Intel makes another go at set-top boxes with new Atom CE5300 chipset

Intel has released a new processor targeted at set-top boxes and smart TVs, the company announced today.

The new Atom CE5300 media chip is optimized for broadcast video, Internet access, and video communication through a smart TV or set-top box connected to a TV. The new chip marks Intel’s effort to target the living room.

Previously, the company was involved in producing the chipset inside the first generation of Google TV devices as well as the Boxee Box by D-Link. However, Intel ceased production of the chips for those (and other) set-top boxes back in October 2011. Part of the reason for this was that manufacturers couldn’t justify raising the cost of the device to pay for the old chips — pushing them to go with ARM technology instead. Consumers also didn’t take notice of the more powerful chipset.

The new Atom CE5300 chip isn’t targeting manufactures like Sony, Logitech, and others. Instead, the company is focused on putting the chip into set-top boxes offered by cable and telecom service providers. The first product to feature the new chip will be Amino’s Freedom Live Media Gateway, which is much less impressive than the majority of Google TV devices when it comes to available features.

Intel is also rumored to be building its own line of set-top boxes that would launch with its own streaming service. If true, the business strategy will likely be similar to what Roku is doing.

Via The Verge