'Computer and TV unites' -- a technological vision that has been perceived, and turned into reality by Hyderabad-based Ichip India that has developed an integrated device named '@Box' to couple the features of a computer and a TV.

The device '@Box' has been designed to provide computer utility, along with Internet surfing cum entertainment on the TV. From a technological point of view, '@Box' works on the Linux operating system, and comes with a remote keyboard, mouse, and joystick interfaces. Users can also access 3D games, videoconferencing, IPTV, and VoIP services with this device. The '@Box' offers digital video recorder (DVR) or personal video recorder (PVR) services besides Conditional Access (CA) and Digital Rights Management (DRM) support.

The '@Box' is free from the routine of booting, does not need any storage devices, yet works equally as any normal computer. Ichip India has developed hardware as well as software for this device.

The device would be available at a price of $ 100 to consumers, and is expected to hit Indian markets next year. Kota Bhaskar, Ichip India s President and CTO, believes that with the affordable price and user-friendly nature of the '@Box', it will be popular amongst Indian consumers.

Ichip India has invested nearly 10 crores towards technological developments, and awaits four patents in its name. The company plans to incorporate '@Box' with new TV sets, and is looking to establish partnerships with telcos and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to offer various services through the new device.

Meanwhile, though the device is meant to offer an interface between the TV and the computer, it's likely that its functionality backed by the Linux OS, may prove to be an obstacle in its path. The reason being that not only in India but across the globe, Windows users are still in high numbers compared to those using Linux -- mainly due to Linux's lack of compatibility with other software applications, technologies, and devices.