Intel Displays its VIIV Technology

With a number of boxes on display, Intel was touting its new Viiv technology, their answer to integrating audio, video, and more into a networked environment controlled from your living room. Partnering with Microsoft's XP MCE, Intel promised:

• Easy access to on-demand movies, music, games and photos on your TV
• A range of verified entertainment services and big-name digital content
• Instant on/off (after initial boot, when activated) for immediate enjoyment of your digital media
• Dual-core processor power and supports up to 7.1 channel surround sound
• The ability to record, pause and rewind live TV^
• A range of shapes and sizes to fit your home and your life

Many of the boxes on display were intriguing and the one demo we saw was fairly impressive. The big advance is that Intel realized that people didn't really want to use a PC in the living room. The instant on/off (without waiting for Windows or whatever operating system to reboot) elevates this technology to the point where users feel like they are using a piece of equipment rather than a Windows enable device. For more information, visit www.intel.com/viiv/home.htm .