Apple to Launch 3 HDTV Models by March 2012?

[Osnabrueck]

The problem many have already pointed out is that TVs are a slim-to-no profit product category. TVs have become brand ambassadors for the Sonys and Samsungs of the world - the cost of the gear is underwritten by the brand exposure.

If they enter this space - it's with the intent to compete with comcast and Netflix. This has been no easy task up to this point... But if Apple acquired an established player, like Hulu, it's easier to imagine them entering the fray.

 

[jakester20]

oooo an Apple TV now that would be on the shopping list..another desirable Apple product would this mean actually buying Apple TV as well?

 

[blackburn]

Unless it is like this one from sharp 8K Ultra High Definition (7680x4320😀) I don't want it.

 

[divinox]

Consumers would pay double because it says Apple on it and I think that you will buy one too. 😀

No, i would rather go for the 30 inch Dell, which is priced below the 27 inch Mac. They have similar panels (both of premium quality). Really cant dig LG design, otherwise they wouldve been first pick given that they indeed seem to have the upper hand when it comes to constructing the actual panels (that both Dell and Apple use).

In short, the Cinema display is one of the better displays out there. I say this ignoring the fact that it doesnt even come close to professional monitors of Eizo and others with prices ranging up to tens of thousands of dollars, but for the average consumer its great (thanks to LG). Everyone, with few exception, should ditch the TN-technology and go for ips. Sure, its pricier, but its money extremely well spent.

 

[mariocapo]

Unless it is like this one from sharp 8K Ultra High Definition (7680x4320😀) I don't want it.

That TV just gave me a chubby! Can't wait till the day that TV is affordable and content is actually available for it.

 

[peterdevries]

I agree.

Apple has always sold every single one of their products in their stores. How are they going to fit Apple televisions into their stores. They simply won't. And if they tried, they'd have to expand and end up having larger storage space just for their television lines... not happening.

I agree that Apple will not release a TV, but your argumentation that the stores are too small just doesn´t make sense. There is enough room in most stores for a few displays.

I could see Apple releasing an "Apple e-reader" of some sort. That's the sort of product they may come out with. They seem to love to expand on their App store... and adding a whole bookstore line to it, dominating book sales, wouldn't be so bad for them. They already dominate music sales and the like. Why not books? I realize they currently have some sort of avenue for this through the iPad, but it's definitely not full-fledged and in the work.

The e-book functionality in the iPad IS full-fledged. The only thing that is still a (minor) problem is the readability in bright sun-light. However, I just spent a holiday on the Seychelles and the beach was filled with people reading iPads. I haven´t seen a Kindle or competing product at any time.

Apple will not release an e-reader. It would mean a disruption of their product line and is confusing to the customer.

 

[peterdevries]

How many of you actually follow Apple?

How many threads do we need to pull from past years where the naysayers who are stating Apple won't go into TV's also predicted Apple not going into the phone business, the netbook/ tablet business and so on?

It never ceases to amaze me. Think different--as in--whatever you think Apple will do--then realize you are not Apple--you are not Jobs--trying to predict him is a fool's game and therefore you are what you type.

My question--is why would Apple NOT get into TV's? To the poster--I hate my TV. You state most people don't hate their TV's--I hate mine. I have a top of the line Samsung and constantly fight with the hookups when trying to do something new or add in a new component to my entertainment system.

One poster asked why would someone want an AppleTv? I want simple!! Best picture, best audio, easy interface for some casual games and apps and stream tech. All of this could easily be done by Apple and if it is and it's in the premium---'dream to own space'--then it will do as well as every other wish fulfillment item.

The TV is the ultimate destination for Apple. Any intelligent person saw this the minute they dropped the computer from their name. You don't think they did that just for music players do you?? I'm not saying it will happen when this article does--but please ask yourself--what is Apple trying to learn with Apple TV? Hobby indeed--a hobby to spend money, test market and tech and not answer to shareholders (hello Logitech).

Good lord--if any of you bet against Apple's stock you would be broke years ago.

Kusanagi out (downvote me--I know I told the truth but it hurts don't it).😀

You certainly have a point. Just one little thing: If you want versatility in hooking up stuff to your TV set, than I guess Apple is not the way to go. Look what has happened to Firewire etc. I bought a Macbook Air beginning of this year with mini displayport, and now (displayport is only three years old at most) it is being replaced with thunderbolt.

All fine and cool, but if you want future-proof products than Apple is not the way to go. They switch standards simply too often..

 

[rerelease]

An Apple HDTV would have a Samsung panel in it anyway. It's the feature set and built-in AirPlay and iTunes that would sell these TVs.

