Powerful microprocessors help 3D content become popular

Intel President and CEO Paul Otellini said at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show that creating 3D content requires "huge computing resources." Powerful microprocessors will be the backbone of the transition to 3D content creation. Otellini showed a video highlighting how the latest advances in 3D content are changing the way people watch movies and how they can make people feel like they are in the real world when watching videos of concerts and sporting events and playing video games.

Otellini also demonstrated powerful PCs that can extend 3D content creation from Hollywood sound stages to the living room. He demonstrated how to use optimized 3D video encoding/editing software and a high-performance PC to quickly create a 3D video using two independent left and right view videos shot by two high-definition cameras placed close together on a tripod, and then play it on a 3D TV. He demonstrated that not only does a PC have the power to play high-definition 3D video, but it can also quickly change the appearance of the visualization and add 3D text overlays while the video is playing, all without having to wait for the image to render. The demonstration used the Silicon Imaging* SI-3D stereo camera system, video encoding/editing software from video compression technology company Cineform*, and an Alienware* PC based on an Intel Core i7 processor. Cineform's First Light 3-D application is designed to take advantage of the processing power of the Intel Core i7 processor and the new media and multi-processor core instruction sets. RealD*, a leader in 3D technology for cinema, home and professional applications, built the CES keynote theater using stereoscopic cinema systems, 3D glasses and 3D projection technology to allow audiences to experience depth, clarity and immersion in the content presented.

Connecting computing devices at home

Otellini also demonstrated Intel Wireless Display, a new way to connect computing devices at home that allows people to easily enjoy content from their laptops on a large-screen TV wirelessly. Based on the new 2010 Intel Core processor family, Intel Wireless Display uses the standard Wi-Fi interface (commonly used on laptops) to connect the PC and HDTV through a small, lightweight adapter. With this technology, people can easily send videos, photos and music from their laptops to the TV, so they can share the big-screen playback experience together from the comfort of their sofa, rather than huddling around a small laptop screen.

As part of the Blue Label 2.0 program, laptops and adapters featuring Intel Wireless Display will be available at Best Buy* stores in the U.S. and Canada starting January 17. Dell, Sony and Toshiba are offering laptops for the program. All laptops in the Blue Label 2.0 program come pre-installed with Intel Wireless Display and feature a hot key that allows users to easily connect their PC to their TV with the push of a button. NETGEAR* offers a TV adapter for Intel Wireless Display, and Best Buy will bundle the laptop and adapter. Intel plans to expand the technology to additional markets and distribution channels this year.

Otellini also highlighted Intel's development of high-speed optical cable technology, "Light Peak," another new way to transfer large files or audio/video signals between electronic devices that is coming to market. The technology can provide 10Gb/s bandwidth and can be expanded to 100Gb/s in the next decade. "Light Peak" technology uses optical cables instead of copper wires to connect next-generation electronic devices such as laptops, high-definition displays, cameras, video players, docking stations and solid-state drives. With transfer speeds of up to 10Gb/s, it can reduce the transfer time of a full-length Blu-ray* movie between devices by 30 seconds. Original systems are expected to be available next year. In addition, with increasing industry support, Light Peak is expected to become a widely used standard technology in the future.

“Smarter” computing devices in the home

Otellini stressed that the TV will remain the centerpiece of every home, but it will become smarter. Otellini also explained how advances in microprocessor technology will continue to change the way people watch 3D movies and TV shows at home. To that end, he demonstrated new ways to visually search for TV shows, Internet video sites, Facebook* and other applications on the upcoming Orange* media set-top box. With its state-of-the-art features and 3D interface, the Orange set-top box will provide people with a fantastic entertainment experience.

The Orange set-top box concept combines the best of linear and on-demand TV, such as live TV systems, PVR (personal video recorders) and TV on demand systems, with the best of Internet services and personalized content, such as videos and photos. The Orange set-top box uses Intel's latest system-on-chip processor. The processor can support Internet and broadcast applications on a single chip. The Intel Atom CE4100 has the processing power and audio/video components required to run rich media applications, such as 3D graphics and interfaces on the Orange set-top box.