CELL-based TV in 06, Sony says

http://www.reuters.co.uk/newsArticle...9&section=news

Sony Says 'Cell'-Based TV Ready by 2006
Tue 25 May, 2004 01:04

TOKYO (Reuters) - Sony Corp 6758.T plans to offer a broadband
television by 2006 that would incorporate the powerful new "Cell"
processor it is developing with IBM Corp IBM.N and Toshiba Corp 6502.T
, a Japanese business daily said on Tuesday.

In an interview with the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Sony Chief Executive
Nobuyuki Idei said it would use Cell to power its next-generation game
console as well as a network television that will offer functions
similar to a personal computer.

The Cell processor will be up to 10 times more powerful than
conventional chips and able to shepherd large chunks of information
through a high-speed Internet network.

Sony has said Cell -- due to start test production in early 2005 --
will power the next-generation PlayStation game console, which will
probably double as a home server, as well as other digital home
electronics.

For the three business years ending March 31, 2007, Sony has earmarked
500 billion yen ($4.42 billion) to spend on semiconductor development
for Cell and other key devices. In the interview, Idei also said a
potential acquisition of movie studio Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc MGM.N
would be aimed at effectively incorporating MGM's software library
into Sony's film division.

Earlier this month, Sony said it was in exclusive talks with MGM on a
possible takeover that would provide Sony with access to MGM's
4,000-plus film library that includes the James Bond and Rocky titles.

Seeking to allay concerns that the acquisition could dent Sony's
finances at a time when it is trying to restructure its electronics
division, Idei said the acquisition price would not cause people to
worry.