LAS VEGAS (AP) -- Chip-maker Intel Corp. launched its Viiv entertainment PC platform Thursday and announced a slew of deals with entertainment and other tech companies to provide content for the new systems.
Viiv PC owners will be able to watch video that's stored in Google Inc.'s video service, high-definition highlights from NBC's coverage of the Winter Olympics and classic TV shows from America Online. In all, Intel has signed dozens of content deals.
Viiv computers will be capable of replacing the array of standalone boxes that surround the television _ such as a digital video recorder, DVD player or cable box. Intel also says it's working to ensure a Viiv PC works seamlessly with other equipment.
By focusing on more than chips, Intel hopes its technical and marketing muscle will help make entertainment PCs easier to use _ and more appealing.
The approach is similar to the strategy Intel followed when it launched its Centrino technology for wireless notebook computers in
2003. It not only supplied the chips but also marketing support and a quality-assurance program to ensure the technology worked.Also Thursday, Intel launched its Core Duo chip, which the company claims has lower power requirements and higher performance. The processor, which has two computing engines built into a single chip, is expected to enable smaller, living-room friendly Viiv systems and will power the next-generation mobile platform, the Centrino Duo.
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