Working together with a variety of Intel-verified consumer electronics devices, online services and software, Intel’s so-called Viiv (rhymes with "five") technology is said to enable a new class of home PCs equipped with digital entertainment and TV-like capabilities. Viiv, of course, is built around Intel's chips.

To propel Viiv, Intel also unveiled a small concept PC called "Golden Gate" based on Intel's next-generation, dual-core processor, codenamed "Yonah." The "Golden Gate" concept PC can run high-definition videos or display life-like gaming images and fits right inside a TV entertainment rack.

For years, a debate has raged over which technology will win in the consumer space: the TV or PC. Intel and others have attempted to propel the PC in living rooms by adding more digital functionally, but those efforts have gained little or no traction. The PC has been squeezed out of the living room by a new generation of game machines and digital and flat-screen TVs, many of which have limited PC capabilities like Internet access.

Intel claims to have the right formula this time around for the home. “Intel Viiv technology is our first platform designed from the ground up for the digital home, where consumers are passionate about the idea of accessing their content anytime, anywhere in their home on a number of devices," said Don MacDonald, vice president and general manager of Intel’s Digital Home Group, in a statement.

Consumers will be able to get Intel Viiv technology-based systems in a variety of form factors — from small, sleek consumer electronic-type designs — to more traditional desktop or tower designs, according to Intel.

All PCs based on Intel Viiv technology will ship with a remote control, the Microsoft Windows Media Center Edition operating system and media software that lets consumers interact with their PC in the same way they operate a TV, the company said.

In another TV-like function, consumers will be able to quickly turn their PCs on and off with the touch of a button through a new platform feature called Intel Quick Resume Technology. Each Intel Viiv technology-based PC will also ship with 5.1 surround sound.

With an optional TV tuner card, this same PC will be able to record, pause, and rewind live TV programs, and store them on the hard drive for later viewing.

Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PCs are expected to be available from a number of system manufacturers worldwide in the first quarter of 2006 and will come in various shapes and sizes to fit different styles and sizes of homes.

By: DocMemory
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