14 DAY TRIAL // Unlike solid-state drives (though even their success is debatable), Internet television is one endeavor that Intel isn't having any success with, according to All Things D.
Intel has been trying to find a partner for the service, and has been quite outspoken about it too, and proactive.
Alas, it hasn't managed to secure much content for it, despite its offer to pay more than usual for streaming rights.
Even now, no major TV programmer has signed a deal with the Santa Clara, California-based company.
Nevertheless, Intel has been finishing up the “OnCue” version of the service, just in case it seals a pact with someone.
The service would, then, involve a set-top box (3,000 employees currently testing it) and something along the lines of traditional TV services, but over the web, complete with a user interface and cloud-based DVR (digital video recording). The DVR service would allow viewing any show aired in the past 3 days.
All in all, Intel definitely has stuff to offer, more so than the somewhat more reserved Google and Apple.
Still, whether because the low faith in Internet TV in general, or some wariness towards Intel in particular, TV broadcast providers aren't getting on board.
There's another angle to all this: Intel is known for advertising the living lights out of every relevant product in its arsenal, and it is certain that the OnCue would get the same treatment if it got off the ground.
This, however, would throw a wrench into the plans of those who make Smart TVs, like Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Philips, etc., because OnCue essentially brings cloud-based and STB-based Smart features to all TVs.
Sure, one might say all STBs do that, but STBs don't have web access. Intel's web-based TV streaming service will definitely be accompanied by Internet-based apps and such. There might not be any active opposition to Intel's web TV idea, but its implementation would alter the current ecosystem significantly.