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Intel Set-Top Box and Cable TV Service Won't Initially Revolutionize the Industry

Tuesday February 12, 2013 11:38 am PST by Juli Clover
erikhuggersAt today's AllThingsD Dive Into Media Conference, Intel Media vice president Erik Huggers announced that the company is indeed working on an Internet TV service and a set-top box to go along with it.

Huggers noted that Intel has put together a team of people hired from Apple, Netflix, and Google to work in a new Intel Media group devoted to developing an Internet television platform.

Rumors of an Intel set-top box and TV service began circulating in late December. The setup was said to be similar to what Apple offers with its Apple TV, but with access to cable networks and and a la carte content. Huggers confirmed today that Intel will be offering cable content, but not in a piece meal format as expected.
For the first time we will deliver a new consumer electronics product under a new brand. We'll offer consumers a box and they'll buy this directly from us. It'll be an Intel-powered device with fantastic industrial design. But it's not just a device. We're working with the entire industry to figure out how we get live TV to consumers over the Internet.
Intel is planning its service as an all-in-one solution that will incorporate live TV, catch-up TV, and on-demand TV. "We're shooting for a service that incorporates literally everything. … But Rome wasn't built in a day. It'll take time," Huggers said.

Like Intel, Apple has been rumored to be working on a similar set up for its users, speaking with cable services like Comcast and Time Warner Cable, but Apple has struggled to secure content deals.

It is likely that Intel has had similar problems gaining entry into the cable TV market as content providers have been hesitant to offer television channels piece meal. Though earlier rumors suggested Intel would serve up individual channels a la carte, Huggers says that the company is taking a different approach.

Intel will provide the same bundled content that cable services offer, but over the internet, and he does not expect it to be less expensive.

Intel's proposal is similar to traditional cable offerings, and not the piece meal cable revolution that was expected when the project was originally announced. "We believe that there is value in bundles, if bundles are done right," he said, as noted by TechCrunch.

Though Intel is beginning with a more traditional cable model, the company remains interested in changing the way that cable is delivered in the future.

According to Huggers, the unnamed project will launch later this year.

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[ 67 comments ]


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Avatar
HiRez
86 months ago
So we pay the same as for cable, but with the inherent unreliability, lag, data caps, and higher compressed, lower-quality video of going through the internet? Sounds awesome. :rolleyes:
Rating: 19 Votes
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kwikdeth
86 months ago
cable companies will never, ever allow a la carte because then customers will find out how badly they've been getting screwed over for the last 20 years.
Rating: 9 Votes
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Mad Mac Maniac
86 months ago
What's with the title? Editorial?

The tone of the content doesn't even match the title....
Rating: 9 Votes
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the-oz-man
86 months ago
"According to Huggers, the unnamed project will launch later this year."

. . . and fail shortly thereafter.
Rating: 6 Votes
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Yvan256
86 months ago
Anything that tries to work with the cable and satellite companies instead of dealing directly with the media creators is bound to fail.

The Internet is the new channel to move content, we don't need the cable companies to be anything else than ISPs. The 1950's called and they want their money-making scheme back.
Rating: 5 Votes
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Yvan256
86 months ago

Have they considered the effect of this proposal?
If millions of people used a set top box like this would the Internet be able to cope with the demand.
Why can't the same idea use TV frequencies instead.


Just like today's Internet isn't fast enough for on-demand video for everyone, you have to remember that it wasn't fast enough for things like YouTube two decades ago either.

ISPs will be forced to upgrade their systems. It's high time that they put the millions and billions of profits to good use instead of pocketing it like Scrooge McDuck.
Rating: 3 Votes
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samcraig
86 months ago

What's with the title? Editorial?

The tone of the content doesn't even match the title....


Click bait... we always fall for it too.;)


Maybe we can add this to every headline (like "in bed" for chinese fortune cookies)

IE

Apple Patents Nearly Invisible 'Microslot Antennas' Allowing for Smaller Devices - Won't Revolutionize the Industry

Tim Cook at Goldman Sachs Conference: Retail Philosophy, Acquisitions, and the Apple Ecosystem Won't Revolutionize the Industry

Apple Exploring Alternatives to Traditional Passwords with Photo Identification as Authentication Won't Revolutionize the Industry
Rating: 3 Votes
Avatar
Renzatic
86 months ago

One we don't know what Jobs meant when he said he "cracked it" and two, I don't think anyone believes the current ATV is Apple's grand vision when it comes to the TV space. If anything he's taking a swipe at Google TV and Samsung's Smart TV.


I dunno. Using the word "cracked" seems to be a direct jab at ole Steve there.

Though the sad truth of the whole situation is that it doesn't matter who has the best concept for the future of television, or who has the best UI, best delivery service. The content providers hold all the cards here. If they don't want to play along, even the most brilliant ideas will wither on the vine.
Rating: 3 Votes
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samcraig
86 months ago

One we don't know what Jobs meant when he said he "cracked it" and two, I don't think anyone believes the current ATV is Apple's grand vision when it comes to the TV space. If anything he's taking a swipe at Google TV and Samsung's Smart TV.


I disagree. No other company has claimed to have "cracked" the TV thing.

You don't know context of what Jobs' comment meant. He said that he cracked it. This guy is saying that no one has cracked it (yet) or has delivered.

I don't think he means Apple TV was supposed to be what cracked TV.

He's making a general statement - that, to date, no one has cracked anything. IE - the proof is in the pudding. Or "talk is cheap."

He's drawing a line in the sand and saying he believes intel will be the first to market with something unique. And in his mind - "cracks" it.
Rating: 3 Votes
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Ubele
86 months ago
If it's going to offer the same content as what the cable companies offer, and it's not going to be any less expensive, where's the advantage? Am I missing something? It's like, "I'm opening a bookstore right next door to the one that's already there downtown. It will have the same layout, inventory, and pricing, but you'll be able to buy books from my store instead of the other store."
Rating: 3 Votes

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