Intel promises new era of home entertainment

Intel has unveiled the first commercially available Entertainment PCs, promising that the devices will revolutionise the way people experience entertainment in their homes.

Describing Entertainment PCs as the media "command centre" of the digital home, the chip giant said that the devices combine the functionality of home audio and video systems with the power of a high-performance multimedia computer.

The units, based on Intel Pentium 4 processors supporting Hyper-Threading technology and the Intel 915 Express chipset, are equipped with a CD/DVD player and recorder, FM stereo and music server, and personal video recorder.

By adding a broadband connection they can be used download the latest movies, music and news.

Designed to sit on an entertainment rack and integrate with TV sets, the Entertainment PCs keep digital content in one central location accessible via remote control or wireless keyboard.

"Entertainment PCs are an all-in-one digital film vault, music collection, photo gallery and game room," said Robert Crooke, general manager of desktop marketing and strategic planning at Intel.

"With an Entertainment PC, you can experience cinematic quality entertainment at home without ever leaving your favourite chair."