According to unspecified Taiwan-based PC makers, Intel is currently working with software developers to design middleware application software for the Linux operating system (OS) for its Viiv (rhymes with five) consumer PC platform to reduce the cost and selling price of the PCs.

Viiv-based PCs will initially be based on the Microsoft Window Media Center OS, which should drive up the costs, as a special OS authorization is needed. Currently, quotes for Media Center PCs are more than US$1,200, compared to US$400-500 for average PCs, the makers explained.

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