InterVideo unleashes InstantOn PC/CE software for Linux

January 13, 2004

Intervideo is touting an innovative new software solution that converts home PCs into complete home entertainment centers using Linux. Apparently, they were demonstrating this InterVideo InstantON at their CES booth. They claim it provides instant, CE-like access to a full range of viewing, listening and recording options plus remote control support for a distance of up to 10 feet. According to Linux Devices, the embedded Linux portal, it
is currently available for OEMs to evaluate on the x86 platform.

With InterVideo InstantON, computers instantly come to life with the push of a button. Consumers can watch DVDs and home VCDs with outstanding clarity, record videos, browse through photo albums, listen to music with rich surround sound, or watch TV with time-shifting capabilities. Playback is enhanced with advanced navigation technology that allows users to skip DVD chapters, fast forward/backward, pause and enjoy different camera angles. InterVideo InstantON even includes basic editing tools which when combined with the software's built-in DVR capabilities, allow users to cut, merge and split recorded TV programs and videos.

InterVideo InstantON can also be used to control the home environment, to conduct research on the Web, to shop and communicate with friends via E-mail, chat rooms, and videophone. With instant access and the remote control, moving from one entertainment device to another is as fast and easy as changing the channel on a TV set.

InterVideo InstantON is a new software solution that leverages the reliability and power of InterVideo LinDVD, the playback/navigation software selected by companies such as SONY, Pioneer and others for their high-end CE devices. The Instant Media Technology (IMT) technology incorporated in the new Linux-based software integrates the BIOS, OS, power management, and noise control with InterVideo's media playback/recording/editing technology, enabling consumers to enjoy the Instant access and remote control-only CE experience on their PC.

After a brief boot-up in Linux (about 10 seconds), all of the CE-type activities consumers have come to expect from a complete home entertainment center can be accessed. With InterVideo InstantON's dual-boot configuration, users can move into the Windows mode (which requires the full Windows load time) when they want to use the PC to access their work-related files.

It would sure be something to see first hand, I have a lot of questions about this. Such as power consumption after hitting the off button and research on the web when on. Kudos go to InterVideo and Linux. We always knew the penguin was stable, but we didn't know they were so fast. I wonder how Microsoft will feel if their OS is only booted in the future when we are done playing with our toys and need to do some work?

You can go to Music Industry News to look at the rest of the report and read some of Steve Ro, CEO and founder of InterVideo, musings about the future of the PC that utilise his software.

Source: Music Industry News