Learmonth calls it "the TV service you've always wanted." Based on conversations with people who have used it, he says it has "a gorgeous interface," a "simple remote," a better video recording system, and better social features.

The actual cable box is also good looking. So good-looking that you won't "hide it in a cabinet."

Michael Bologna, who leads advanced TV at Group M, a media-buying division of WPP, told Learmonth, "I'm impressed because Intel makes chips; no one expected them to come out with a product like this." (He got to use Intel's media device.)

We were, and still are, skeptical about Intel's ability to revolutionize TV. It's a chip maker with very little experience in consumer electronics hardware or software. Additionally, Intel is planning to deliver its TV service through the Internet, another area it has no expertise in.