that Apple will pull the curtain on an Intel-powered Mac mini — “reborn as the digital hub centerpiece it was originally conceived to be” — come January.

Now I’m not one to trade on rumors, but it’s about time. I’ve been calling for the real convergence to happen for years … and this just might be the box that gets it rolling.

I’m willing to bet that the mini’s current form factor is too small. This new device (if and when it happens) begs to conform to an audio-visual spec. In other words, it has to look right when placed into a rack with a stereo receiver, CD changer, satellite/cable box, and all of those associated goodies. It has to have a really really cool black (or dark gray) case.

And above all, it must have the ability (out-of-the-box) to drive two screens simultaneously … one for computer functions and one for video …