Review: Mesh Matrix Viva 940 CA Media Center PC

Mesh is no stranger to the latest computer technology, so it's not surprising that it's already bragging about a range of Viiv-ready machines.

The Viva 940 CA is part of the Mesh Media+ series, which uses a home-entertainment Aopen chassis to fit in stylistically with other AV equipment.

A 16-speed dual-layer DVD writer and a memory card reader lurk behind glossy flip-open panels. The glossy black and silver finish is so slick we almost missed the collection of ports and sockets taking refuge behind another flip-down panel at the bottom of the case.

There are two USB ports, two Firewire sockets (one full size, one mini), S/PDIF out, stereo and microphone ports, media playback controls and a snazzy illuminated power button.

Inside the case is Intel's Pentium D 940 dual-core processor, which runs at a clock speed of 3.2GHz, has 2MB of cache and an 800MHz FSB (front-side bus).

Sustained by two sticks of 512MB DDR2-533 Ram the Mesh Viva 940 CA managed a very respectable score of 288 in our Sysmark 2004 SE test.

Intel's 945G integrated graphics chip isn't much to shout about where 3D gaming is concerned, scoring just 612 in 3Dmark05 and 8.6fps (frames per second) in Far Cry.

However, this system is more about watching video as opposed to gaming - something highlighted by the Scart socket at the rear. A DVI output is also available.

A brace of Black Gold digital TV tuners allow the Microsoft Media Center operating system to record two TV channels simultaneously. A 300GB serial ATA (Sata) hard disk can store a good wedge of media files.

Thankfully, the Viva 940 CA is relatively quiet, which is essential when it comes to a home-entertainment PC. A fan on top of the case means stacking other equipment on top of it isn't recommended.

At the back are further connection ports, including two more USB sockets, 7.1-channel audio and S/PDIF out.

There's an Ethernet socket, but no modem port, which isn't a bad thing. But it lacks the increasingly popular HDMI socket that lets you output high-definition video, complete with audio, to HD Ready LCD and plasma TVs.

Bundled software includes Microsoft Works 8.5, a 60-day trial of Microsoft Office 2003 and a Cyberlink Video Editing Suite.

The Viva 940 CA also comes with a MCE remote control, a Logitech cordless keyboard and optical mouse, plus a three-year warranty (one year on site, two years return to base).

Mesh has created a home-entertainment computer that is good value for money. However, whether Intel's Viiv push is going to reinvigorate this style of computer is still uncertain.

Related reviews:
Philips Showline MCP9350i media center PC
Another CE heavyweight throws its hat into the Media Center ring

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