Intel Viiv
Encyclopedia
Viiv was a platform initiative from Intel similar to Intel's Centrino
and vPro
. Initially (through release 1.7), it was a collection of computer technologies with a particular combination of Intel ingredients to support a "media PC" concept. Intel also provided the Media Server as the core software stack on the PC to support "media" distribution through the home.
platform, which was their first branded platform. The Intel Viiv brand has been "de-emphasized" and comes after the CPU branding, similar to that of "Core 2 with Viiv inside", putting more focus on the CPU.
There will be no additional releases beyond 1.7.1 of the media server product.
Alongside one of the following chipsets:
And one of the following network adapters:
Some of the other features of Viiv PCs include:
. AMD LIVE! is focused on the Athlon 64 X2
CPU, Windows Media Center Edition and a number of partners in the media and entertainment industry. AMD has not announced any compatible subscription services for films or games.
Further confusion to both Intel's Viiv and even more to AMD's LIVE! offering is the launch of Windows Live
as a direct competitor to Google mail, maps, search and other offerings.
systems using features present in Intel's processor, the Core 2 Duo
.
Although currently the TPM
chip is being included in many new laptops and desktops, Viiv does not currently depend on it. The inclusion of TPM in future versions of Viiv is yet to be confirmed. Currently, DRM systems work on Intel Viiv technology-based PCs just like they do any other electronic device.
Centrino
The Centrino brand represents Intel Wi-Fi and WiMAX adapters. It was formerly a platform-marketing initiative from Intel until January 7, 2010....
and vPro
Intel vPro
Intel vPro technology is computer hardware technology to allow remote access to the PC independent of the state of the operating system or power state of the PC. It consists of a set of features built into a PC's motherboard and other hardware...
. Initially (through release 1.7), it was a collection of computer technologies with a particular combination of Intel ingredients to support a "media PC" concept. Intel also provided the Media Server as the core software stack on the PC to support "media" distribution through the home.
| Viiv Technology | |
|---|---|
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| Original logo | 2008 New logo |
Marketing
Until 2007, Viiv was Intel's attempt to become the center of electronic-based home entertainment. Intel was repeating the marketing model for the very successful CentrinoCentrino
The Centrino brand represents Intel Wi-Fi and WiMAX adapters. It was formerly a platform-marketing initiative from Intel until January 7, 2010....
platform, which was their first branded platform. The Intel Viiv brand has been "de-emphasized" and comes after the CPU branding, similar to that of "Core 2 with Viiv inside", putting more focus on the CPU.
There will be no additional releases beyond 1.7.1 of the media server product.
Release history
- The platform was originally codenamed East Fork and received some press coverage under this name.
- Viiv Media Server 1.0 was released on January 5, 2006 during the 2006 Consumer Electronics ShowConsumer Electronics ShowThe International Consumer Electronics Show is a major technology-related trade show held each January in the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States. Not open to the public, the Consumer Electronics Association-sponsored show typically hosts previews of products and new...
(CES) with initial partner agreements with ESPNESPNEntertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
, MovielinkMovielinkMovielink was a web-based video on demand and electronic sell-through service offering movies, TV shows and other videos for rental or purchase. First available on November 11, 2002, Movielink drew its content offerings from the libraries of Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment,...
, T Mobile, TiVoTiVoTiVo is a digital video recorder developed and marketed by TiVo, Inc. and introduced in 1999. TiVo provides an on-screen guide of scheduled broadcast programming television programs, whose features include "Season Pass" schedules which record every new episode of a series, and "WishList"...
, YahooYahoo!Yahoo! Inc. is an American multinational internet corporation headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, United States. The company is perhaps best known for its web portal, search engine , Yahoo! Directory, Yahoo! Mail, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Groups, Yahoo! Answers, advertising, online mapping ,...
, AOLAOLAOL Inc. is an American global Internet services and media company. AOL is headquartered at 770 Broadway in New York. Founded in 1983 as Control Video Corporation, it has franchised its services to companies in several nations around the world or set up international versions of its services...
, NapsterNapsterNapster is an online music store and a Best Buy company. It was originally founded as a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing Internet service that emphasized sharing audio files that were typically digitally encoded music as MP3 format files...
, Virgin RecordsVirgin RecordsVirgin Records is a British record label founded by English entrepreneur Richard Branson, Simon Draper, and Nik Powell in 1972. The company grew to be a worldwide music phenomenon, with platinum performers such as Roy Orbison, Devo, Genesis, Keith Richards, Janet Jackson, Culture Club, Lenny...
, GametapGameTapGameTap is an American online video game service established by Turner Broadcasting System . Dubbed by TBS as a "first of its kind broadband gaming network", the service provides users with classic arcade video games and game-related video content...
