Best Buy Dreams Up a $1499 42-Inch 'Apple HDTV' for Customer Feedback

[nickarmadillo]

If Apple actually releases this thing, I predict that it'll be the biggest flop since the G4 cube for the following reasons:

1. People are satisfied with the televisions on the market. There isn't really a perceived lack of quality.

2. You can generally find a decent 42" 120hz LED internet-connected television on sale in the $600 - 900 range.

3. Consumers of high-end televisions would need to be convinced to leave their current brand of choice. Cinemaphiles are generally very brand-loyal and existing producers put out sets with exceptional picture quality.

3. As the pace of development has increase, consumers are upgrading their televisions more and more frequently.

The real issue here is price. Apple won't sell their product at a price point that is competitive with current entry/mid-level products that are "decent enough" for the average consumer. They also likely won't be able to beat other high-end sets in picture quality, the most important criteria in the premium segment. Add to that the lack of upgradability and you have a real dud here.

 

[Robharmer]

Siri is still largely a novelty to me. Sometimes it does some pretty cool stuff but for the most part it's frustrating. I cant ever see myself finding a voice controlled tv convienient. Just awkward. Picture yourself in a dark room surfing channels, "channel up, channel up, channel up, channel up" or picture a kid sleeping in the room next door and youre sitting there talking to yourself, what of you watch tv with headphones late at night like did when I was working nights. even the iPod or iPad input, can be annoying, Especially if I'm already using those devices for something else. Clearly I haven't seen it but the idea sounds horrible to me. Plus Siri hates my half English half American accent.
"set alarm" "okay let me look up "set up bomb" for you"

 

[woodys115]

Way too expensive...

I love Apple products, but I just bought a 43" Samsung Plasma for $450 at Best Buy. I could add an Applr TV for only 99 more.

 

[dona83]

Man, are you a dreamer! You likely want to pay $150 for a new iPad 3 too.

Why is $999 unreasonable? ~$799 42" 1080p LED TV + $101 Apple markup and first year Applecare service + $99 Apple TV = $999.

 

[newyorksole]

If Apple actually releases this thing, I predict that it'll be the biggest flop since the G4 cube for the following reasons:

1. People are satisfied with the televisions on the market. There isn't really a perceived lack of quality.

2. You can generally find a decent 42" 120hz LED internet-connected television on sale in the $600 - 900 range.

3. Consumers of high-end televisions would need to be convinced to leave their current brand of choice. Cinemaphiles are generally very brand-loyal and existing producers put out sets with exceptional picture quality.

3. As the pace of development has increase, consumers are upgrading their televisions more and more frequently.

The real issue here is price. Apple won't sell their product at a price point that is competitive with current entry/mid-level products that are "decent enough" for the average consumer. They also likely won't be able to beat other high-end sets in picture quality, the most important criteria in the premium segment. Add to that the lack of upgradability and you have a real dud here.

calling a product we know nothing about a "dud" isn't really saying much.

people dissed the iPhone, iPad, iPod etc before they came out and look at them now. look at the Mac now. you guys have to have some type of faith in Apple... what was the last "dud" they released? and how long ago was that? oh....

 

[nickarmadillo]

If Apple actually releases this thing, I predict that it'll be the biggest flop since the G4 cube for the following reasons:

1. People are satisfied with the televisions on the market. There isn't really a perceived lack of quality.

2. You can generally find a decent 42" 120hz LED internet-connected television on sale in the $600 - 900 range.

3. Consumers of high-end televisions would need to be convinced to leave their current brand of choice. Cinemaphiles are generally very brand-loyal and existing producers put out sets with exceptional picture quality.

3. As the pace of development has increase, consumers are upgrading their televisions more and more frequently.

The real issue here is price. Apple won't sell their product at a price point that is competitive with current entry/mid-level products that are "decent enough" for the average consumer. They also likely won't be able to beat other high-end sets in picture quality, the most important criteria in the premium segment. Add to that the lack of upgradability and you have a real dud here.

