Intel Viiv Platform... and Apple?

[MacRumors]

Last week, Intel announced company support for its Viiv media platform due in the 1st quarter of 2006.

A Viiv-based PC is expected to provide a standard compatibility platform to provide:

- Remote control operation
- Dual-core processor
- On demand Movies, Music, Pictures and Games
- Ability to Record, Pause and Rewind Live TV (DVR functionality)
- Surround sound/home theatre support

The recent press release announced the adoption by a variety of companies to provide compatibility testing and content for Viiv.

Intel is providing the engineering support, specifications and verification tools to content owners, content distributors, portals, software application developers and device vendors to help deliver Internet–based content services and software applications that are tested and verified to work with an Intel Viiv technology-based PC. The verified content services and applications will be capable of being accessed in full screen format with simple access using a remote control.

Meanwhile, recent rumors have pointed to Apple revamping their media distribution with the announcement of new partners for feature length as well as expanded television offerings. While there has been the typical analyst speculation that Apple and Intel may somehow be working together on a tie-in between Viiv and Mac OS X, there has been some independent verification that there will indeed be further cooperation between the two companies and Viiv.

 

[~Shard~]

So, is this going to tie into the next Mac mini then? Or if Intel is going their own way with this, where will that leave Apple? Doing it on their own as well, or will there possibly be a link involving OS X somehow? Just random thoughts...

 

[DMann]

Revealing

So, is this going to tie into the next Mac mini then? Or if Intel is going their own way with this, where will that leave Apple? Doing it on their own as well, or will there possibly be a link involving OS X somehow? Just random thoughts...

And so many wondered why Steve jumped over
to Intel..........

 

[mingisback]

I can't wait to dump off my Tivo for one of these babys if this is true.

There is no Tivo unit that supports HD Cable yet....

I really hope that Apple has Cable Card Support in this.

 

[yoda13]

I hope that leads to expanded TV offerings....24, NCIS, and Prison Break

I cannot wait.

 

[blueflame]

oh boy

ya know... go apple, i really want them to take this industry by storm. anything that will help that i say go them.i want to look back, when my kids will one day say Microwho?
any they may only know them from xbox
A

 

[roy_dan]

Viiv-a la Revolution!

Take it one step further, Apple should collaborate with Nintendo for the upcoming Revolution in the same fashion as Windows Media Center interacts with XBox 360...but one that actually works. hehe

But seriously, Nintendo is the only console player without a PC companion and Apple isn't known for being a gaming platform. I say mutually advantageous!

 

[~Shard~]

And so many wondered why Steve jumped over
to Intel..........

Yeah, exactly. There is no way that Steve was not privy to this information when he was in talks with Intel about their roadmaps, future plans, etc. before he made his decision to switch. This is yet another reason, as you say, why the switch to Intel makes sense. The question that remains is how exactly is Apple going to take advantage/be involved with this? Intel Mac mini?

 

[DTphonehome]

Funny how nowadays any Intel rumor becomes a Macrumor.

 

[~Shard~]

Funny how nowadays any Intel rumor becomes a Macrumor.

When Apple is rumored to have something like this in the works, there's rumors of a Intel Mac mini PVR/DVR, Apple has a partnership with Intel, and iTMS/iPods are making the foray into video content, you bet it does!

 

[Yvan256]

But seriously, Nintendo is the only console player without a PC companion and Apple isn't known for being a gaming platform. I say mutually advantageous!

Not only that, but if you check both companies, they have similar philosophies: what hardware do we need to run our software? Both are about the experience, not the hardware.

 

[mcmillan]

I think the Jan '06 expo will be one of the bests in Mac history... think about it:

-At least one Mac is getting an Intel processor
-It's very likely that we will see a super cool media center
-It's likely that we will see a preview of Leopard, or at least a few random tips about it
-iLife '06
-Maybe "Numbers" will be added to iWork

I can't wait, wake me up next year

 

[~Shard~]

I think the Jan '06 expo will be one of the bests in Mac history... think about it:

-At least one Mac is getting an Intel processor
-It's very likely that we will see a super cool media center
-It's likely that we will see a preview of Leopard, or at least a few random tips about it
-iLife '06
-Maybe "Numbers" will be added to iWork

I can't wait, wake me up next year

What, nothing concerning the iPod?

And don't forget new displays are imminent as well. The new 20" iMac has a better display in it than the existing Apple 20" display, so we know those are imminent as well.

 

[thedude110]

I'll say what I've been saying for the past few months ...

A Cinemac makes so much sense!

 

[~Shard~]

I'll say what I've been saying for the past few months ...

A Cinemac makes so much sense!

Video content on iTMS, video capable iPods, more media-centric iMacs, FrontRow - we're only at the tip of the iceberg, and it's going to be fun to see what Steve Jobs labels 2006 "The year of..."

 

[richdun]

As someone who just bought a 30" HDTV and tried to get it to play nice with a PC that has a ATi HDTV Wonder, only to simply plug in my Powerbook G4 (1.5) and have 1080i pop up immediately, I welcome this. A Mac mini with NTSC, HDTV, and DVR out of the box, plus maybe native HDMI support (since ATi and Nvidia are supposed to do HDMI in 2006 as well as hardware h.264 on the X1Ks and others, something that would make streaming much easier)...yeah, I'd buy one as soon as they came out.

