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Intel rolls out Viiv technology, dual-core laptop processors

Intel at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) on Thursday unveiled two platforms and several content alliances that provide the foundation for new experiences from digital entertainment and wireless laptops — and include the new high-performance, low-power Intel Core Duo processor.

Noting the transformation now underway in digital entertainment, company president and CEO Paul Otellini introduced the company’s new home platform — Intel Viiv technology — and several commitments from top U.S. and international entertainment companies including AOL, DIRECTV, NBC Universal, Turner Broadcasting’s GameTap, ESPN, Televisa and Eros.

Intel Viiv technology-based entertainment PCs will help make it easier for families to download, store, view, manage and share all kinds of digital entertainment and information on a choice of TV, PC, laptop and hand-held viewing screens, the company said.

Intel announced a new Centrino Duo mobile technology that will improve performance and battery life for the wireless laptop market segment. The company also introduced its Core Duo processor, a powerful dual core silicon supporting the Intel Centrino Duo and certain Intel Viiv technology models. The processor is equipped to deliver performance-per-watt efficiency, which will allow for new, sleek designs for entertainment PCs, notebooks and CE-like devices.

“With our new platforms, we’re not only boosting wireless computing, but also advancing digital entertainment a few steps closer to effortless,\" said Otellini. “Just as we enabled exciting new norms with wireless broadband laptops, we’re working with computer, CE and entertainment companies to make home entertainment easier. Our unique processors, tailored platform features and joint work with these industries exemplify our push to advance on-demand delivery of movies, TV, music, games and photos to any home on virtually any screen.\"

New Intel Home and Mobile Platforms

Intel Viiv (pronounced like \"Intel Vee-Ive\") technology includes a suite of Intel-based hardware and software that, along with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, that the company says will pave the way for new entertainment experiences. Based on a choice of Intel Pentium D, Pentium Processor Extreme Edition and Intel Core Duo processors, the new PCs will be able to reflect a variety of features, prices and stylish designs - including \"all-in-one\" hybrid TVs and book-sized PCs.

As part of the Viiv launch, ClickStar announced its first feature film, \"10 Items or Less,\" will host an Internet premiere within weeks of its theatrical release, an industry first. These and other developments will bring millions of songs, movies, programs and games to the PC in 2006, Intel said.

PCs based on the platform will have a variety of entertainment options including support for both a minimum of 5.1 or higher surround sound and high-definition video. Systems may also instantly turn on and off with the touch of a button and could be used with TV-like remote controls when included with the system or purchased separately. Intel Viiv technology platforms will include the new Intel 945/955/975 Express Chipset family and Intel PRO/1000 PM or Intel PRO/100 VE/VM network connection.

Later this year, Intel said the platform will add features that will simplify the set-up of a home network and the ability to transfer digital content from the PC to other devices.

During his presentation at CES, Otellini pointed out a number of features that can make Centrino Duo mobile technology the \"ultimate on-the-go entertainment system.\" In addition to performance, battery life and wireless connectivity options, Otellini said systems will be available in a variety of sizes from thin and light laptops to more powerful ones with 17-inch plus widescreens — and surround sound, enhanced graphics and high-definition TV support depending on the model.

Intel plans to introduce more than 20 new processors, chipsets and other products this month. The company says that more than 200 PC makers plan to \"sell hundreds of unique PC and laptop models using these new products and platforms.\"

Intel also introduced the Mobile Intel 945 Express Chipset family and Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG Network Connection also are new.

Goal: Infinite Hours of Digital Programming Available Worldwide

As part of its goal to make digital programming available through Intel Viiv technology and PCs, Intel announced several new worldwide entertainment commitments with content partners, including:

  • AOL -AOL Music On Demand, AOL Radio featuring XM Satellite Radio and AOL Pictures this month; AOL Music Now and AOL Video AOL Video featuring the “AOL Hi-Q\" high-quality video format coming later this year.
  • ClickStar - The entertainment company will introduce its first film, “10 Items or Less,\" via the Internet just weeks after its theatrical release.
  • DIRECTV - The leading digital TV service provider will make its programming seamlessly available on PCs, laptops and media players through its verified set-top.
  • ESPN - ESPN.com Motion will feature sports highlights in high definition plus Full Court with 300 collegiate basketball games in full-screen broadcast quality.
  • Eros - The largest international distributor in the Indian film industry (“Bollywood\") plans to make its digital content portal and future digital video services available on-demand.
  • Grupo Televisa - The largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world will provide a wide choice of popular soap operas, sporting events, news and music.
  • MTV Networks - MTV said it will optimize a number of its channels for Intel Viiv technology ranging from Comedy Central’s “MotherLoad\" to MTV’s “Overdrive.\"
  • NBC Universal - NBC Universal will deliver select highlights in high resolution of all 17 days of the 2006 Winter Olympics to Intel Viiv technology-based PCs, with other joint efforts later.
  • Shanghai Media Group - China’s top media group will deliver its digital movies, TV dramas, exclusive interactive programming and other live content.
  • Turner Broadcasting’s GameTap - A first-of-its-kind broadband entertainment network, GameTap will bring hundreds of diverse videos and games to the “10-foot\" TV screen.