Forgot to mention: What consumers REALLY want is an upgraded Apple TV box. One that offers streaming audio/video, Apps, Siri, a simple, intuitive interface, playback of wide range of codecs, and Facetime.

This solves all the issues above as apple doesn't have to compete with other low-end sets on cost, high-end sets on picture quality, and one can easily move the box to a new TV when they decide to upgrade their set. With a much lower price, people would also be willing tup upgrade their Apple TV much more frequently as new processors and features come out (as they frequently do with the ipad/iphone).

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

I do agree that you can find decent tv's under $1500, but what are the lower priced ones specs? Are they LED? 120Hz or higher? 3D? SmartTV? Built in WiFi? I'm guessing not.

I'd encourage you to look around then. And you shouldn't make up specs for this Apple Television to auto assume highest end but then find fault with other potential competing TVs by assuming "lower specs."

Remember, AGAIN, in this particular case, per this particular hypothesis, the software is isolated from the hardware. That means the choice would be this hypothetical television from Apple with an TV3 built in vs. any television at any size at any quality at any screen type at any <fill in lots of blanks> PLUS an approx. $99 TV3 getting the exact same software experience for users. This would include the HDTVs that many of us already have in our homes- whatever those specs may be.

What you are sort of right about with that suggestion is this: if there is a separate TV3 available with this HDTV, then this will be the ONE Apple product that must somewhat justify it's price on hardware alone. The so-called Apple premium is best supported by the fact that the Apple software that runs on those "pricey" devices is exclusive to those Apple products. In this case, a separation of software from hardware will make this unlike any other Apple new product line launch before it.

Without the software differentiation, it really will come down to how it looks and the hardware guts vs. how other HDTVs look and their guts (plus the cost of an TV3). Since I think it is extraordinarily likely that Apple won't make this television but will instead buy it from someone like LG, Samsung, Sharp, etc, I think the odds are very high that the exact same screen will be available with an Apple logo on it and a LG, Samsung, Sharp logo on it. If so, the support for a higher Apple price for "Better specs" is washed out by "identical specs". And if so, then a higher price would literally come down to an Apple logo on the front instead of a LG, Samsung, Sharp, etc logo.

This is the kind of stuff that makes me think there is nothing to this Apple Television rumor. It is just so weak when one thinks it through.

 

[nickarmadillo]

calling a product we know nothing about a "dud" isn't really saying much.

people dissed the iPhone, iPad, iPod etc before they came out and look at them now. look at the Mac now. you guys have to have some type of faith in Apple... what was the last "dud" they released? and how long ago was that? oh....

Yes, but Apple has been entering markets where there has been a real dissatisfaction with the existing offerings. Remember MP3 players before the iPod, smart phones before the iPhone, or tablets before the iPad? They invariably sucked. People are generally pretty happy with their televisions as-is.

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

That's probably what it will be. A viable alternate rumor sez the looming product is really a dongle-ized ATV, drawing all power from the HDMI port and using iOS devices as controllers (perhaps Siri-enabled). Consider: take out the internal 120v power supply, drop the IR & LED, and aggressively reduce power consumption & size, and you'll end up with something akin to an iPod Touch with no display nor battery - no bigger than a couple stacked quarters, which mounts directly on the HDMI plug. HDMI devices are obligated to supply at least 55mA, and most supply much more; how much does an active iPod Touch need minus the screen?

Apple could move a whole lot more dongle-sized ATV3s than big-panel displays, precisely because of all the "I already have a TV" retorts. $99 for a stick that brings Siri to your TV will sell a whole lot more - and move a lot more streaming rentals - than the machined-aluminum OLED panel we'd expect from Apple if they went there.

That concept is based on the Roku stick shown at CES. The problem is that it needs a next gen HDMI port to work. So both Roku and maybe Apple would have the problem of:

"Only $XX, new HDTV required but not included"

...as well as...

Customer: "I bought this new TV, plugged it into my HDMI port and nothing happened"

Apple: "Do you have an HDMI MHL port?"

Customer: "What?"

 

[MarkNY]

$1499? Yeah, right.

