VIA Intros Magic Box Hardware/Software Solution

Last week VIA announced the Magic Box, a complete hardware and software solution for dynamic digital signage.

According to VIA, the new Magic Box system includes the company's Magic View content management software optimized for its VIA ARTiGO A1150 and fanless VIA ARTiGO A1200 Mini-PCs. The software has also been optimized to provide a user friendly interface to manage digital signage content, layout and scheduling.

"We have been focusing our efforts on providing the most comprehensive range of digital signage solutions, from x86 to ARM based offerings, to match our customers needs," commented Epan Wu, Head of the VIA Embedded Platform Division. "With the addition of VIA Magic Box, we provide a one stop, turnkey digital signage solution which leverages our expertise in customized software development, hardware system integration and low power, ultra compact designs."

The VIA Magic Box arrives in two flavors: Standalone and Server. The Standalone version is designed for stand alone displays and kiosks which does not require a network connection. This one is ideal for small businesses, restaurants and retail stores/shops which allows for simple content design, management and scheduling without the need for network connections.

This Standard version includes a VIA ARTiGO Mini-PC, Magic Box Standalone content management software (VIA Magic View controller) and VIA Magic Box Standalone client software (Windows Embedded Standard 7 pre-installed). Features include easy schedule management, support for sleeping mode and wake up functions, hardware monitoring and more.

As for the Server version, it's for the control of multiple clients and displays through secure networking. It's designed as a large scale digital signage solution for companies, factories and schools to securely manage and schedule content for multiple clients and displays within their network.

The Server version includes a VIA ARTiGO Mini-PC, VIA Magic Box Server content management software (VIA Magic View Controller), VIA Magic Box Server client software (Windows Embedded Standard 7 pre-installed), media server software and control server software. Highlights include media library management, a dedicated control server, a dedicated media server and more.

"Magic Box provides full HD support and playback of the most popular video codecs through video decoding hardware acceleration including WMV9, VC1 and H.264, in ultra compact, low power designs," the company said.

For more information about VIA's Magic Box solution, head here.

Kevin Parrish is a contributing editor and writer for Tom's Hardware,Tom's Games and Tom's Guide. He's also a graphic artist, CAD operator and network administrator.

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