Can one of you open up the case and read the VIDEO ENCODER chip? I'm trying to find out what brand/model encoder chipset is present on the board.

This is apparently the only way to find out, no documents available anywhere after 1-2 weeks looking around casually.

With all the users out there, I'm hoping one has already opened it, or would be willing to open and look inside.

LSI 8600 = Apex, LiteOn, JVC
ZORAN ACTIVA 100 = Pioneer, Sharp, Toshiba, Sony
CIRRUS LOGIC = Mustek, Cyberhome
??????? = Panasonic

This is just like finding the chips on your capture card. BT, Conexant, Theatre, etc