Intel confirms it is making hardware to stream live television

Says it is talking with content providers

ByLawrence Latif

Wed Feb 13 2013, 15:44

CHIPMAKER Intel has confirmed that it is working on hardware to stream live and on-demand content to televisions in 2013.

Intel had been rumoured to be working on hardware to stream video to televisions and be in talks with content providers with a product expected to appear late last year. Now corporate VP of Intel Media Erik Huggers has confirmed that the firm is making hardware for such a service and is in talks with content providers.

Huggers, talking at the D: Dive Into Media conference yesterday, said the service could use the public internet rather than a private network such as those used by cable television operators to deliver content.

Intel confirmed to The INQUIRER that the firm intends to release hardware this year, but wouldn't say whether it will be a set-top box or built into television sets.

Intel also confirmed that the service will offer live television and on-demand content. Intel's decision to offer live television is something that will set it apart from film and TV streaming services like Lovefilm and Netflix, which have been unable to negotiate deals with studios to stream live television.

Although Intel wouldn't confirm which content providers it is talking with, given that the firm is pushing for a 2013 release date talks are likely to be at an advanced stage at this point.

Intel's decision to get into the television market is a curious one, as it puts Intel up against the entrenched satellite, cable and internet streaming operators. Even though Netflix might lack the cash to compete with Intel directly, the firm not only has the market share lead but Wall Street's backing.

Intel's best hope for success in the video over IP market is not its hardware but the prospect of delivering live television, something that has eluded Netflix.

The Inquirer