VIA Introduces Dual-LAN, Dual-LVDS Mini-ITX Mainboard

[Darksaber]

Taipei, Taiwan, 26 June 2007 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the VIA EPIA LT-Series Mini-ITX mainboard based on the VIA CX700 system media processor. Powered by the highly efficient 1.5GHz or fanless 1.0GHz VIA C7 processor, the VIA EPIA LT has a maximum operating power consumption of less than 20 watts.

The VIA EPIA LT mainboard incorporates a number of innovative features for the fast-growing x86-based embedded market, such as greater device performance, clearer definition video and storage technologies, and a full feature I/O set including two LAN ports and native support for two LVDS panels, four COM ports, a PCI slot and up to six USB 2.0 ports. Project-based customers also have the option of a VIA CX700M2 version with added TV-out functionality.

"We're very excited about the versatility and connectivity that this new board offers our customers," said Daniel Wu, Assistant Vice President, VIA Platform Solutions Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "While designed primarily for key embedded applications such as high end Point of Sales and digital signage systems, the power of the VIA UniChrome Pro II integrated graphics readily enables the LT-Series boards to be utilized for a wide range of networked multimedia applications."

More information about the VIA EPIA LT mainboard may be found on the VIA website at:
http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/motherboards.jsp?motherboard_id=510

About the VIA EPIA LT-Series Mini-ITX Mainboard

Boasting VIA's market-leading ultra low power consumption VIA C7 processors at 1.5GHz and fanless 1GHz, the VIA EPIA LT-Series platform provides exceptional performance per watt and a feature set that creates high standards in connectivity. Supporting up to 1GB of 533MHz DDR2 memory, the VIA CX700 drives a plethora of connection options including dual LVDS support and two 10/100 fast Ethernet modules, with a Gigabit option, 2 SATA connectors and up to 6 USB2.0 ports.

A complete digital multi-media experience is guaranteed with VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP, featuring MPEG-2 video decoding acceleration and 2D/3D graphics, plus a built-in HDTV encoder up to 1080i for MPEG-2 HD DVD playback, while the VIA Vinyl Multi-channel HD audio chip also provides an exceptional listening experience. Additionally, the boards will support the forthcoming MFX module for greater system security, energy efficiency and data protection, featuring key storage, wake-up and event logging functions.

The VIA EPIA LT Mini-ITX mainboard is compatible with Microsoft Windows 2000/XP, XPe, CE, and Linux, as well as being fully compatible with all Mini-ITX, FlexATX and MicroATX chassis and associated accessories, including the new 120W DC-DC converter for VIA EPIA Mini-ITX mainboards, giving developers an array of tools to create innovative and flexible digital media devices.

VIA EPIA LT-Series Mini-ITX Mainboard Availability

The VIA EPIA LT-Series mainboard will enter mass production in July, with pre-release samples available to VIA project based customers immediately. For pricing and further details on availability, please contact your local VIA sales representative or send an email to: embedded@via.com.tw.

About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc. (TSE 2388) is the foremost fabless supplier of market-leading core logic chipsets, low power x86 processors, advanced connectivity, multimedia and networking silicon, and complete platform solutions that are driving system innovation in the PC and embedded markets. Headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, VIA's global network links the high tech centers of the US, Europe and Asia, and its customer base includes the world's top OEMs, motherboard vendors and system integrators. www.via.com.tw

Source: VIA Technologies, Inc.

[WarEagleAU]

Looks reasonable and decent. Like to see some performance numbers on this.

[XooM]

can you say... router? Smoothwall or IPCOP ftw!

[demonbrawn]

That is hilarious. I'll dub this, mighty mouse! That is if performance matches up.

[GJSNeptune]

Haven't been a fan of VIA for a while now.

[unsmart]

Originally Posted by WarEagleAU

Looks reasonable and decent. Like to see some performance numbers on this.

It lags behind everything, think P3 with geoforce MX graphics. There useless for HD HTPC because they lack a PCI-e or agp slot[ no hardware decoding] and don't have the cpu power to decode it. They do make a good sff internet PC.

[devguy]

Originally Posted by unsmart

It lags behind everything, think P3 with geoforce MX graphics. There useless for HD HTPC because they lack a PCI-e or agp slot[ no hardware decoding] and don't have the cpu power to decode it. They do make a good sff internet PC.

"A complete digital multi-media experience is guaranteed with VIA UniChrome Pro II IGP, featuring MPEG-2 video decoding acceleration and 2D/3D graphics, plus a built-in HDTV encoder up to 1080i for MPEG-2 HD DVD playback, while the VIA Vinyl Multi-channel HD audio chip also provides an exceptional listening experience."

What does that mean then? Besides, I've seen some Nvidia 6200s for PCI interface that could probably do fine.

[hat]

That looks like a PCI-E 16x slot. HD2400. Win. Should also be capable of Battlefield 1942, Quake 3, Unreal Tournament classic, etc...

[unsmart]

I found this review of a pico-itx board[ 10cm X 7.2cm] that uses the same hardware.
http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/pico...ult.asp?page=1
As you can see it does play somethings OK but doesn't have the power to handle the hi-res play back. It also lacks the error correction/filters of pure video and AVIVO that adds a lot to image quality. There was a review I seen about four months ago [ can't find it now] that compared VIA ITX boards to other systems,the other systems trampled the ITX boards. The VIA ITX boards I've dealt with have had poor image quality but they could be better now since that was a few years back. I really not care for VIA but the ITX boards are cool to play with