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VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator and developer of silicon chip technologies and PC platform solutions, today announced the new VIA EPIA MS Mini-ITX mainboard, which has been designed without the standard I/O back plate to enable ultra low profile designs for ergonomic and aesthetically pleasing digital entertainment devices.

Providing greater design flexibility for integration into flat panel or ultra compact personal electronics devices, the new VIA EPIA MS allows developers to do more with the limited space available without forfeiting functionality or connectivity. The traditional PC I/O bracket has been replaced by easily accessible onboard headers for the 6-channel audio, TV-out and USB 2.0 connectivity, with a low profile SODIMM memory slot on the underside to further enhance its ultra slim design.


The first Mini-ITX mainboard to feature the fanless 1GHz VIA Eden ESP as a processor option, the VIA EPIA MS boasts increased digital media performance with very low power consumption and quiet operation that is essential in the living room and especially within low profile devices such as flat panel TVs. The VIA EPIA MS is also available with a 1.2GHz VIA C3 or an 800MHz VIA Eden ESP processor, all offering unparalleled security features through the on-die VIA PadLock Hardware Security Suite.

"The VIA EPIA MS is poised to meet the needs of the fast-evolving market for personal electronics," said Steven S. Lee, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division, VIA Technologies, Inc. "Its intuitive design targets devices where aesthetics and ease of use can be achieved without compromising on full digital media functionality."

With support for up to six USB 2.0 ports, the VIA VT1622A TV-encoder and VIA Vinyl Six-TRAC 6-channel surround sound, the VIA EPIA MS provides all the rich digital media capabilities required for today's personal electronics devices. Adding to its consumer market appeal, the VIA EPIA MS also incorporates easily accessible CompactFlash and High-Speed LAN ports for modern storage and connectivity options

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