Intel and Digital Video Networks* (DVN), a leader in the Chinese digital TV industry, will jointly develop a hybrid set top box platform to support interactive digital cable services in China.

The platform will combine the Intel® CE 2110 Media Processor system-on-a-chip (SoC) with DVN’s expertise in the delivery of digital home entertainment to Chinese and global consumers.

DVN’s Digital TV Solution currently operates in more than 70 cable networks in 26 provinces and cities throughout China, making DVN China’s leading supplier of digital TV broadcasting systems and terminal products.

The planned set top box solution represents the first step in the delivery of a new generation of Internet-based information and entertainment services that will bring Chinese consumers expanded programming choices and interactive applications.

Intel and DVN will work together to develop of a hybrid set top box based on the Intel CE 2110 Media Processor, in addition to future SoC platforms based on Intel® architecture. Intel’s first CE-optimized SoC based on Intel architecture, scheduled for 2008, will pair a powerful Intel architecture processor core with leading-edge A/V processing, graphics and IP connectivity.

The CE 2110 Media Processor combines a 1GHz processor core with powerful A/V processing and graphics and I/O components on a single chip. Intel designed the SoC to help consumer electronics manufacturers accelerate the development of cost-effective consumer electronics products that combine strong processing performance and multi-function flexibility.

The cable industry now requires high-performance set top boxes to deliver the next generation of digital services. In addition to the joint development of the set top box, Intel and DVN have also announced plans to explore the deployment of advanced information and entertainment services, including an advanced browser, a video phone application, 3D online games, and other IP services.

The cooperation plan agreement was announced at a press conference in Beijing attended by Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Intel Digital Home Group; Mr. Terry Lui, chairman and CEO of DVN; Mr. Ian Yang, vice president of Intel Sales and Marketing Group and general manager of Intel China; Mr. Wang Daoyi, CTO of CITIC Communications; Mr. Shen Wei, vice director of China Aviation Communications Centre; Mr. Guan Lei, general manager of CCTV Public Information company Ltd.; and Mr. Li Ge, deputy general manager of China Cable TV Network.

The Intel/DVN set top box solution is an important first step toward a new generation of Internet-delivered information and entertainment services, said Eric Kim, Intel senior vice president and general manager of the Digital Home Group.

According to Mr. Kim, DVN and Intel share a common vision of accelerating the availability of digital entertainment to consumers. DVN and Intel representatives said that broadband and broadcast technologies are rapidly coming together to bring IP-based content and services to TV viewers in China.

Mr. Kim noted that the DVN announcement reaffirms Intel’s commitment to fostering innovation in China through an ecosystem and value chain that will ultimately benefit Chinese and global consumers.

Following the introduction and distribution of the set top box in China, Intel and DVN have announced plans to jointly explore deployment of the platform in other global market segments.