Intel is moving towards the introduction of an internet TV platform as the company attempts to nail down content deals from major media companies.
Reuters reported that CBS, News Corp., and Viacom have reached agreements on how their content will be distributed on the platform, although no firm programming deals have been signed. NBC Universal is also in talks with Intel, the report added.
According to Reuters, Intel is paying higher than usual rate per subscriber to the companies - "as much as 75 percent more" than the rates cable companies pay for the same content.
Intel's set-top box will take on existing internet TV platforms like Roku, Apple TV, and Google TV, along with Microsoft's entertainment-focused Xbox One.
Erik Huggers, vice president and general manager of Intel Media, on February
confirmed that Intel hab been working on an Intel-powered, web-connected set-top box. The service will deliver network channels, pay-TV channels, catch-up television, on-demand, and a host of applications," Intel's executive had said.
The set-top box will also have a camera, which will be used to identify, which family member is watching and offer him or her personalized recommendations, Huggers said.