That sets Intel's efforts apart from other offerings like Microsoft's Windows Media Center, home entertainment software that lets users connect a PC to their TV so that they can record programs, watch online programs and manage other media. Windows Media Center is broader than Intel's product, which aims to integrate certain Internet functions into TV.

Trends may change as digital media explodes and social networking choices expand, but the TV could remain a constant in accessing content and services, Bell said. TVs are ubiquitous, and its simplicity makes it a great platform to deliver the Internet to users, Bell said. The area is ripe for innovation, and social networking could especially help deliver more content and better TV viewing experiences, she said.

"I suspect it's a tip of the iceberg to look at how you can start to have more of a blend of social networking and television content," Bell said.

Given TV's ease of use, some may actually prefer to use it to access the Internet, Bell said. PCs require maintenance like updating drivers and applying patches, which can get in the way of the Internet experience.

"I don't know you, but my TiVo has never asked me to defrag[ment] it although it has a large hard drive," Bell said.