HD Netbooks – High Def 1080p netbooks on the way with VIA

VIA, competitor to Intel in the world of processors, has announced that its new VX855 will bring true 1080p HD video playback to netbooks and other compact, power-efficient devices.

The device's integrated graphics processor is claimed to provide "smooth playback of high bitrate 1080p HD video." Via claims full support for Microsoft's VMR (video mixing renderer) and DirectX 9.0 technologies, plus hardware acceleration for H.264, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, WMV9, and DivX video formats.

Richard Brown, VP of marketing for Via, said, "For the first time, system developers have an ultra low power media system processor that delivers high bit-rate HD video to small form factor and mobile devices. The Via VX855 opens up exciting opportunities for several PC segments, particularly the mini-notebook category that will now be able to offer true 1080p HD video playback."

According to Via, the VX855 supports Linux, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows CE. Pricing and availability of the new chip was not announced, however.

More here: http://www.via.com.tw/en/products/chipsets/v-series/vx855/