Since Pineview-D platform doesn't have a graphics core strong enough for HD playback, Intel is working on a reference design guideline that should allow its partners to combine Pineview D platform powered by new Atom D410 or D510 and a third party HD Video decoder.

Some vendors, including HP and Lenovo, have already talked about such designs as such a low cost HD Video decoder would definitely bring a lot of value as many potential Atom buyers would like to have HD support.

Nvidia will be a contender with its Ion, as they try to fill the gaps and imperfections of Intel's chipset with their own chipset, but despite the fact that a third party HD video decoder might help in HD playback all the way to 1080p, it won't help in basic gaming and Cuda applications.

A low cost third party HD video decoder is definitely going to end up cheaper than and Ion + Atom combo, which is something that Intel wants. Ion on the other hand does add a lot of TDP and heat.