A deep dive into creating a portable x86-based video restoration system using the Hackboard 2.0 SBC, VaporSynth, and Windows 11 for on-the-go archival work.
Hackboard 2.0 (center) with it’s aluminum chassis and a RPi 4 (left) for scale
Ever dreamed of carrying a video restoration lab in your pocket? Neither had I, until I stumbled upon the Hackboard 2.0 at Micro Center (my preferred haunt). What started as an impulse buy (“I don’t know what I’m going to do with this little computer, but I love it”) turned into a fascinating journey into portable video restoration. And no, I haven’t tried installing it on my smart fridge… yet.
Why x86 Instead of ARM?
The decision to go with an x86-based single-board computer (SBC) wasn’t just about being different from the usual ARM-based suspects like Raspberry Pi or Orange Pi. It came down to one critical requirement: VaporSynth, the spiritual successor to AviSynth and my go-to tool for video restoration, currently only runs stable (for me) on x86 architecture.
While the ARM ecosystem is growing rapidly, x86 still reigns supreme when it comes to software compatibility and community support. Decades of development have created a rich ecosystem of tools, especially in the video processing realm. This made the Hackboard 2.0, with its x86 architecture and Windows 11 compatibility (trusted partner compatibility), an ideal candidate for this project.
The Hardware Setup
The Hackboard 2.0 isn’t your typical SBC – it’s a surprisingly powerful machine packed into a compact form factor. It just hasn’t gained much traction within the SBC community because of its price point and higher power consumption of the x86 architecture. Let’s dive into the specs that make this little powerhouse tick:
Core Components
- Intel Celeron N4020 64-bit Dual Core Processor (bursting up to 2.8 GHz)
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- Intel HD Graphics 600 with Quick Sync Video support (perfect for our restoration needs)
- Dual NVMe M.2 slots supporting up to 4TB storage
For my setup, I installed:
- 1TB NVMe SSD as a working drive
- Windows 11 Pro (though it also supports Debian Linux if you’re feeling adventurous)
Video Processing Capabilities
- HDMI 1.4 output supporting up to 4K (4092 x 2160@30Hz)
- Intel Quick Sync Video acceleration
- DirectX 12 and OpenGL 4.4 support
- Graphics burst frequency of 650 MHz (surprisingly capable for restoration work)
Connectivity
- Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC9560 (speeds up to 1.73Mbps)
- Bluetooth 5.1
- 3x USB 3.0 ports
- USB-C port supporting displays, audio, and peripherals
- Optional 4G/5G module support (for those emergency remote restoration sessions)
Notice the GPIO pins at the bottom!
2x M.2 slots oh my! Plus a microSD card slot for OS. Love it
The whole system is housed in an anodized black aluminum chassis that doubles as a heat sink, complete with gasket fitting and thermal control software. The chassis isn’t just for show – it’s actively managing temperatures within the 0-50°C operating range. I applied thermal paste to the CPU and several other key components before mounting the board, ensuring optimal heat dissipation for those long restoration sessions.
What’s particularly impressive is the power management – it runs on a 12V 3A supply, with a backup power cell that keeps crucial memory settings intact for up to 18 months.
Software Configuration: The Fun Part
Getting VaporSynth up and running was… interesting. Here’s what the software stack looks like:
- Windows 11 (Linux is also an option)
- Python and PIP
- VaporSynth package
- Open interpreter for command-line troubleshooting
A quick shoutout to the folks at NYC Resistors Club in Brooklyn who helped me navigate the trickier aspects of the setup. The main challenge was handling dependency conflicts, which required creating a virtual environment to quarantine the VaporSynth installation. It’s like social distancing for software packages – very 2020 of us.
Real-World Applications
This pocket-sized powerhouse serves several purposes:
- Client demonstrations: I can plug into any HDMI monitor, connect to Wi-Fi, and show real-time video restoration processes
- On-site assessments: Perfect for quick de-interlacing demos or basic CPU-based filtration
- Portable presentation system: Sets up easily next to any display for process demonstrations
What makes this setup particularly effective for archival work is that standard definition and analog video files are relatively small and don’t require massive computational resources. It’s like having a video restoration wizard in your pocket, minus the long beard and pointy hat.
Future Developments
Looking ahead, I’m working on expanding this project in several directions:
- Creating a “doomsday machine” for digital cloning of analog video signals
- Developing real-time processing capabilities using VaporSynth tools
- Potentially contributing Docker containers for various VaporSynth configurations (pending discussions with Frederik Melben, VaporSynth’s creator)
Lessons Learned
This project taught me several valuable lessons:
- The importance of proper thermal management in compact systems
- The complexities of managing Python dependencies in restricted environments
- The continuing relevance of x86 architecture in specialized applications
- The value of community support in technical projects
The system now travels in a repurposed neoprene sleeve originally meant for a Tascam audio recorder – proving that sometimes the best solutions come from happy accidents. Add a foldable keyboard that’s almost the same size as the computer itself, and you’ve got a complete restoration studio that fits in any bag.
Final Thoughts
While a pocket-sized video restoration system might seem like overkill, it’s proven to be an invaluable tool for client work and on-site demonstrations. It’s a testament to how far we’ve come that we can pack this much processing power into something that slides into a repurposed audio recorder case.
And who knows? Maybe the next iteration will indeed run on a smart fridge. After all, what’s cooler than restoring vintage videos while getting a fresh glass of water?
