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Platform Conference Wrap Up

By: Van Smith

Date: February 1, 2002

NOTE:  Since this article contains many images, we are breaking it up into several pages for the convenience of our readers with low bandwidth connections.

Plus, don't miss our first day report where we talk Hammer, memory, performance initiatives and the inexpensive nVidia nForce 415-D.

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VIA's Eden

VIA's Richard Brown presented a session on VIA's new Eden embedded platform.  Eden is a three chip low power solution devised to leverage the vast x86 knowledgebase into the embedded arena.


VIA's Richard Brown talks Eden.

Compared with other low power initiatives, the VIA Eden measures up very well.


Comparing VIA's Eden to National Semiconductor, Transmeta and Intel.

In terms of power consumption, Eden leads Transmeta and Intel.  In the graph below, the Transmeta Crusoe has an integrated North Bridge, but lacks a video controller.  The extra component added to the Crusoe for 3D graphics accounts for this.  Both the Intel and VIA platforms have 3D graphics integrated into the North Bridge.

The VIA Eden also holds its own in terms of performance.  In WinStone99, the Eden performs significantly better than both Transmeta's Crusoe and National Semiconductor's Geode.  Although Mr. Brown did not these present Celeron results here, the Eden also compares favorably against the Intel Celeron on this benchmark.

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Music Republic

To sit beside a stereo component system for audio entertainment applications, a computer must be quiet.  Able to run without a fan in so called "Silent Systems" VIA's Eden (and C3 processors) is ideal for these duties.

Music Republic, the first broadband music appliance developer, chose VIA parts for its Music Republic Preview Stations.  These kiosks allow consumers to preview CD selections in retail outlets.  According to information on Music Republic's website:

This unique software combined with the VIA C3 processor can easily play three simultaneous videos while streaming MP3's with additional processing power for future expansion. Targeted on-screen video advertising increases product sales as well as 3rd-party product visibility. Measuring less than 3" deep, Music Republic Stations™ are mounted on walls and store fixtures with minimum footprint. The Music Republic System™ operates on a dedicated broadband network and is remotely updated and maintained over the network.

Below is a picture of a Music Republic Preview Station that was on display at Platform Conference.

 

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NOTE:  Since this article contains many images, we are breaking it up into several pages for the convenience of our readers with low bandwidth connections.

Plus, don't miss our first day report where we talk Hammer, memory, performance initiatives and the inexpensive nVidia nForce 415-D.

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Pssst!  We've updated our Shopping Page.

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