, AdobeAdobe SystemsAdobe Systems Incorporated is an American computer software company founded in 1982 and headquartered in San Jose, California, United States...
, GoogleGoogleGoogle Inc. is an American multinational public corporation invested in Internet search, cloud computing, and advertising technologies. Google hosts and develops a number of Internet-based services and products, and generates profit primarily from advertising through its AdWords program...
, DirecTVDirecTVDirecTV is an American direct broadcast satellite service provider and broadcaster based in El Segundo, California. Its satellite service, launched on June 17, 1994, transmits digital satellite television and audio to households in the United States, Latin America, and the Anglophone Caribbean. ...
and PinnaclePinnacleA pinnacle is an architectural ornament originally forming the cap or crown of a buttress or small turret, but afterwards used on parapets at the corners of towers and in many other situations. The pinnacle looks like a small spire...
. Initially, Viiv is a particular combination of CPUCentral processing unitThe central processing unit is the portion of a computer system that carries out the instructions of a computer program, to perform the basic arithmetical, logical, and input/output operations of the system. The CPU plays a role somewhat analogous to the brain in the computer. The term has been in...
, mainboard chipsetChipsetA chipset, PC chipset, or chip set refers to a group of integrated circuits, or chips, that are designed to work together. They are usually marketed as a single product.- Computers :...
, software, Digital Rights ManagementDigital rights managementDigital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
and network cardNetwork cardA network interface controller is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network....
. It is intended for primary use as an in-home media and desktop platform with the ability to operate as a normal PC or as a hardware media player/centre - running applications, playing DVDs, CDs, MP3, photographs and games as well as subscription-based, DRM-restricted content such as that from LOVEFiLMLoveFilmLoveFilm is a UK-based provider of home video and video game rental through DVD-by-mail and streaming video on demand in the UK, Germany and Scandinavia...
, NapsterNapsterNapster is an online music store and a Best Buy company. It was originally founded as a pioneering peer-to-peer file sharing Internet service that emphasized sharing audio files that were typically digitally encoded music as MP3 format files...
and SKYSkyThe sky is the part of the atmosphere or outer space visible from the surface of any astronomical object. It is difficult to define precisely for several reasons. During daylight, the sky of Earth has the appearance of a pale blue surface because the air scatters the sunlight. The sky is sometimes...
.
- Viiv 1.5 has updated features including matrix storage, integrated Media Server and support for Digital Media Adaptors.
- Viiv 1.6 has the same functionality of version 1.5 and supports Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate, 32-bit versions.
- Viiv 1.7 has an improved user interface, enhanced media features, simplified network map with ability to edit device settings and resolved issues. There will be no more versions of Viiv Mediserver product, as development has moved from focusing on media products to focus on delivery of Intel Core 2Intel Core 2Core 2 is a brand encompassing a range of Intel's consumer 64-bit x86-64 single-, dual-, and quad-core microprocessors based on the Core microarchitecture. The single- and dual-core models are single-die, whereas the quad-core models comprise two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a...
processors in 2008. Intel does not plan to update Viiv software for Windows Vista SP1 or Windows 7.
Features
To be certified as a Viiv-technology based, PCs must feature one of the following dual-core or quad-core processors:- Intel Pentium DPentium DThe Pentium D brand refers to two series of desktop dual-core 64-bit x86-64 microprocessors with the NetBurst microarchitecture manufactured by Intel. Each CPU comprised two dies, each containing a single core, residing next to each other on a multi-chip module package. The brand's first processor,...
- Intel Pentium Extreme Edition (Which is Pentium D based)
- Intel Core DuoIntel CoreYonah was the code name for Intel's first generation of 65 nm process mobile microprocessors, based on the Banias/Dothan-core Pentium M microarchitecture. SIMD performance has been improved through the addition of SSE3 instructions and improvements to SSE and SSE2 implementations, while integer...
- Intel Core 2 Duo
- Intel Core 2 Extreme
- Intel Core 2 Quad
Alongside one of the following chipsets:
- Intel 975X Express, 955X Express, 945G Express, 945P Express, 945GT Express, P965 Express, G965 Express or
- Mobile Intel 945GM Express Chipset
And one of the following network adapters:
- Intel PRO/1000 PM, PRO/100 VE, or PRO/100 VM
Some of the other features of Viiv PCs include:
- Intel Matrix Storage Technology for setting up a RAIDRAIDRAID is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drive components into a logical unit...
0, 1, 5, or 10 array. - Support for up to 1080i high-definition television
- Optional Integrated Media Server (IMS) - software designed to allow other portable devices in the same network.
