Via Announces EPIA Mini-ITX Platform

Via Announces EPIA Mini-ITX Platform

Via Technologies unveiled the VIA EPIA EX-Series Mini-ITX mainboards, the first of Via’s compact platforms to feature the new VIA CX700M2 system media processor.

The VIA EPIA EX is powered by the 1.5 GHz or fanless 1.0 GHz VIA C7 processor and has an average operating power consumption of 13.6 watts.

Specifically designed for the fast-growing x86-based consumer electronics market, the new mainboard features ports for composite, component and S-Video, S/PDIF audio and onboard connectors for LVDS and DVI displays, with USB 2.0 and IEEE 1394 peripheral connectivity, full featured SATA II RAID, and 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet for seamless broadband connectivity, with a Gigabit Ethernet option.

The VIA EPIA EX also includes the VIA CX700M2 advanced system media processor, an all-in-one digital media I GP chipset integrating the VIA UniChrome Pro II 2D/3D graphics core and an extended array of high end video and audio technologies, including hardware decoding acceleration of MPEG-2/-4 and WMV9 video, a built-in HDTV encoder up to 1080i, 720p output, and VIA Vinyl Multi-channel HD audio.

“Leveraging the power-efficient Via processors and the extensive feature set of the VIA CX700M2 media system processor, the VIA EPIA EX speaks directly to the demands of CE developers,” said Daniel Wu, assistant vice president, Via platform solutions division, Via Technologies.

Combining the range of new features and the integrated Via silicon platform onto an ultra-compact mainboard reduces the need for add-in cards and compatibility testing, greatly reducing time to market and significantly lowering the total cost of development for SIs and OEMs.

The VIA EPIA EX-Series Mini-ITX mainboard is available now for developers, and will be available in limited quantities through authorized distributors in late January.