Viiv is an x86 processor architecture by Intel released in 2006. It is designed to support Windows Media Center computers and comes equipped with twin and four core processors and chipsets that cater to AV features like video recording and entertainment. Viiv allows instant on/off like a TV, making it more convenient for home theater systems, and it operates quietly, making it suitable for living rooms.
FAQs About Intel’s Viiv Processor Architecture
If you’re familiar with computers, you may have heard some buzz about Intel’s Viiv processor architecture. But what is it, exactly? Here are some common questions and answers about this technology:
What is Viiv?
Viiv is a processor architecture created by Intel in 2006. It was designed to support Windows Media Center computers and included twin and four-core processors as well as chipsets that supported AV features like video recording and entertainment-focused features. One of the most notable features of Viiv was its ability to instantly turn on and off like a TV, helping Media Center PCs perform more like audio and home theater gear.
What were some of the other features of Viiv?
Aside from instant on/off capabilities, Viiv also supported content protection technologies like DTCP-IP and Microsoft’s PlayReady. It also featured Intel Quick Resume technology, which allowed the PC to enter a low-power mode to save energy and reduce noise. Additionally, Viiv machines were designed to be more silent when used in a living room.
What kind of computers used Viiv?
Viiv was primarily used in Windows Media Center computers, which were popular in the mid-2000s before the rise of streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. These Media Center PCs were often housed in home theater racks and designed to act as a central hub for audio and video content.
Why did Viiv fade from popularity?
While Viiv was initially praised for its Media Center-friendly features, it ultimately failed to gain widespread adoption. Part of the reason for this was the rise of streaming services, which made it less necessary to have a centralized media hub. Additionally, Viiv faced competition from other PC architectures like AMD’s Live!, which offered similar entertainment-focused features. By 2008, Intel announced it was discontinuing the Viiv brand.
Are there any modern processor architectures similar to Viiv?
While Viiv may be a thing of the past, there are still modern PC architectures that offer similar capabilities. Intel’s current 11th-generation Core processors, for example, include Intel Evo certification, which guarantees features like fast wake times, long battery life, and built-in AI performance. Likewise, AMD’s Ryzen processors include support for modern AV features like 4K video and HDR.
The inference
While it may not be as relevant as it once was, the Viiv processor architecture was an important milestone in the history of PC design. Its emphasis on providing a more entertainment-friendly experience paved the way for modern technologies like Intel Evo and AMD Ryzen.
