CES 2013 is only a few days away and it looks like things will heat up in the living room as Intel will enter the TV market formally at the trade show. Intel doesn't want to be late to the TV party like it was with smartphones, and is expected to launch its virtual TV cable service and set top box on Jan. 7.

The smart TV space is in its infancy and with no clear indicator of when Apple will get serious about the TV space and Google's struggling Google TV platform, Intel has decided to enter the market instead of partnering with manufacturers like it did with the initial launch and failure of Google TV.

Google TV was co-developed by Google, Intel, Sony and Logitech and launched in 2010. The Smart TV platform is based on Android and offers users Google's services like Chrome for browsing, Google Play Store ( apps, music, tv and movies) and more, all from the comfort of your couch. GoogleTV's first generation devices were based off of Intel's chips but were never a commercial success to say the least. The second generation of Google TV devices dropped Intel chips and moved to ARM processors. This is most likely Intel's reason for launching its own service. An inside source revealed Intel's frustration with "everyone doing a half-assed Google TV so it's going to do it themselves and do it right." That is easier said than done. Just ask the long list of companies that have tried, Microsoft, Apple (still a hobby for now), Samsung, LG, Sony, etc. The list goes on.

Intel's plan is to create a set-top box and subscription TV service offering subscribers traditional channels, streaming services and a rumored DVR-like feature that would allow people to instantly watch any program aired in the previous month on channels they subscribe to. The service is expected to roll out on a city-by-city basis while it negotiates channel agreements. The biggest hurdle Intel and all companies face when launching TV services is getting the support of cable providers. We will learn more about Intel's launch in the living room on Jan 7.