- 64-bit64-bit64-bit is a word size that defines certain classes of computer architecture, buses, memory and CPUs, and by extension the software that runs on them. 64-bit CPUs have existed in supercomputers since the 1970s and in RISC-based workstations and servers since the early 1990s...
processor running a 32-bit operating system. - GigabitGigabitThe gigabit is a multiple of the unit bit for digital information or computer storage. The prefix giga is defined in the International System of Units as a multiplier of 109 , and therefore...
ethernetEthernetEthernet is a family of computer networking technologies for local area networks commercially introduced in 1980. Standardized in IEEE 802.3, Ethernet has largely replaced competing wired LAN technologies....
controller (only with Intel PRO/1000 PM Network Adapter) - Integrated digital video recorderDigital video recorderA digital video recorder , sometimes referred to by the merchandising term personal video recorder , is a consumer electronics device or application software that records video in a digital format to a disk drive, USB flash drive, SD memory card or other local or networked mass storage device...
(DVR) - Optional TV tuner
- At least 5.1Surround soundSurround sound encompasses a range of techniques such as for enriching the sound reproduction quality of an audio source with audio channels reproduced via additional, discrete speakers. Surround sound is characterized by a listener location or sweet spot where the audio effects work best, and...
channel audio, up to 7.1Surround soundSurround sound encompasses a range of techniques such as for enriching the sound reproduction quality of an audio source with audio channels reproduced via additional, discrete speakers. Surround sound is characterized by a listener location or sweet spot where the audio effects work best, and...
audio - Intel's Quick Resume technology: allows on and off in a few secondSecondThe second is a unit of measurement of time, and is the International System of Units base unit of time. It may be measured using a clock....
s like a normal VCR or DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
player (Viiv 1.5 and prior versions) - Windows XP Media Center EditionWindows XP Media Center EditionWindows XP Media Center Edition is a version of the Windows XP operating system designed to serve as a home-entertainment hub. The last version, Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, was released in October 2004.-Versions:...
with Update Rollup 2 or Windows VistaWindows VistaWindows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...
Home Premium or Ultimate, 32-bit versions.
Competition
On the entertainment front, AMD is attempting to directly compete with Viiv through AMD LIVE!AMD Live!
AMD LIVE! is the name of Advanced Micro Devices' initiative in 2005 aimed at gathering the support of professional musicians and other media producers behind its hardware products...
. AMD LIVE! is focused on the Athlon 64 X2
Athlon 64 X2
The Athlon 64 X2 is the first dual-core desktop CPU designed by AMD. It was designed from scratch as native dual-core by using an already multi-CPU enabled Athlon 64, joining it with another functional core on one die, and connecting both via a shared dual-channel memory controller/north bridge and...
CPU, Windows Media Center Edition and a number of partners in the media and entertainment industry. AMD has not announced any compatible subscription services for films or games.
Further confusion to both Intel's Viiv and even more to AMD's LIVE! offering is the launch of Windows Live
Windows Live
Windows Live is the collective brand name for a set of services and software products from Microsoft, part of their software plus services platform. A majority of these services are Web applications, accessible from a browser, but there are also client-side binary applications that require...
as a direct competitor to Google mail, maps, search and other offerings.
Digital Rights Management
The Viiv media platform included components that may be used by content owners to implement more tamper resistant DRMDigital rights management
Digital rights management is a class of access control technologies that are used by hardware manufacturers, publishers, copyright holders and individuals with the intent to limit the use of digital content and devices after sale. DRM is any technology that inhibits uses of digital content that...
systems using features present in Intel's processor, the Core 2 Duo
Intel Core 2
Core 2 is a brand encompassing a range of Intel's consumer 64-bit x86-64 single-, dual-, and quad-core microprocessors based on the Core microarchitecture. The single- and dual-core models are single-die, whereas the quad-core models comprise two dies, each containing two cores, packaged in a...
.
Although currently the TPM
Trusted Platform Module
In computing, Trusted Platform Module is both the name of a published specification detailing a secure cryptoprocessor that can store cryptographic keys that protect information, as well as the general name of implementations of that specification, often called the "TPM chip" or "TPM Security...
chip is being included in many new laptops and desktops, Viiv does not currently depend on it. The inclusion of TPM in future versions of Viiv is yet to be confirmed. Currently, DRM systems work on Intel Viiv technology-based PCs just like they do any other electronic device.
News and reviews
- PC Pro: behind the badge, conclusive look at Viiv 1.5
- Slashdot: Viiv 1.5 May End Traditional Media PCs
- Engadget: Intel VIIV says no thank you to DRM
- Ars technica:Intel pimps Viiv with a baker's dozen of major partners
- Digitimes: Intel looking to develop Linux version of Viiv to reduce costs
Criticism
- Bit Tech: Why Intel's DRM strategy is flawed
- Inquirer: Intel Viiv is stupid and broken
- Inquirer: Intel's Viiv is an embarrassment