 

[jlc1978]

Ironically the Comcast/NBC merger may have actually prevented the cable industry from protecting their pipes (though we’ll see with net neutrality in a tenuous state). Part of the agreement to allow the merger to go through required NBC to make their content available through other providers and at no extra cost or reduced quality. If they started to throttle iTunes or Hulu they could be in line for some serious fines. And with Comcast effectively forced to provide access for iTunes their competitors would be hard pressed to impede iTunes either for fear of losing customers. Doesn’t surprise me. The cable monopolies are almost as unaware of their impending irrelevance as the music industry was.

There's a difference between making your content available to other providers and making it harder for other providers to use your pipes without paying for it. Control of the pipes may well be what is really valuable for the cable/ISP/content corporations since they effectively be the toll collectors through bandwidth caps, speed throttling, etc. As I said, I expect that to be one of the next big battles - even though most companies will be on multiple sides as ISPs and content providers.

personally, I think the whole idea of capping and slowdowns in not so much of a "solving a current problem" as a setting up the field for the next big battle.

 

[Wilder]

… A big hunk of glass with integrated iTunes and nothing else (just a power cord and wifi adapter) - think massive immovable iPad stuck on the wall - that's an "Apple TV" …

Think 9.7-inch iPod touch, that's an iPad. And we all know how well they're doing.

(2) App Store - this would be the biggest incentive for people to buy it, especially if Apple could work out ways for customers to buy "channels" as apps. This could change the industry.
TV

This is kinda already being done here in the UK. Three of the four major TV channels in the UK provide their TV programs via "player" applications. The BBC has BBC iPlayer, ITV has ITV Player and Channel 4 has 4oD (Channel 4 on Demand). All of which are all free and supported by advertising, similar to YouTube.

Perhaps if Apple could offer some kind of iAd platform for on demand TV…

You people are funny... Last i checked, the iPhone was one of the most expensive phones out there when it was released, and we see how that turned out. Bottom line: If the TV is significantly enough better than any offering out there, it'll be a success, just as the iPhone was.

It's nice to listen to sense. 😀

 

[joemama]

Just remember, most people thought Apple was crazy for entering the cell phone market, and they single handily took down RIM and Nokia.

Many of us have been foreseeing this for years, and I truly hope it happens.

1.) Take ATV and build it into an HDTV.

2.) Purchase Hulu and Apple can do the same thing they did with the record companies and iTunes. We all know how that turned out.

3.) Sell TV channel subscriptions in the form of Apps. This gives the consumer the ability to buy ONLY the channels they want - NFL, HBO, Oprah, CBS, etc. This also opens up the market to small companies, individuals, whoever.

4.) Finally, cut cable providers out of the picture.

I have a Samsung TV and am amazed at the simplicity of the Blockbuster App, Netflix, etc. This is how the industry is headed. Bye-bye cable! Broadcasters will be able to sell directly to the customer.

 

[Aeolius]

The concept of an Apple-branded TV befuddles me. It sounds less like a TV and more like a giant iMac.

I have a 65" TV hanging over my fireplace. It was a witch to install and I am NOT going to replace it until it dies. That being said, a TV is just a monitor and that's the job it does best. When I want more functionality, I add external components via an AV receiver.

I'm not sure I want to spend boatloads of cash on an Apple-branded TV that will spend most of its life playing PS3. 😉

On the other hand, the AppleTV needs some love. Apple should buy Hulu and TiVo and dominate the DVR market.

The AppleTV as an external component that anyone can add to any sized TV - now THAT makes sense.

 

[King Flamez1]

understood that a grand is probably too much to spend on a display for the average consumer but, why is everyone comparing the apple cinema display like its any other? its a 2560 x 1440 ips display with a thunderbolt, and many other ports. Frankly, its actually a pretty fair price believe it or not


personally, i'd love to see apple make a t.v. but, I'd like them to go further with their technology and make some 1440p+ t.vs if they were to make any. But otherwise, i'd go back to something someone else said and say that they'd integrate the apple t.v. into some of L.G.'s products

 

[rovex]

It must have Ambilight.


😱

 

[CapnJackGig]

That wouldn't be too difficult.

It would be difficult for a company that can't even release an iMac without a yellow screen.

 

[AppleScruff1]

Why wait for Apple? If you want to spend an insane amount of cash on an LCD TV with a Samsung panel in it, Bang & Olufsen have you covered 😀

Quite true. B&O is form over function.

 

[diamond.g]

If Apple does release a TV I hope they make a 70' model. That would be a pretty sweet upgrade from a 50" unit.

 

[sportsfan]

Will not happen

Consumers are too entrenched with their brands...Sony, LG, Panasonic...etc or only care about price. I don't think Apple, or any other manufacturer (google) can crack this nut. Either Apple will need to work with the current hardware companies to include their OS as an option, or what I think is best is to continue to work on the AppleTV. It's only $100 and can connect to ANY tv. And the price can probably be reduced in the future.