 

[~Shard~]

As someone who just bought a 30" HDTV and tried to get it to play nice with a PC that has a ATi HDTV Wonder, only to simply plug in my Powerbook G4 (1.5) and have 1080i pop up immediately, I welcome this. A Mac mini with NTSC, HDTV, and DVR out of the box, plus maybe native HDMI support (since ATi and Nvidia are supposed to do HDMI in 2006 as well as hardware h.264 on the X1Ks and others, something that would make streaming much easier)...yeah, I'd buy one as soon as they came out.

I agree, but don't get too hung up on the whole HMDI thing - HDMI is nothing more than DVI and audio wrapped in the same cable for 3 times the price (over-simplistically).... It is great for a lot of people, but for some people it definitely wouldn't be as necessary depending on their setup/requirements.

But yes, this would be a very welcome product - one I would definitely consider buying myself.

 

[Mechcozmo]

So, just what is this Viiv thing? A chip? A combination of chips? A processor format?

Right now it is just a single word.

 

[SiliconAddict]

Woah...I never put the two together before. It’s far from a sure thing but it seems very plausible.

 

[Daveway]

So, just what is this Viiv thing? A chip? A combination of chips? A processor format?

Right now it is just a single word.

It was my understanding that VIIV is like Centrino except for multimedia.

A Concern.....
If this VIIV technology will be driving a new revolution in media distrobution...what happens to the million who don't have it? Apple can't expect everyone who wants to watch movies on demand to buy a new mac mini. So maybe this chip(set) will offer faster(?) or better media experiences. I'm confusing myself, so I'll stop.

 

[applekid]

And all of this starting at a mere $499?

I'm sitting here waiting for the Mac Mini updates. I bought my DVI LCD and IntelliMouse on Black Friday, but I lack a Mac Mini (and an Apple Keyboard ). I've been reading into the rumors about Mac Minis with Intel processors and Mac Minis expanding their multimedia support. All of this is great and all and would be a great bonuses for those waiting for an updated Mac Mini like myself, but can you seriously tell me all of this can still be sold at $499?

If we get a multimedia Mac Mini, it better damn well have a decent GPU, CPU, HD capacity, and connections. The Radeon 9200 is utter crap. I want a CoreImage-compatible GPU, preferably one that can handle H.264 as well. I want to see a CPU that will make Tiger x86 scream. The HD better be able to handle all of this multimedia quickly. The Mini needs more ports, and there better be more video ports for the whole multimedia experience. AirPort and Bluetooth should be standard by now. All of this cannot be cheap.

But, I still don't see how a Mac Mini or any other Mac can come with an Intel CPU in January. Tiger is far from being Gold Master. There are few apps from Apple themselves X86-aware (as far as I know, iTunes is the only one). Can anyone seriously tell me there will be huge developments in a month as far as Tiger X86 and Intel-ready apps are concerned?

 

[hhlee]

And so many wondered why Steve jumped over
to Intel..........

this makes fine sense. intel will only provide the specifications, hardware, etc... its up to apple to bust into the market with their uber cool and user friendly apps. tell me, who in the software industry has been able to rival apple's apps? this will make it even easier for people to choose apple over others and not having to ask customers to sacrifice over the pros and cons if there were different systems.

 

[Mainyehc]

And don't forget new displays are imminent as well. The new 20" iMac has a better display in it than the existing Apple 20" display, so we know those are imminent as well.

Really? I didn't know about that! What exactly sets apart the new iMac G5 screens from the old ones (and the 20'' ACDs)? Brightness, viewing angle, colours? AFAIK, the resolution of the 20''er is still 1680x1050...

Anyway, I'm still very happy with my Rev. A 20'' iMac G5... Apart from the buzzing fan issue... (those guys from tech support should really give me a call already, I've been waiting for a replacement fan for more than a month now... And besides, my iMac is under the extended warranty program... It has been chugging along for a year now, so I'm hoping those capacitors won't fry my logic board anytime soon, but you never know... ) /rant

 

[50thVert]

Wish List:
Hotswappable AV cables, a la Playstation. Ability to switch from HDMI to DVI to Component, to Composite, to S-Video with the purchase of a different cable set.
Coaxial and Optical audio out
Utilize On-screen TV Guide
no service fee
250/500GB hard drive
iPod slot in front (ability to quickly attach iPod and download any content)
Native HDTV, h.264, dolby 7.1, DTS support
Native HD-DVD support, once standard is decided upon
CABLECARD equipped
optional Bluetooth/IR/RF color-screen fully programmable remote, and a slick application to program it with.
Frontrow-like interface with more options
Ability to play Video_TS files from harddrive
Ability to backup/play any media content to/from FW400/800/networked Harddrive/DVD-R
Built in 802.11g for updating on-screen guide and simple web browsing/Instant Messaging
Next-gen DVD burner (bluray, HD-DVD), once fully supported
Ability to attach DV camcorder via front-mounted FW400 and import home movies

That is my idea of the perfect Media center/DVR, and even more perfect that Apple would build it. Ive been waiting for something HD-Capable to replace my Series 2 Tivo for ages, and i can only pray that it comes from Apple.

Of course, the thing mentioned above is a tad extravagant for the normal Tivo buyer, so hopefully they would implement two versions: an iHome, and a powerHome, or something to that extent.

 

[Natron]

Perhaps a Mac DVR (iHome?) will be the first Apple product to go Intel?

Some kind of "test", perhaps?