Another problem for Apple is on the content side. Until all sports are carried live in HD over the internet, we can't get rid of our Directv box or cable box, so what would Apple's interface solve if we still had the box?

Makes far more sense to use the power of the A6 and upcoming PowerVR to take on the Xbox 360 in a stand-alone ATV 3. I'd like to get rid of the noise of my xbox, and the swapping of discs. Would use about 5% of the electricity, too, probably.

 

[number9]

First, this is clearly made up by Best Buy as a hypothetical question to gauge the interest of the public in an Apple version of a smart TV compared to the demand they're seeing for current smart TVs. Apple wouldn't refer to a new service like iCloud while still mentioning an iSight camera (they call them FaceTime cameras now on all hardware).

Also, I can see ther being a premium on the theoretical Apple Television, so $1499 for a 42-inch isn't too far fetched. Think about it, a 27 inch Apple Thunderbolt display costs $999, and there would likely be the same inputs/outputs (Thunderbolt included) plus the added A5/A6 processor, wi-fi, etc. in an Apple television. Unless they're going to live with the razor thin margins every other TV manufacturer lives with, I think this will be a case where you are truly paying a premium for an Apple product.

 

[Reddmanz]

3D is a dead-end trend. I'm sure Apple realizes this.

Have to agree with this slightly. Bought a new 55" 3D TV a few months back. Other than the first few nights I've not touched the feature ( or the £75 glasses!) since. Maybe if more 3D content was standard I would actually consider using it.

 

[DaBlakkBear]

I'm sure Best Buy Salespeople would really love this. Then they will want you to put it on your Best Buy Credit Card where HSBC is already raping you with no vaseline with 25% Intrest.....

 

[gatearray]

jap call me stupid but by the time i know what or how to say it to siri she already responses with "sry i didnt understand you" already drives me crazy on the iPhone, its nearly impossible for me to speak an sms with siri "do u want me to send the following: send text to xy" NO I DONT WANT YOU TO SENDTHE TEXT "send text" stupid woman

That's a bummer, but remember, Siri is still in beta, and I don't believe it supports German, or English with a German accent yet, although I believe there is Australian and UK English at this point.

Look for more language support comingnsoon, and then you should have a much better experience.

 

[linkismyhero]

$1499? Yeah, right.

Another problem for Apple is on the content side. Until all sports are carried live in HD over the internet, we can't get rid of our Directv box or cable box, so what would Apple's interface solve if we still had the box?

Makes far more sense to use the power of the A6 and upcoming PowerVR to take on the Xbox 360 in a stand-alone ATV 3. I'd like to get rid of the noise of my xbox, and the swapping of discs. Would use about 5% of the electricity, too, probably.

I dunno, I think $1499 is pretty reasonable for what Apple would put into this TV. Apple displays are pretty damn expensive on their own, and this would also have (theoretically) Apple software, the ability to purchase apps, all of the Apple TV features (iPhone/iPad mirroring), and probably a dedicated port to plug in a MacBook Pro to use the TV as a display. And, of course, Apple would charge a premium for that pretty glowing logo.

Smart TVs with features like this (at that size) are around $1000 at places like Best Buy already. Adding in all of the Apple features (and the Apple brand) would only increase the cost.

I'm sure Best Buy Salespeople would really love this. Then they will want you to put it on your Best Buy Credit Card where HSBC is already raping you with no vaseline with 25% Intrest.....

36 Months no interest on any TV $899 and up, I'm sure you can pay off $1500 in 3 years.

 

[alent1234]

Forgot to mention: What consumers REALLY want is an upgraded Apple TV box. One that offers streaming audio/video, Apps, Siri, a simple, intuitive interface, playback of wide range of codecs, and Facetime.

This solves all the issues above as apple doesn't have to compete with other low-end sets on cost, high-end sets on picture quality, and one can easily move the box to a new TV when they decide to upgrade their set. With a much lower price, people would also be willing tup upgrade their Apple TV much more frequently as new processors and features come out (as they frequently do with the ipad/iphone).

most 4S owners i know haven't used Siri at all since they bought the phone

why would i want it on my TV?

