Intel’s new second-generation Core (Sandy Bridge) processing platform has been out less than a week, but it has already experienced its first semi-scandal, thanks to a new feature in the CPUs called Intel Insider.
The Insider technology is a chip feature that unlocks high-definition movies from online streaming services. Controversy has dogged the technology, with audience members at the Consumer Electronics Show saying Intel may be trying to gain control over online movies by requiring users to have Sandy Bridge processors. But Intel defended the technology, saying the company is trying to provide a security layer that will encourage studios to stream high-definition movies to PCs instead of keeping them locked.
Intel Insider is a service that enables consumers to enjoy premium Hollywood feature films streamed to their PC in high quality 1080P high definition. Currently this service does not exist because the movie studios are concerned about protecting their content, and making sure that it cannot be stolen or used illegally. So Intel created Intel insider, an extra layer of content protection. Think of it as an armoured truck carrying the movie from the Internet to your display, it keeps the data safe from pirates, but still lets you enjoy your legally acquired movie in the best possible quality. This technology is built into the new Intel chips and will become even more important once wireless display technology like Intel’s WiDi become more popular, as it would prevent pirates from stealing movies remotely just by snooping the airwaves. WiDi enables you to wirelessly beam video to your big screen TV easily and in HD.
During a demonstration, the CinemaNow streaming website identified a PC with a Sandy Bridge processor and then started streaming a 1080p version of the movie “Inception.”. But Insider is not intended to be digital rights management technology, and it is not intended to limit the availability of content to users, said Josh Newman, graphics marketing director at Intel.
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