Intel in talks with content providers for OTT TV launch this year

Intel is in talks with content providers ahead of a planned internet TV launch, Erik Huggers, vice-president and general manager of Intel Media, told an AllThingsDigital conference in the US yesterday.

Huggers said that Intel was currently testing an over-the-top TV set-top box with a closed group of employees. He said that the chipset provider was working with content providers and that he was confident Intel would be able to launch a service this year.

Earlier reports have indicated that Intel has struggled to strike deals with content partners due to its plan to take on established pay TV services by offering content on an à la carte basis. Intel plans to supplement on-demand content by offering live linear channels without the need to purchase a large bundle of services.

Intel plans to equip its set-top with a camera that can recognise viewers and target content and advertising to them based on their existing habits.

Huggers, the former BBC director of future media and technology, joined Intel’s Digital Home group in January 2011. This group was wound down later that same year when Intel decided to pull out of the internet-connected TV market, and Huggers was charged with building the Intel Media unit.