Intel's CE3100 media chip has been behind some of the cooler demos they've done here at IDF, and it's just gotten a big brother, the Atom CE4100. As you'd expect, the big change is the replacement of the CE3100's Pentium M core with an Atom core, but this thing is actually kind of a monster -- it can decode two 1080p video streams with various high-end audio codecs, it adds MPEG-4 support and 3D graphics capability, and it can even capture uncompressed 1080p video. Of course, it's up to manufacturers and cable companies to actually put all this power to use, but Intel's promised us some hardware demos from partners -- stay tuned.

Don't know why the Motorola rumors are flying hot and heavy today, but right on top of that connected GPS whisper comes word that the struggling device manufacturer is being tapped to build a new version of KDDI's multifaceted Au Box set-top unit that runs Android instead of the previous custom Linux build. The Au Box, if you'll recall, is a trick little IPTV box with a DVD drive that can rip audio and video and transcode it for transfer or streaming to your cellphone -- kind of like a more flexible Slingbox that costs $3/month for KDDI subscribers. Definitely interesting, especially since Android could make browsing and email extremely easy to implement as well -- hey Moto, maybe you want to ditch your current garbage Stateside cable box lineup and start shipping these things at home?

Update: Turns out there's no Android here at all, according to Moto. Instead it's running on KreaTV platform. Is it just us or did this thing just lose about 50 megafonzies on the cool-o-meter?

[Via CNET]

Comcast and Panasonic have already expressed their adoration for each other, and now they're proving that the relationship is more than just a fling here at CES. While details are somewhat scant at the moment, the two are working together to integrate HDMI-CEC into cable set-top-boxes. In theory, the partnership will allow tru2way STBs to sync up nicely with non-tru2way-capable HDTVs, giving a single remote control over both devices (or more, if more components are hooked up). Per usual, there's no telling when this love-fest will lead to anything substantial, but at least we know things are headed in the right direction.

If the cabling around your home theater rig is a rat's nest, then you might be interested in Bluelounge Design's new CableBox. Available in stylish white or black, the 6 x 15.6 x 5.3-inch box has such insightful features as: a removable lid for easy placement of corded items within the box; openings on opposite box ends so your gear can access the cables; and rubber feet on the bottom of the CableBox so it won't slide around. This is totally the sort of accessory we'd normally recommend as a DIY project involving a trip to Ikea and a Dremel tool -- there's a lot less here than Bluelounge's other offerings -- but if you're all thumbs then get in your preorder for an are-you-kidding-me price of $29.95.

[Via TVSnob]

Tipster Cableric sent in a pic of the recently-announced Motorola DCH3416 set-top box, an all-digital HD DVR with a 160GB drive inside that also supports multistream CableCARD (M-Card) for viewing or recording multiple TV streams simultaneously (along with picture-in-picture). It also works with Motorola's "Follow Me TV" placeshifting suite, which allows users to move pictures, music, and recorded content around their home network to other compatible STB's. The software follows Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) middleware development standards, which should allow for easier updates and implementation of third-party tools. According to Cableric, the console includes the usual audio and video connections, in addition to HDMI, component video, Firewire, SATA, USB 2.0, and Ethernet. Should be good times for cable customers looking to replace the standard cable DVR.

We've heard quite a bit about how shortages may prevent European soccer football (whatever) fans from checking out the World Cup in high definition, but what about HDTV owners in the good ol' U.S. of A? This article from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch details the problems some are having getting hold of high definition cable boxes, and according to cable company representatives, such shortages are common across the country.

Tis a shame that in this land of plenty, some are still being forced to go without. As you enjoy your 1080i, 720p or otherwise this Good Friday remember those who are forced to get by on 480i, the children who are being (bit)starved and the ignorant (up)converted masses. Something must be done.