Speculation That Apple's Rovi Deal Could Signal Shift Into Live TV and DVR

[oldwatery]

Apple branded TV....never gonna happen.
There is no way they could compete with the economy of scale needed in this market.
There is way too much quality competition and innovation to entice Apple into this area of CE. Plus the target moves every year and that is just not Apple's bag.
Sometimes these insider pundits seem to say things just to hear themselves talk.

 

[MisterK]

Cable please... Or something like it.

I think that going more mainstream with Apples own version of a cable box (whether that's in a tv or not) is the right move from Apple. The google tv sounds like an interesting experiment, but it's not for regular people. I haven't seen a way for Apple to make deals with every network. I need MadMen and Dexter and all the other shows and I need to be able to easily discover new stuff. Cable seems like the only way to go about this right now.

I like the idea of the Apple tv but the main problem is the amount of content. They can't take on my cable company yet. Ideally, I would be able to channel surf and watching something for longer than 3 min would charge it to my iTunes account. Or I could just search for my favorite show and rent it outright (like the way it is right now, but with ALL the shows).

If Apple could give me a sleek looking 50" tv with 1080p led, mac mini built in, for about $3k, I would buy it. Better yet, as a content provider Apple could afford to partially subsidize the television.

 

[goobot]

Apple isn't gana make a tv set. One it would coast too much and would have less sales than the first apple tv. Two. People wana buy a tv to their needs, such as size in both screen width ect. Pixels, frame rate ect ect. And apple doesn't really ever have options. So they would fail. Next people with new tvs arnt gana throw it away and buy an apple one. They want a box to use with their current tv.

 

[QCassidy352]

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Live tv/DVR goes against apple\'s entire model. Why do people not understand this?

 

[bigpatky]

if steve thinks blu-ray is a bag of hurt, i'd love to hear his description of cable cards.

 

[gugy]

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Live tv/DVR goes against apple\'s entire model. Why do people not understand this?

That's why I never believe anything Munster says. That guy is a fool. Just surprises me he gets so much publicity, specially from Macrumors.com.

 

[Tilpots]

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Live tv/DVR goes against apple\'s entire model. Why do people not understand this?

Because you are wrong.

 

[flopticalcube]

Is there only one ISP in your area? Internet service is generally more competitive than cable, if internet based TV takes off, someone will step up and provide the proper internet service.

There are several, they all have caps (and lower speeds!).

 

[gugy]

Because you are wrong.

well if Apple is pushing to sell content from the iTunes store then a DVR goes against that.
The new ATV seems like a push into that direction.

 

[ciaran00]

I believe discussions exactly like the kind happening in this thread is happening at Apple right now.

 

[Tilpots]

well if Apple is pushing to sell content from the iTunes store then a DVR goes against that.
The new ATV seems like a push into that direction.

I don't think Apple is pushing content. They're pushing hardware. If the rumors of this AirPlay functionality are accurate and an App store is in the works as Jobs said he was exploring, it will be confirmation.

 

[jaykk]

I think we will see more iOS devices soon, which will all talk to each other via AirPlay. Hoping to see live sports via iTunes store someday.

 

[blackpond]

bleh. It's just a big iPod Touch... with fewer features... like touch.

 

[E.Lizardo]

I don't like the idea of people just subscribing to a smattering of narrow interests.

Channel surfing gives people some shared interests. If they have to pay a dollar to check out another channel, they won't and there will be even more isolated and ignorant people.

There will always be the choice of going off the grid and downloading only one or two shows or events, and that should be a choice. I just don't want this to be the model for society at large.

I know what you mean!Why just the other day I was flipping through the channels and saw this amazing show all about the Showtime Rotisserie Oven!My life was soooo enriched!"Set it and forget it"is now my motto!

But seriously,if you need TV to give you "shared interests"with other people,well just count me among the isolated ignoramuses.

 

[E.Lizardo]

The only way there will be competition in internet service is if Congress does the same thing to cable that they did to telephone... i.e. force them to allow other companies use of their pipe, just as DSL providers can use existing telephone wire into the house.
Until then, they have everyone by the short hairs.

