Intel taking on cable TV with set-top box

SAN FRANCISCO

Computer chip giant Intel said Tuesday it is making a set-top box for delivering movies and more to televisions in an Internet-based challenge to traditional cable services.

Intel spokesman Jon Carvill told AFP that the California company later this year will "bring an offering to market that brings together live television, on-demand content, and a new user interface."

Intel media group head Erik Huggers confirmed the long-rumoured foray into television during an on-stage interview at an All Things Digital Dive into Media conference in Southern California.

He vowed that Intel's hardware for routing digital entertainment content from the Internet to televisions would far outshine offerings by cable companies.

The box powered by Intel technology was expected to have camera capabilities that let it "recognise" users to better personalise the service. Such a feature would likely raise concerns about the privacy of users.