Intel takes Atom processors into TV

Intel has called for developers to write widgets for its range of Atom processors to be used in TVs

Intel has developed a new line of Atom processors designed for use in televisions and is calling for developers to write widgets and applications for the new platform.

The Atom CE4100 system on a chip platform is built around 45nm technology and runs at 1.2GHz. It can be used to manage screen in screen, playback functions and hardware decoding of up to two high-definition video streams.

Intel’s chief technology officer Justin Rattner used his keynote to demonstrate the new chip and some of the functions it could perform. He also announced a software development kit was being released so that developers could write applications for the new platform.

“TV is changing from being a device to an application,” he said.

The speed development of new applications Adobe has opened up its Flash software by removing licence fees to manufacturers who open up the software to developers. David Wadhwani, Adobe's general manager of the platform business unit, demonstrated Flash 10 running on the system.

“This is the tip of the iceberg,” said Eric Kim, vice president and general manager of Intel's digital home division.

“With widgets and Flash on the TV you’ll see a similar effect to that which we saw with smartphones.”

One feature Intel was particularly keen to push was 3D television, and demonstrated a proposed system from 3eality for showing sports from the NFL and music from U2 in three dimensions.

“Once you’ve seen sports in 3D you never want to go back, it's amazing,” said Rattner.