Not everyone.I have the choice of cable or Uverse for high speed.Or DSL too actually.

 

[gkarris]

Apple Branded TV rumor again? WTF?

You can make any TV with HDMI "Apple" with a $99 addition...

Rovi could provide the TV Guide and On-Demand streaming from the cloud (or download a show or two if the new unit has 16 Gig flash).

With the new AppleTV, everything's just an app away...

 

[gugy]

I don't think Apple is pushing content. They're pushing hardware. If the rumors of this AirPlay functionality are accurate and an App store is in the works as Jobs said he was exploring, it will be confirmation.

Maybe,
But it seems they want to increase the traffic on the iTunes store. The new ATV basically functionally is to rent movies and tv shows. If you have a DVR that will prevent people from buying from iTunes.

 

[Tilpots]

Maybe,
But it seems they want to increase the traffic on the iTunes store. The new ATV basically functionally is to rent movies and tv shows. If you have a DVR that will prevent people from buying from iTunes.

I don't think you're understanding what I'm saying. If this new iOS device has apps, it will most likely be able to play content from all the major networks and many cable networks. Apple would be opening the device to all types of content. They're having trouble getting some studios content for the iTMS. But if they open the new ATV up to Internet content, they don't even need to get the studios on board. The content is already accessible. Adding DVR functionality only increases the reasons for customers to buy the hardware, which is where Apple truly profits.

 

[Thex1138]

All of a sudden...

My Videos become greatly accessible on my TV...

 

[AppEzzy]

Is Munster ever right? I don't remember the last time he was really accurate about any Apple news, seems to be as much in the dark as everyone else.

 

[ArtOfWarfare]

What exactly could Apple do by building their own TV rather than just the box running the TV? Not much.

Apple makes the iMac as the all in one, ultimate simple set up computer. It's why I love it, I just plug in the power cord and the webcam, speakers, screen, keyboard, mouse, internet, everything, its all set up for me.

A TV though? For the most part, it's just as easy as the iMac. Plug it in and you get antenna, speakers, screen, and remote. Sure, you can add on other stuff like a better sound system or a blue-ray player (or an Apple TV,) but that's like saying you could plug a printer into your iMac. It's something extra, not essential.

So I don't see Apple building 60" TVs ever. There's nothing new to be done in the field. The closest I see Apple to entering the TV market is:
- The Apple TV hooking up to whatever big screen you already have.
- The iMac sizes being increased to 27", 32", 36", and Apple TV functionality built in.

 

[3282868]

I don't think you're understanding what I'm saying. If this new iOS device has apps, it will most likely be able to play content from all the major networks and many cable networks. Apple would be opening the device to all types of content. They're having trouble getting some studios content for the iTMS. But if they open the new ATV up to Internet content, they don't even need to get the studios on board. The content is already accessible. Adding DVR functionality only increases the reasons for customers to buy the hardware, which is where Apple truly profits.

EXACTLY. A friend of mine and I have wondered whether Apple would implement the AppleTV iOS into an actual TV. A television running an iOS platform plus DVR would entice customers who want an easy and clean entertainment system. A TV running iOS with DVR capabilities connected to an AVR with AirPlay would be perfect. I wondered if it would make good business sense as it may cannibalize iTunes Store sales. However, as you pointed out, certain studios/networks aren't "in bed" with Apple and nor do they plan on it. Thus Apple would have little to lose and a lot to gain by selling such an item. People would still rent/buy media from the iTunes store and DVR media that isn't sold on the iTunes Store.

Think of it this way: I have basic cable, no HBO/Showtime/etc. I can DVR network shows, and then buy shows I do not get with basic cable. I save money on my basic cable bill, and only rent/purchase what I want from the iTunes store. Apple makes money from selling an iOS TV with built-in DVR eliminating the need to pay rental fees to cable companies (f you Time Warner! lol) as well as paying for channels I do not watch.

It's BRILLIANT.

Additionally, arguably the BEST manufacturer for flat screen systems, Pioneer, sold their television division to Panasonic (having friends who work in the movie industry, Pioneer Plasma's are known to be the best, having "true" blacks and colors that CCFL/LED displays lack). Apple would be wise in diving into the niche left with Pioneers absence.

