Intel to launch full HD 1080p streaming video service for its new Core 2011 processors

Intel will launch a full HD 1080p streaming video service called "Insider" in the first quarter of 2011. Deals with Warner Bros and CinemaNow have already been arranged, and it's expected that a very broad library of movies will be available at launch -- and if that wasn't exciting enough, Intel's streaming movies will be made available at the same time as Blu-ray and DVD releases!

It's a rather odd move coming from a chip manufacturer, but when you consider the hardware DRM available on Intel's new line of 'Sandy Bridge' chips, it all begins to make a little more sense. Historically, publishers have been loathe to provide high-quality streaming movies because of piracy concerns, but with hardware security from Intel, such a service becomes feasible.

There's no details on the pricing of Intel's service, but it will surely be in line with Netflix and Hulu. The only problem is, you'll need to buy a laptop or desktop with one of the new Core 2011 processors!

[The service will be branded as "Intel Insider" -- no relation to "Intel Inside", right?]

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