Intel extends push into consumer electronics

In a bid to expand its reach in the fast growing consumer electronics market, Intel announced today that it will acquire Oplus Technologies, a provider of video processing products and technologies for digital TVs and displays.

Oplus is a privately held semiconductor company based in Israel that designs, develops and markets integrated circuit and software for flat-panel plasma and LCD TVs, projection systems, LCD multi-function monitors and emerging digital display applications.

According to Intel, the acquisition fits into its digital home platforms initiative which aims to develop silicon and software for consumer electronics devices, including digital set-top boxes, media recorders and TVs.

"The transition to digital displays, coupled with a reduction in display costs, is enabling larger, higher resolution TVs, but this demands higher quality video processing capabilities," said Glenda Dorchak, vice president of the Digital Home Group and general manager of the Consumer Electronics Group at Intel.