 

[doctor-don]

The TVGuide on my SONY tv has this technology. It was part of the package when I bought the tv.

However, since Comcast decided to usurp the cable and hide anything HD, it also removed my ability to use the TVGuide that came with my tv. They are blocking the signal, so the only 'guide' I have for the programming is the channel that shows ONE tv channel at a time - maybe two if I know what might be coming next because just enough of the second program / channel is visible. All this is to force customers to pay additional money to receive HD tv. Problem is, I was able to receive the channels I watch in HD without paying for HD. Now I have a DTA and nothing except a channel changer for a remote. I cannot tell what I am watching, how much time is left, what time of day / night it is, and the Guide button tells me No Listing for ALL the channels.

So why do I mention all this when the topic is ROVI? Because ROVI had a phone number or web address for me to access if I had a problem with my Guide. From the beginning, it referred me to the manufacturer. The PROBLEM is the GD cable company.

If this technology is available and part of the purchase price, then it should function properly ... regardless of HOW the signal gets to the tv.

 

[williedigital]

So I don't see Apple building 60" TVs ever. There's nothing new to be done in the field.

Lot of posts expressing this sentiment. I would just point out that apple releases lots of unnecessary branded products -- the battery recharger being the most recent and extreme example. But even things like the displays, ipod hifi, airport extreme, etc. are all pretty much expensive duplicates of existing products in the market. Wrap it in good design and jack the price by 300% seems to be the apple way on certain groups of products.

 

[doctor-don]

What exactly could Apple do by building their own TV rather than just the box running the TV? Not much.

Apple makes the iMac as the all in one, ultimate simple set up computer. It's why I love it, I just plug in the power cord and the webcam, speakers, screen, keyboard, mouse, internet, everything, its all set up for me.

A TV though? For the most part, it's just as easy as the iMac. Plug it in and you get antenna, speakers, screen, and remote. Sure, you can add on other stuff like a better sound system or a blue-ray player (or an Apple TV,) but that's like saying you could plug a printer into your iMac. It's something extra, not essential.

So I don't see Apple building 60" TVs ever. There's nothing new to be done in the field. The closest I see Apple to entering the TV market is:
- The Apple TV hooking up to whatever big screen you already have.
- The iMac sizes being increased to 27", 32", 36", and Apple TV functionality built in.

Thank you!
––––––––––––––––––––

EXACTLY. A friend of mine and I have wondered whether Apple would implement the AppleTV iOS into an actual TV. A television running an iOS platform plus DVR would entice customers who want an easy and clean entertainment system. A TV running iOS with DVR capabilities connected to an AVR with AirPlay would be perfect. I wondered if it would make good business sense as it may cannibalize iTunes Store sales. However, as you pointed out, certain studios/networks aren't "in bed" with Apple and nor do they plan on it. Thus Apple would have little to lose and a lot to gain by selling such an item. People would still rent/buy media from the iTunes store and DVR media that isn't sold on the iTunes Store.

Think of it this way: I have basic cable, no HBO/Showtime/etc. I can DVR network shows, and then buy shows I do not get with basic cable. I save money on my basic cable bill, and only rent/purchase what I want from the iTunes store. Apple makes money from selling an iOS TV with built-in DVR eliminating the need to pay rental fees to cable companies (f you Time Warner! lol) as well as paying for channels I do not watch.

It's BRILLIANT.

Additionally, arguably the BEST manufacturer for flat screen systems, Pioneer, sold their television division to Panasonic (having friends who work in the movie industry, Pioneer Plasma's are known to be the best, having "true" blacks and colors that CCFL/LED displays lack). Apple would be wise in diving into the niche left with Pioneers absence.

Would you buy from a company that wants as much to 'fix' your VCR/DVD recorder as it would cost to buy another one when it failed to function unexpectedly after a couple of years?

And it seems to me that putting all of the system into one box is asking for trouble. What does one do when one part malfunctions? The entire box has to go in for repairs, even if it's only on the DVD player. Keep them separate but connected. Then I can still watch tv while my DVD is being repaired / replaced.