Intel and CableLabs*, the technology consortium of cable operators, are working together to deliver a new generation of set top boxes for interactive services.

Intel and CableLabs have signed an OpenCable* Platform Agreement to formalize support for the OpenCable Platform in future generations of set top boxes and other consumer electronics products powered by Intel system-on-a-chip (SoC) media processors.

"Having Intel support the technology really brings the OpenCable Platform to a new level of maturity and will further enable innovation from consumer electronics manufacturers, advertisers, content providers and cable operators for the benefit of our mutual customers."

— Dr. Richard R. Green, President and CEO, CableLabs

OpenCable enables digital televisions, set top boxes and other connected CE devices to run both standard and Internet-based services delivered by cable operators, consumer electronics companies, broadcast networks and software developers.

Future Intel consumer electronics platforms will include OpenCable technologies certified by CableLabs for interactive applications. Interactive digital cable-ready products can access interactive program guides delivered by cable operators, as well as premium services ordered on-screen, such as video on-demand.

The devices will also include support for the CableCARD* removable security module, which encapsulates the local cable system’s specific conditional access technology to enable portability of these two-way devices.

"The collaboration between the major cable TV operators and Intel exemplifies and fuels the ongoing transition to digitally delivered entertainment, whether through a computer, high-definition TV, smart set top box or other networked CE device.

“We expect this move and our innovative SoC products to further accelerate the development of new applications and services for myriad cable operators, CE manufacturers, developers and retailers, and to further bolster our own CE product plans based on Intel® architecture."

— Eric Kim, Senior V.P. and General Manager, Intel Digital Home Group

In April, Intel said it plans to deliver Intel® architecture SoC products for a new generation of Internet-connected consumer electronics products.

By incorporating multiple features and standards on a single chip, Intel SoCs will help manufacturers accelerate the delivery of cost-effective set top boxes with the processing performance to enable the consumption of cable as well as Internet-based services and content, an evolutionary trend that Intel refers to as Consumer Electronics 3.0.

"The OpenCable Platform is Comcast's software base for the future. Comcast is looking forward to Intel's support of the OpenCable Platform through upcoming products and the inherent advantage that the design technique brings to quickly integrate cable and Internet content into a single device.

“Comcast is committed to working with Intel to bring one or more Intel SoC-based digital set top boxes to market in the next two years."

— Tony Werner, Executive Vice President and CTO, Comcast

Intel's first Intel architecture-based SoC optimized for consumer electronics is scheduled for 2008. It will combine a powerful Intel processor with leading-edge audio/video processing, graphics and other capabilities to enhance the performance of Internet-compatible set top boxes and other devices.