 

[ssk2]

Just remember, most people thought Apple was crazy for entering the cell phone market, and they single handily took down RIM and Nokia.

Many of us have been foreseeing this for years, and I truly hope it happens.

1.) Take ATV and build it into an HDTV.

2.) Purchase Hulu and Apple can do the same thing they did with the record companies and iTunes. We all know how that turned out.

3.) Sell TV channel subscriptions in the form of Apps. This gives the consumer the ability to buy ONLY the channels they want - NFL, HBO, Oprah, CBS, etc. This also opens up the market to small companies, individuals, whoever.

4.) Finally, cut cable providers out of the picture.

I have a Samsung TV and am amazed at the simplicity of the Blockbuster App, Netflix, etc. This is how the industry is headed. Bye-bye cable! Broadcasters will be able to sell directly to the customer.

1) Ok, fine.

2). Sure, go ahead.

3) Wait now, we've got problems here ranging from competition to the sheer fact that (unsurprisingly), franchises like the NFL might not want to have their content solely on the Apple TV.

4) Its really that simple huh?

My problem with these analyses are that they're so 'teenage' in their approach. It goes straight from Apple makes a tv to Apple buys out major franchises and cable providers, resulting in Steve Jobs becoming omnipresent overlord of all our tech needs.

 

[imola.zhp]

I can't wait to see the MSRP on these, lmao...

Buying a 9000 series 55" samsung "smart" TV on or about black friday...

 

[eah2119]

You know what would be awesome? Apple selling a gaming console similar to that of xbox and playstation and is still as entertaining as iOS gaming. Of course, this is just as unlikely as Apple selling a TV (and I mean nobody would buy it!).

 

[217833]

Building HDTV doesn't make any sense.

However, building THE Device to plug to your HDTV, that makes sense. They already tried, twice, it has been called Apple TV so far, but it's not good enough!

So what if we would have a real complete Apple TV or Apple Media Center, which would include:

- Freaking high resolution, 1080p and more (such 4K for future proof)
- Very powerful Graphic/3D chip to use it as Game Center (to compete to Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, etc...)
- Wireless controllers: such iPad and stuff, as well as classic remote and GamePad
- Full DVR/TIVO features, to easily and automatically record sport games, favorite TV shows, etc... in just 2 clicks
- based on iOS with Full App Store integration, to access to your current favorite apps
- Webcam (or external webcam support) to Facetime/Skype friends and family from your couch, and potential Kinect-ish games/apps)
- Audio connectors, to plug it to your favorite HD sound system
- Video connectors, to plug it to your favorite HDTV
- Embedded iTunes Server, to use it as your main place for your library
- iCloud integration and remote access to your Apps/Files/Medias (Back to my mac stuff)
- USB ports to plug your iPod/iPhone, as well as the webcam, a printer, or even an external drive
- Ability to plug the MacBook Air external DVD drive to "import" your DVD in your Library (the same way you can import your audio CD in iTunes)
- Potential future accessories, even such a "House Automation" controller, for your lights, A/C and electric blinders, etc...

Regarding the Apps resolution, they could simply release iPad with Retina Display... that way developers will prepare all apps for HD resolution screen size, and then all apps will be ready for the Apple TV and big 1080p screen size.

The most important would be the associate service with (which could be the other reason for the huge data Center):

- iTunes TV: Kind of service for 'on-demand' streaming system, and live coverage for TV Channels (Fox, HBO, ABC, ESPN, etc...), with smooth integration with the DVR app. Another kind of approach of Netflix, Hulu, etc...

Regarding the reason for the Games in Living Room?

Because there are already hundreds of thousands of games for iOS in the App Store. (Most of them under $5 or $10). It would kill the market shared by Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo right now.

Also, with the Game Center, it could bring more "online gaming" such Xbox Live and PSN. With integration of audio and video (with webcam), a lot of feature for social-gaming could be included too.

Nonetheless, you could start playing a game on your living room TV, and then switch to your iPad in your bed room, or even continue it on your iPhone over 3G.

Mark my words... Apple is not going after TV... Apple will go after "Media Center" to bring contents on your TV.

Spid

 

[Aeolius]

You know what would be awesome? Apple selling a gaming console similar to that of xbox and playstation and is still as entertaining as iOS gaming. Of course, this is just as unlikely as Apple selling a TV (and I mean nobody would buy it!).

 

[JohnGregorio]

Some of you guys are forgetting that Apple has $76 billion in free cash. All these other manufacturers, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic do not have money to throw around. Apple could and will sell high end tv's for a cheaper price than most would expect.

 

[akjs2396]

"complete surround sound experience" and be one-third as thick as the VideoWave's 6 inches.

So it's 2 inches thick then, stupid description, 1/3 as thick.

Anyway, if it's a way of integrating the ATV etc, i'll buy one. We're always using our ATV's.