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Tid-bits
1/6 - Intel unveiled two platforms at CES. That would be Viiv and Centrino Duo, the company's third generation of Centrinos for notebook computers. Intel's platforms consist of a particular microprocessor, a particular chipset, and a third element such as a network connection that all work together as a system. In the case of Viiv, however, there will be multiple CPUs, chipsets, and network connections to choose from, multiple platforms within the platform apparently. Intel also introduced its low power Core Duo processor, formerly codenamed Yonah. Processors that shall power Viiv are the Pentium D, Extreme Edition, and Core Duo. The chipsets are the 945, 955, and 975 Express chipset, the networking the Intel PRO/1000 PM or PRO/100 VE/VM. On the Centrino Duo platform, the processor is the Core Duo, the chipset the 945 Express, and the networking the Intel PRO/Wireless 3945ABG. That being said, most of the Intel announcements at CES had to do with partners supporting Viiv technology. PCs based on Viiv will support "a minimum of 5.1 or higher surround sound and high–definition video".
Intel seems to be partnering with the biggest and largest of just about everything. Televisa is the largest media company in the Spanish-speaking world, reaching over 425 million. Eros is the single largest international distributor in the Indian film industry, potentially connecting to over 50 million. What about an English-speaking audience? DIRECTV is the United States' leading digital television service provider. Turner Broadcasting's broadband games and entertainment network GameTap is a first-of-its-kind service and licenses about 1,200 games. Everything seems to be the biggest, except for Shanghai Media Group, which is the second-largest media distributor in China. Even so, Shanghai Media Group was "the first in the country to receive an IPTV and mobile TV operation license".
On demand entertainment, delivered over the Internet, was an important theme among the companies. Accessing what you want, when you want it, where you want it. Entertainment on your couch, on the go, in your car. Another theme was all things digital: digital video, digital music, digital lifestyle, digital programming, digital content.
A few industry firsts were announced. ClickStar is Morgan Freeman's company. Morgan Freeman the actor. ClickStar's first feature film "will debut on ClickStar within weeks of its national theatrical release".
Similarly Eros is pioneering disruptive viewing release windows. In other words, the company will allow broadband access "to blockbuster titles days after their theatrical release in India".
What do geeks and athletes have in common? ESPN Motion and ESPN Full Court Online, that's what. ESPN Motion has actually been bringing sports videos to PCs since 2003. Full Court Online is ESPN's pay-per-view college basketball coverage. Viiv will be able to deliver ESPN Full Court Online "at up to twice the video stream quality available on other PCs".
Google Video fills a gap in Viiv technology. Because before one can access digital content, anywhere, one has to find it first. People "need simple, easy ways to locate the content".
Yahoo! shall customize many of its services for Viiv. One of these services is Yahoo! Go TV. In doing so, Yahoo! shall attempt to combine TV "with the power and depth of the Internet".