The evolution of the set-top box has just taken another step forward as the nation's largest satellite TV provider and a well-known chip maker are joining forces to bridge the gap between a personal computer and the living room television. Made public at a developer conference yesterday, attendees heard the news that DirecTV and Intel are preparing to launch the first digital set-top box that will enable customers to enjoy content from their PCs on a TV.

With digital media adapter (DMA) functionality that will work with Intel's Viiv technology, DirecTV's new HD DVR marks the first time a major service provider has endorsed an integrated DMA deployment in the home via set-top. Speaking at the Intel Developer Forum in San Francisco, Intel President Paul Otellini detailed the companies' new product which could be deployed to customers practically overnight through a software download available in December.

The DirecTV Plus HDDVR has the ability to record and view 200 hours of standard definition content or 50 hours of MPEG 4 high-def programming, the companies said. And working in tandem with Intel's Viiv technology, the new set-top will allow consumers to access on TV the photos and music albums on their PCs.

DirecTV and Intel said the new capability will help accelerate the adoption of connected digital homes by providing a substantial footprint of interoperable set-top boxes and PCs.

Both companies are in the final stages of testing and verification.