Intel taps Hillcrest Labs' motion control for set-top box platform

Intel has unveiled a new reference design kit for a Web-based TV set-top box that will be based on the Atom processor and tap Hillcrest Labs' motion control technology.

Controlled with a handheld remote, Hillcrest's Freespace Motion Engine software gives subscribers the ability to control their TVs with "mouse-like navigation and point-and-click simplicity," the company said in a statement. Intel is showcasing the software at the TV Connect 2013 conference in London.

"Operators are seeking better and innovative ways to help consumers find and navigate shows and applications," Ran Senderovitz, general manager of Service Provider Division Marketing at Intel, said in a statement. "With Freespace, we're creating an out-of-the box, motion-ready reference solution for operators and OEMs globally."

Intel confirmed long-standing rumors last month when it said would introduce an Internet-based TV service and box this year. Erik Huggers, the head of Intel Media, revealed at AllThingsD's media conference that the chipmaker would provide the hardware and services directly to consumers and that its box would come with a camera that could detect who is in front of the TV.

Intel's kit is intended to allow equipment manufacturers to make set-top boxes and media servers based on the dual-core Atom CE5300. The chip giant says it pre-integrated a media engine, broadcast stacks, virtualization, and motion control technology to reduce testing time and get hardware to market faster. Intel intends to make the reference design available to manufacturers next month.

Founded in 2001, Hillcrest makes and licenses interactive media systems to consumer electronics companies. The Maryland-based company has already licensed the Freespace software to companies such as LG Electronics, Logitech, Roku, and Sony's video game division.