VIA Debuts Infotainment Server Reference Design at Computex 2003

Based on the Mini-ITX digital media platform, the VIA Infotainment Server reference design supports the richest audio, video and network connectivity features for the total home entertainment device

Taipei, Taiwan, 23 September 2003 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the first demonstration of the innovative VIA Infotainment Server Reference Design at Computex 2003, the new digital media device that takes networked home entertainment to unprecedented levels.

Housed in an attractive, stylish and low profile system with consumer electronics design values and quiet operation, the VIA Infotainment server is the complete entertainment device for the living room with time shift TV viewing, video on demand, karaoke and digital photo viewing with full PC functionality. Key to the system is the 8-channel surround sound capability with the integration of the VIA Vinyl™ Gold onboard audio controller, delivering resolutions of up to 24-bit/192kHz for cinematic sound reproduction and supporting the very latest DVD Audio standards.

“The VIA Infotainment Server is the latest in the series of innovative form factor reference designs from VIA that highlights for the industry the must-have features and applications,” said Richard Brown, Associate Vice President of Marketing, VIA Technologies, Inc. “We’ve taken our Mini-ITX form factor, now well proven in the market for a whole host of Total Connectivity lifestyle devices, as can be clearly seen from the broad array of exciting partner products here at Computex, and have enriched the digital media with theater level surround sound and support for the latest entertainment and network applications.”

In addition, the VIA Infotainment Server supports full PVR functions and comprehensive management of content such as broadcasting and backup of audio and video content sourced from the TV Tuner or VCR, Satellite Tuner or Cable modem video streaming. Featuring rich I/O connectivity, such as 10/100 Ethernet, high-speed USB2.0 and IEEE 1394 (Firewire) communications, and user-friendly operation from the comfort of the sofa with a standard remote control, the VIA Infotainment Server enables the creation of a Totally Connected Home to share, manage and enjoy content throughout the home.

About the VIA Infotainment Server Reference Design

Central to the VIA Infotainment Server is a highly integrated and ultra-compact VIA EPIA Mini-ITX mainboard optimized for digital multimedia applications. Measuring just 17cm x 17cm, this platform provides system builders and integrators flexibility in a choice between the low power VIA C3™ or fanless VIA Eden™ ESP processor based on the “Nehemiah” core and support for a complete array of advanced multimedia and connectivity features. These include the VIA CLE266 chipset with the UniChrome™ core featuring an integrated hardware MPEG-2 decoder and advanced AGP8X graphics to provide superb DVD playback. High fidelity VIA Vinyl™ and VIA Vinyl Gold six-channel and eight-channel surround sound providing full sound immersion and a TV-Out enable output to the family television offering the ultimate home entertainment experience.

Ethernet capability and wireless support enables home networking, while USB2.0 and IEEE 1394 (Firewire) provides high-speed connectivity to bandwidth-hungry peripherals such as digital still and video cameras. In addition, S/PDIF In and S/PDIF Out and a card reader allow connectivity to multi-channel speakers and a wide range of smartcards. The native x86 compatibility ensures that the VIA Infotainment Server runs a complete range of Microsoft® Windows® 2K/ME/XP and a variety of Linux-based operating systems.

The VIA Infotainment Server reference design combines enhanced digital media performance with the unbeatable range of audio and video format support and the expansive connectivity options that perfectly fit consumers requirements for home entertainment.

Further information on the VIA Infotainment Server reference design may be found on the VIA website at <http://www.via.com.tw/en/events/computex2003_infotainmentpc.jsp>.



About VIA Technologies, Inc.

VIA Technologies, Inc. is the foremost fabless supplier of market-leading core logic chipsets, low power x86 processors, advanced connectivity, multimedia, networking and storage 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. VIA is listed on the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TSE2388) and achieved annual revenues of over US$720 million in 2002. http://www.via.com.tw