The DVS-355M's six composite video inputs are compatible with either NTSC or PAL video. According to Advantech, the device can capture and encode images with a resolution of up to 720 x 480 pixels (NTSC) or 768 x 576 (PAL), and the framerate goes as high as 60 fps, though this must be shared among all the channels.

As the photos below show, the fanless unit has a top-mounted heat sink, resembling that found on a high-end car stereo amplifier. It features an integral bracket for mounting anywhere in a vehicle, plus I/O on both the front and rear the chassis.


The DVS-355M's front panel
According to Advantech, the DVS-355M can output video four different ways -- via a DVI connector, VGA output, S-Video, or composite. It also has three different expansion types: CardBus, CompactFlash, and mini-PCI.


The DVS-355M's back panel
In the DVS-355M's standard configuration, the mini-PCI slot is used to hold an 802.11 b/g wireless LAN module. Networking possibilities also include dual 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports.

Key features and specifications, as listed by Advantech, include:

• Processor -- Intel Core Duo processor, clocked at 1.2 GHz
  
• Memory -- 2 x 200-pin SODIMM sockets, maximum capacity 2GB (standard amount not specified)
  
• Storage:
  • 2.5-inch HDD tray as IDE 0, Type I/II Compact Flash socket as IDE 1
    
  • 40, 60 or 80 GB 4200-rpm hard drives available as options
• Graphics -- Intel GMA 950 chipset, supports shared memory up to 224 MB, resolution up to 2048 x 1536 @ 75 Hz
  
• Audio -- AC '97 compatible
  
• Networking:
  • 802.11 b/g WLAN card installed in Mini-PCI slot
    
  • 2 x 10/100/1000 Ethernet ports with RJ-45 connectors
• Other I/O ports:
  • 1 x VGA
    
  • 1 x DVI
    
  • 1 x S-Video
    
  • 1 x composite video output
    
  • 6 x composite video input
    
  • 4 x USB 2.0
    
  • 3.5 mm jacks for audio line out, line in, mic
    
  • 2 x serial (COM1, COM2)
    
  • 1 x PS/2 connector (accepts both keyboard and mouse with Y-adapter)
• Expansion:
  • 1 x Mini-PCI
    
  • 1 x CardBus
    
  • 1 x CompactFlash Type I/II
• Power supply -- 9-30 VDC
  
• Dimensions -- 9.1 x 2.5 x 5.4 inches (232 x 65 x 138.4 mm)
  
• Operating temperature -- from -15 to 55 degrees C
  

According to Advantech, Windows XP Embedded (as well as Windows XP Professional and Windows 2000) are supported via the software drivers included. The company also says it provides a software development kit (SDK) that includes demo software and Visual C++ sample code.

The DVS-355M appears to be available now, though pricing was not listed.

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