THE Shanghai Media Group has teamed up with Intel Corp to co-develop wireless broadband and mobile technology for high-definition TV programs, both sides said yesterday.
The aim of the partnership is to allow audiences to watch HD programs anywhere and at any time, on personal computers or mobile devices, according to SMG, the country's second-largest media group.
"We are at a crucial time when the traditional media and new media are converging," Zhang Dazhong, vice president of SMG, told the crowd at the 4th China International New Media Forum before the signing ceremony.
No financial terms were disclosed as details on the cooperation are still to be worked out, SMG officials said.
Intel will provide technology training, test equipment and lab and software solutions.
A research and development center will be set up in the Yangpu District of Shanghai, where the district government has arranged more than 10,000 square meters of land.
SMG will build a platform using wireless broadband technology and invest its content, brand and human resources.
Intel's technology will be applied in all of SMG's new media divisions like SiTV, which runs China's largest digital cable pay TV platform, including a HD channel with a total of nearly six million users, and its newly established IPTV, mobile TV and video broadcasting Website businesses.
"Our vision is to let people watch the HD content on every screen, including the UMPC (ultra mobile personal computer), whatever the size it is," said Ian Yang, Intel China's general manager.
Intel's partners aim to launch the UMPC in the third quarter. The UMPC, manufactured by Haier, Aigo, ASUS, Samsung and Fujitsu, will features Wi-Fi and five-inch to eight-inch screens.
"Cable TV and Internet are the coming gold mines for the Chinese market and the media carriers have to strengthen the content and expand distribution channels to improve profit," Richard Ji, a Morgan Stanley's executive director told the forum.
The US-based media group earned US$60 a month from each family while the China group gained only US$1.40 every month, according to Ji.