英特尔公司(Intel Corp.)据称已经加入一些计划正式投入电视战场的高科技公司之列。根据一些媒体报导，英特尔已经提出一个透过该公司设备而实现的网际网络电视(Internet TV)服务概念。
Google和苹果公司(Apple Inc.)都是更早前即试图抢进电视领域的科技厂商。苹果公司开发出可让用户从 iStore 、 NetFlix 及其它服务来源观赏电视节目的数字媒体接收器；而Google初步进军网络电视后(提供类似的电视节目服务选项)的进展并不大。
对于打算把握智能手机和平板电脑等行动媒体装置热潮的任何厂商而言，展开这一项行动当然是十分合理的决定。尤其是以硬件业务起家的厂商(如英特尔与苹果) 有能力开发出足以改善观赏体验的设备。例如苹果的新款 iPad 可提供令人难以置信的显示器性能──只是至今还没有很多人真的看过，而英特尔则制造出全球最快、最强大的芯片。
然而，电视硬件产品至今看来仍然毫无新意。Google TV所用的机上盒与遥控器在使用上并不特别具有用户友善接口。新款设备预计将在今年发布。
据报导，真正阻碍这些公司进展的原因是主要互联网公司为了保护与有线电视公司之间的协议而抗拒。为此，英特尔公司已经制定了一套透过网际网络提供节目的方案。不过，IntelTV的节目内容是否专为网络最佳化性能而开发或者是否与现有的服务采用任何不同的方式，目前仍不得而知。另一方面，内容开发商与授权厂商越来越怀疑内容已经变得太容易取得了。
有线电视当然有其缺点存在，其中之一就是存在着线缆的问题。但是，影响用户对于GoogleTV、AppleTV或IntelTV裹足不前的原因并不在于缺乏行动 性，而是由于节目内容的不足，以及潜在的成本。由于大部份的家庭都已经拥有电话、网际网络以及有线电视服务，那么使用Internet TV通常也是免费的。如果有线电视将对此服务进行收费，那么我一定会视之如烫手的山芋地取消这项服务。此外，目前Internet TV所安排的节目大部份都与我们已经拥有的一些随选视频节目重复了，甚至包括与在HBO与Showtime上播放的影片一样。
那么，英特尔必须如何开发其Internet TV，才能引起像我这样的观众有兴趣去订购服务呢？也许来个工程师荒岛求生记的真人实境秀(reality show)吧？
编译：Susan Hong
本文授权编译自EBN Online，版权所有，谢绝转载
参考英文原文：I Want My IntelTV?，by Barbara Jorgensen
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I Want My IntelTV?
Barbara Jorgensen
Intel Corp. (Nasdaq: INTC) reportedly has joined the list of high-tech companies planning to throw a hat into the TV ring. Several news outlets are reporting today that it is floating the idea of an Internet TV service powered by Intel equipment.
Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) and Apple Inc. (Nasdaq: AAPL) are among the tech companies experimenting in the TV space. Apple makes a digital media receiver that lets users watch programming from the iStore, NetFlix, and other outlets. Google's first foray into Internet TV (which offered similar programming options) didn't take off.
Such a move is the logical next step for any business that wants to capitalize on the boom in mobile media devices such as smartphones and tablets. Companies that started out in the hardware business (like Intel and Apple) could develop devices that improve the viewing experience. Apple's new iPad offers an unbelievable display -- not that many people have actually seen it. Intel makes the fastest, most powerful chips in the world.
But so far, the TV hardware offerings have been ho-hum. The box and remote powering Google TV weren't particularly user-friendly. New devices are scheduled to be released this year.
What's really holding these companies back, according to reports, is resistance from major networks that want to protect their agreements with cable TV carriers. Like its predecessors, Intel is pitching a package of programs to be provided over the Internet. There is no mention of whether that content will be unique, developed for better Internet performance, or in any way different from the current offerings. Moreover, content creators and licensors are increasingly leery about making content too available.
Cable TV definitely still has its shortcomings, one of them being the cable itself. But it is not the lack of mobility that seems to be keeping users from flocking to GoogleTV, AppleTV, or IntelTV. It's the lack of content, as well as the potential cost. In the Boston area, Comcast/Xifinity offers a streaming TV option. Since we already have our phone, Internet, and cable with Comcast, the service is free. If Comcast were to charge us for this service, I'd drop it like a hot potato. The programming largely overlaps with the on-demand programming we already get, including movies carried on premium channels such as HBO and Showtime.
What would Intel have to develop to prompt viewers like me to subscribe? Maybe a reality show featuring engineers stranded on a desert island?
责编：Quentin
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