 

[jwdsail]

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_0_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9A405 Safari/7534.48.3)

My thoughts?

42" is too small, have a xbr5 40 now.. 50" is smallest I'd consider now.

LED TV better mean color LEDs like the high end Sony XBRs w/ local dimming..

I'd prefer my next upgrade to be a 4K display, but if the two above issues are addressed may consider a 2nd 1080p purchase while waiting for 4k..

If the built in apps / browser get blocked by certian sites will stick to my Mac mini and Sony XBR.

 

[Peace]

Is there no person here familier with smart TV's or even Google TV ?

I mean they've been out for two years. There is no "miniature ATV" inside them. Their solid state parts built into the television. Software updates is all that is required.

And $1499 is not an expensive 42" HDTV.

 

[palmerc2]

I'm happy with my Samsung PN59D8000 plasma I got for $1,799

42" for $1,499

or

59" for $1,799 + $100 AppleTV

Not much thinking needs to go into that decision. I think this is going to be a huge flop for apple.

 

[scapula002]

cares who?

1499...bleh....
Siri- who cares that *itch does NOT understand me anyways and i have to effin yell at her everytime..

Unless apple puts a mac mini like device with a retina touch display and integrated camera and a xbox like kinect in this, i aint paying 1499+&5tax + accidental protection= 2200 USd for nothing.a popcorn maker would be a bonus, but that would be asking for much from the apple geniuses.

i have a 300 dollar 50 inch HDTV and a 800 dollar mac mini supercharged and right now very happy with it.

i cant understand why i have to pay more to get less? Bestbuy rake it...

 

[damir00]

How exactly am I going to play Angry Birds on a TV, without having a physical, analog controller in my hand?

Last "TV" I bought was a great 46" set for $600. That's just crazy-talk on the pricing...

 

[Aussieiphone]

4k2k?

The Toshiba ZL2 needs to be mentioned here as currently it is the par for TVs:

- glasses free 3D (and 2D for Luddites)
- 3840 x 2160 resolution
- 55"

Nice design too (cost currently is unfortunately well in excess of $1499 however...)

 

[bushido]

That's a bummer, but remember, Siri is still in beta, and I don't believe it supports German, or English with a German accent yet, although I believe there is Australian and UK English at this point.

Look for more language support comingnsoon, and then you should have a much better experience.

Siri does german

 

[ThunderSkunk]

The Toshiba ZL2 ... is the par for TVs:
- glasses free 3D (and 2D for Luddites)
- 3840 x 2160 resolution
- 55"

That's par???

A 55 inch, 3D, ultra high resolution digital tv is par? That's some rarified air.

 

[duncanapple]

To all the people saying that $1500 is to much for a 42" TV are crazy. If you are spending less then that (minus sales or wholesalers), then you bought a crap TV. The only places you can buy a 42" or larger top spec'd TV for under that much would be at Costco or the like. The great TV's from Samsung are double that. The best brand to buy that will get you a 47" LED 120Hz 3D for under $1500 would be LG. If Apple has these specs or above on their TV, i'm guessing a 42" will go for for $1200 and the 47" will go for $1500, ect.. ect...

This is inaccurate. I just paid $1100 for a 55 inch Panasonic 55ST30 plasma (which by the way will beat the pants off of just about every LED at any price point on the market). Of all the 2011/12 model TVs its in the top 5 best reviewed (only beat by 2 panasonics above it and 1 or 2 samsungs - all were plasmas). Having said that, $1500 for a 42inch is a joke (esp as other have eluded to, all the rumored features so far can be done in the present day $99 aTV box).

Not to come off as too abrasive, but all of you that claim $1500 is a good price on a 42in LCD tv - have you shopped out a flat panel (yes, even GOOD ones) in the last 5 or less years? The top rated 50 inch Samsung and Panasonics go for about $1300 or less.

Note all of this is just rumor at this point - but either apple will have to do something extremely innovative that hasn't been in the rumors yet hardware wise, or they are better off selling the stand alone boxes. The existing aTV in an overpriced LED panel is not going to go over well. Given how smart apple has been in the last decade, i don't see them going down this road.