Comcast, Facebook and Intel join together to give enhanced TV experience

Comcast, Facebook and Intel are partnering up to give viewers what they call a “next generation TV experience.”

Translation? That means they plan to make viewers' TV screens more interactive through the use of Internet features and apps, reports HollywoodReporter.com.

"This new experience transforms the way consumers watch television with a new guide and user interface that makes the TV screen more interactive, personal and social," the cable giant said.

According to the partnership, Comcast will use an Intel-based set-top box, manufactured by Pace, to control both the new apps and the added integration with Facebook’s network. Comcast’s CEO and Chairman Brian Roberts will give a live demonstration of the new service at The Cable Show, a cable industry trade event, on Thursday via a live stream at 10 a.m. EDT on Comcast’s website, according to MediaBeat.

The new service is said to let users conduct a swift, instinctive search to find what they want to watch from thousands of options on their TV, on demand, their DVR or from a selection of extra content. In addition, a personalized TV experience called MyTV will allow users to retrieve all of their recordings, favorite programs, movies and sports teams and suggestions in one place.

Users will also be able to access interactive traffic reports as well as weather apps while integrating with Facebook. Users can also share with their friends what they find and watch and even “Like” a program from their TV screen, which will then appear on their Facebook wall.

"We’re excited to bring those advanced capabilities to the TV set to enable a richer, more personalized experience," said Sam Schwartz, president of Comcast Converged Products.