Intel has been preparing to launch its rumored cable TV service on a city-by-city basis. They originally planed to release this a nationwide service, however the licensing has been a nightmare. They have been planning this for a long time, but because an early press release they kept it under wraps.
This service will be available by purchasing an Intel set top box, which a box similar to other Smart TV boxes, where they plan to differ is to offer regular cable service as well. This way you can watch Netflix, Hulu, and cable from one box.
Intel has plans on not doing this “half-assed” like Google did with the failed project Google TV. Intel believess that Google failed with the ARM chip. They will have a chip specifically designed to be a set top box. This will make for ease of compatibility and reliability.