Intel rolls new Net-TV processor

SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — Intel Corp. aims to combine the Internet and television with its new CE3100 processor launched at the Intel Developer Forum here Wednesday (Aug 20).

The chip maker said it has also struck a deal with Yahoo! to use its software to create a so-called Widget Channel to drive Web applications to x86-based "YTVs."

The move marks a significant step in leveraging Intel's SoC design direction into a major new market for the microprocessor company. The quality of Intel's work in audio/video silicon is one of several proof points the company will need to establish.

"This is the first CE-optimized system-on-chip to use the Intel architecture," said Eric Kim, general manager of Intel's digital home group and a former Samsung executive.

Kim promised a roadmap of parts needed for the effort and to extend the new processor's reach into other consumer devices. The list includes chips with Atom-based cores expected to arrive in 2009.

A broad range of developers expressed support for the chip, code-named "Canmore." Samsung said it will use the chips in multiple systems. Executives from Sony, Toshiba and other companies also expressed support.

Kim brought several TV execs on stage during his keynote address here. Tony Werner, chief technology officer from Comcast, said the Widget Channel could complement the cable industry's current work on its own interactive services called Tru2Way, which is ramping up this year.