Intel media processor powers next-gen CE apps

Intel Corp. has introduced an integrated media processor for the consumer electronics (CE) market that will power a new generation of devices, such as digital STBs and networked media players, and bring consumers advanced in-home information and entertainment services.

The Intel CE 2110 Media Processor is a complete SoC architecture that combines a 1GHz processing core with A/V processing and graphics, and I/O components, onto a single chip. This all-in-one component design will help CE manufacturers who seek to accelerate time to market, and develop smarter, more cost-effective CE designs that provide the processing performance, flexibility and headroom needed to deliver advanced revenue-generating services, such as VoIP, video phone, interactive gaming, enhanced karaoke and e-learning.

The new processor also features an embedded 1GHz Intel XScale CPU, MPEG-2 and H.264 hardware video decoders, DDR2 memory interface, 2D/3D graphics accelerators, and is supported by a modular software development environment. The platform architecture also allows CE developers and manufacturers to deliver pure IP or hybrid STBs designed to receive content from IP and digital broadcast pipes.

"The Internet is a powerful disruptive opportunity for the CE industry," said William Leszinske Jr., general manager of Intel's consumer electronics group. "Intel's work with the CE ecosystem to power new intelligent devices will help accelerate the availability of a new range of exciting Internet-based information and services, and video entertainment experiences for consumers throughout the home."

Chunghwa Telecom, a leading telecom service provider in Taiwan, has adopted the new SoC media processor for its Multimedia on Demand service deployment. Based on the new platform, Chunghwa will expand its high-definition video content, karaoke, e-banking and e-learning services, and introduce emerging usage models to consumers. Both companies will conduct research to ensure a deeper understanding of consumer needs and desires in Taiwan, which will then help Chunghwa design and deploy solutions that transform how consumers absorb television-based content and services.

Intel works with several CE companies to bring advanced video and interactive services to consumers. ASUS has an STB with the new Intel SoC media processor. Other companies planning to integrate the Intel media processor in their products and systems include Diego, Oki Electric, ZTE, Hwacom, RADVISION and Amino Communications.