As mentioned earlier, Intel announced the Intel Media Processor – CE 3100 – the first in a new family of System on Chip (SoC) processors designed for Consumer Electronics (CE) devices. Intel is hoping that the CE 3100 will allow the company to successfully penetrate the CE market and become a dominant supplier of system components – something Intel has failed to do thus far. The CE 3100 Media Processor, formally known as “Canmore” combines an IA processor core, multi-stream video decoding and processing hardware, 3 channel 800MHz DDR2 memory controller, dedicated multi-channel dual audio DSPs, a 3D graphics engine and support for multiple peripherals including USB 2.0 and PCI Express into a single package.

The CE 3100 features Intel’s Media Play Technology which leverages hardware based decoding for broadcast TV and optical media playback while using software decoders for Internet-based content.

In conjunction with the introduction of the Media Processor CE 3100, Intel announced the formation of the Intel Consumer Electronics Network – a collection of hardware, software, and service providers, who together aim to facilitate the development of Internet-connected CE devices based on Intel SoC platforms.

Intel’s ability to succeed in the CE market ultimately hinges on whether hardware manufacturers will adopt their platform. Plus – don’t expect competing chip manufacturers to sit idly by.

I do have one product suggestion which could be ideal for the CE 3100. I would love to see a set-top box that acts as both a Windows Media Center Extender and as a way to deliver the newly announced Widget Channel.

[Check it out]

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