Just a couple of days after we first learned about their new netbook-oriented reference board, another announcement has come from the manufacturer of low-power components. Via is introducing today the IVP-7500, a low-power board that is aimed exclusively at vehicles, or car PCs. The x86 based in-vehicle boards seem suitable for both enthusiast and general use, making them an easy platform to get started on, and can be paired with numerous components that have travel-specific functionality. Via mentions video recording, speed monitoring, security, video assisted parking, GPS and more.

The company asserts that in-car PCs are becoming more common, particularly as the enhanced functionality that embedded machines can offer becomes more widely accepted. They've got a good point; five years ago, in-car GPS and DVD players were very rare. Now they are quite common, whether as a stock option or as an accessory. Via clearly wants to be a part of the growing market for computers in cars, and this is a way to do it. You can read the full press release for Via's IVP-7500 board after the jump.

New VIA In-Vehicle Platform for Driving Next-Generation Car PCs

VIA IVP-7500 board with advanced multimedia features offers system integrators the perfect in-vehicle PC platform

Taipei, Taiwan, 19 March 2009 - VIA Technologies, Inc, a leading innovator of power efficient x86 processor platforms, today released the VIA IVP-7500 board, the first in a series of dedicated x86 in-vehicle platforms for developers of car PCs and intelligent transportation devices.

The continued evolution of the PC as a multimedia playback device for audio and video entertainment means that car owners are now demanding access to their digital media library whilst on the road. In-vehicle PCs offer access to intelligent global satellite positioning services for accurate location tracking, route planning and navigation.

Today's cutting-edge consumer can employ in-car mounted cameras for video assisted parking and highway surveillance recording, while commercial customers can have access to license plate recognition, fleet management, digital tachograph, odometer and security applications.

Designed from the ground up for the rigours of in-vehicle computing, the VIA IVP-7500 is a versatile, scalable and highly power-efficient processor platform with strong multimedia performance. Customers have the option of fanless design implementations for industrial and grade stability. The flexible VIA IVP-7500 measures 114mm x 185.5mm and can be employed in a variety of dashboard implementations, including one or two DIN designs as well as discrete, in-seat and headrest designs.

"Intelligent transportation devices are making the transition from an enthusiast to mainstream audience," said Daniel Wu, Vice President, VIA Embedded, VIA Technologies, Inc. "The VIA IVP-7500 carries our expertise in developing stable, compact, energy-efficient systems to this high-growth sector, bringing with it faster product development cycles and the flexibility to offer consumers more than just a car PC."

About the VIA IVP-7500 Board

The VIA IVP-7500 is powered by a fanless 1.0GHz VIA Eden processor and supports up to 1GB of DDR2 system memory. A range of display technologies are supported including an LCD (TTL) panel interface, TV-out and VGA outputs and camera ports including A/V (via mini-USB) and V-CAM for monitoring applications.

Storage includes IDE 1.8" hard drive support with FFC cable and SD card support. HD audio is provided with optional SPK (R+L) and Mic-in connectors.

Communications technologies include a GPS module with IPEX antenna, an FM stereo transmitter and Bluetooth. Two USB 2.0 ports plus a COM port are included as well as an infra red adapter for hands-free applications.

VIA is currently offering samples of the VIA IVP-7500 board to project customers. For more information please visit:

https://www.via.com.tw/en/products/mainboards/motherboards.jsp?motherboard_id=790