Intel prepares to roll out set top box, cable TV service
updated 09:51 pm EST, Sat December 29, 2012
Intel to roll out service city-by-city
Intel will soon begin rolling out its virtual cable TV service and an accompanying set top box on a city-by-city basis in order to circumvent licensing obstacles. This according to sources close to the company, who tell TechCrunch that Intel's piecemeal strategy is meant to give the company more leverage and flexibility in negotiating with content providers. Intel will be rolling out a set-top box and subscription service that would target users that don't want to entirely abandon the content they get from a cable subscription.
Reports earlier this year had Intel looking to launch its service by the end of the year. The company was stymied in its efforts, though, by content providers' reluctance to unbundle channels and license them separately to Intel.
By rolling out city-by-city, Intel may be able to get looser deals with cable providers. The strategy also allows Intel to proceed with its rollout in some areas even as it works around obstacles in others.
Details on when the service will begin rolling out are scarce, with sources unable to say more than "soon." Reportedly, the service will allow users to recall and watch any programming aired in the last month on channels they subscribe to. Other features are, as yet unknown, though Intel may be revealing more as the Consumer Electronics Show begins in early January.
