(23 April 2007 6:00 pm)

MUMBAI: Chip major Intel and Tandberg Television in the US have announced a collaboration that will bridge the gap between the PC and TV with a new broadband television programming solution.

This provides entertainment programmers with a way to develop and deploy broadcast-quality content over the Internet to Intel technology-based devices and PCs, such as those based on the Intel Core 2 Duo processor.

The new broadband television publishing solution will combine Tandberg Television's content management software with Intel's programming configuration tool and enable programmers to more rapidly publish popular content and create original programming for online consumption. The solution includes the custom development of publishing templates for Intel technology-enabled platforms, including pre-programmed consumer interfaces with embedded functions such as online video players and mobile TV front ends.

The templates have the flexibility to include new forms of integrated advertising, live or on-demand television streams and fun, interactive content and community features that can immerse the consumer in the experience of a brand as well as convey a unique look and feel.

Intel's Digital Home Group VP Kevin Corbett says, "Our goal is to make delivering the Internet TV experience a simple extension to the tools already used today by many top TV broadcasters around the world. Our joint solution with Tandberg Television will deliver a standard set of tools that simplifies the complex, multi-step process of delivering a compelling Internet TV experience to Intel® technology-based PCs and devices, and provides simple integration to their existing backend media delivery infrastructure."

The two companies will jointly market the broadband television solution to professional content owners, programmers and broadcasters later this year.

Tandberg Television president and CEO Eric Cooney says, "Intel and Tandberg Television represent a powerful combination of excellence in computer and broadcast engineering and television content development and management.

"With this broadcast solution, programmers will be confident that their content is secure from piracy, look pristine and deepen their brand connection with users through these standard TV interfaces that convey a unique look and exciting experience for consumers."

Building on its August 2006 acquisition of Zetools, TANDBERG Television recently formed a new broadband television business unit to advise content owners and distributors in solving key challenges in their transition to TV 2.0 through turnkey solutions for creation, management and delivery of broadcast-quality content for the broadband world. This agreement with Intel expands the business unit's distribution capabilities.