Intel Viiv: what you need to know

By Asher Moses on 05 October 2006

Tags: center | centre | hd | intel | media | pc | streaming | viiv | wireless | home

Get Adobe Flash player

There's certainly no shortage of confusion surrounding Intel's Viiv platform -- some are billing it as revolutionary for living room computing, while others are preaching that it's little more than a shiny sticker on a box. We sat down with Kate Burleigh, Intel's National Marketing Manager, to find out the real story, once and for all.

The interview took place inside Intel's very own "digital home", located within the company's Sydney headquarters. In the video below, we ask Burleigh the tough questions surrounding Viiv, and show off a number of the Viiv-certified devices that are set to reach store shelves any day now.

The footage clocks in at 10 minutes, but it's definitely worth watching to the end, particularly if you're interested in learning about the future of the digital home.

CNET.com.au's verdict:
Burleigh certainly clears up a number of points of confusion, and after spending some time frolicking in Intel's digital home, we think the main drawcard of Viiv is its ease-of-use.

For the non-tech-savvy, configuring a home network isn't easy, and the Viiv interface enables users to carry out this process in a few easy steps. Additionally, the hardware requirements for streaming audio/video content around the home aren't easily discernable for all -- Viiv's certification process ensures that when you purchase a product with a Viiv logo, it'll be able to handle most digital home applications admirably.

Just don't expect anything revolutionary, as aside from the factors mentioned above, Viiv-certified devices won't necessarily offer features that aren't present in non-certified ones. If you're a computing enthusiast and are already comfortable with home networking, it probably isn't worth upgrading your devices to be Viiv certified.

Related stories:
Feelin' the vibe at Intel's Viiv launch
Intel's Viiv-talking pitch for PCs
Advertising coming to on-demand Viiv content
Viiv's 3 metre user interface
Why the media centre PC is destined for the home office
AMD Live takes on Intel's Viiv
NEC PowerMate DL H7204
Acer Aspire e650
HD should be wired: Intel

Like this article? Click below to send it to your mobile for free!

Be the first to comment on this article!

  • Leave a comment

All fields marked with * are required

What do you think

Your e-mail will not be displayed

You must read and type the 6 chars within 0..9 and A..F

You must read and type the 6 chars.


  • Sony DAV-F500

  • Apple has killed the video store; will ISPs be next?

  • HD Olympics: A look behind the scenes

  • Inside Apple's new Chatswood store

  • What's hot in AV: CEDIA 2008

  • Eight tips to make your home eco-friendly

  • Intel and DreamWorks go to the movies

  • Photos: T[Life] Melbourne

  • Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

More articles »

Find the right home theatre

Brand
  • Multiple options can be selected

    • Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

      Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000

      Unless you desperately need a full-sized keyboard covered in silver to match your decor, we'd suggest you pass on the Microsoft Wireless Entertainment Desktop 8000, and go for one of the cheaper options.

    • Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200

      Linksys Media Center Extender DMA2200

      The MCE DMA2200 is probably the best media streaming device we've ever tested. It only works with Windows Vista, but for streaming media from a PC to the TV, it's ideal.

    • Sony VAIO TP2

      Sony VAIO TP2

      Sony's designed a nice looking unit in the TP-2, but its beauty proves to be only skin deep.

    • Helios X5000 HD Network Media Player

      Helios X5000 HD Network Media Player

      When the X5000 works, it's amongst the very best home media centres we've ever played with. It's not perfect, however, in both design and implementation.

    • Acer Aspire e650

      Acer Aspire e650

      The Acer Aspire e650 is a powerful, feature-rich media centre, but we're still not convinced that Viiv is mature enough for mass adoption.

    More reviews »

    Membership benefits

    Manage and receive subscriptions

    Manage and receive subscriptions

    Choose to receive an e-mail update containing our best articles either daily, weekly or monthly. Sign up for a free CNET.com.au membership now!