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Speculation That Apple's Rovi Deal Could Signal Shift Into Live TV and DVR
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Winner!
I do believe we have a winner here to the current posting from MacRumors.
720p is more than all of us need. I can't see the difference on my 60" Sony and Blu-Ray player.
Why does Apple play so last year with technology and charge next years prices for them?
Well their Apple Displays do go WAY beyond 1080P; so the price should come down. But in the end a 55" 1080P TV from Apple would probably be around 5K easily.
Sadly; some people would believe it to be truly the best and buy it.
Actually. Apple doesn't believe in 1080P, so their 720P TV would still cost 5k
I do believe we have a winner here to the current posting from MacRumors.
720p is more than all of us need. I can't see the difference on my 60" Sony and Blu-Ray player.
Why does Apple play so last year with technology and charge next years prices for them?
Things break down, that's a part of life. A board breaks in your fridge? You have no fridge till it's repaired. Your car needs servicing? Maybe you can get a loaner. I'm sure most people may own more than one TV, and the direction Apple has been heading, streaming content is their ultimate goal (no HDD on the new AppleTV and AirPlay on iDevices are good examples). Let's say you have a new Apple television, it needs to get repaired. Your media is on your iMac/Mac Pro/Mac Mini/NAS, the TV is out for a couple of days, who knows. It's part of the cost of modern day living with electronics. Thankfully capitalism gives consumers choices, so stick with separate devices. Personally, a system such as this proposed concept/rumor would be much appreciated in my household.
The recharger (Apple, really?), displays, hifi I can see. The AEBS is fairly priced compared to other simultaneous dual-band routers and is one of the few that is 3 stream ready so I disagree there. The AppleTV is also (now) a good value-for-money product if that is what you want. It could be a better product but time will tell. I just don't see Apple getting into making an actual TV, again.
What a content distributor could do with it's own TV
What if there was a "carrier subsidized" television set? You may purchase a subsidized Apple Television set with a monthly subscription contract to the iTunes subscription TV service. The television is a great TV besides, comes for a quarter of the initial cost of other similar TV sets, and your paying for content through iTunes instead of running out and signing up for Dish or Cable to fill your screen.
Not that I'm suggesting the idea is good or bad for consumers. That's clearly debatable.
What if there was a "carrier subsidized" television set? You may purchase a subsidized Apple Television set with a monthly subscription contract to the iTunes subscription TV service. The television is a great TV besides, comes for a quarter of the initial cost of other similar TV sets, and your paying for content through iTunes instead of running out and signing up for Dish or Cable to fill your screen.
Not that I'm suggesting the idea is good or bad for consumers. That's clearly debatable.
I don't know why the Apple blogs give such (repeated) attention to Gene Munster's predictions. An Apple branded TV just doesn't make much sense.
Look at how much Apple's monitors cost. $1000 for 27"! Other manufacturers sell similar sized monitors for just over $300.
Think of the pricing on a living room worthy 55" set! It would be ridiculous and the TV market is too cost competitive for Apple to stand a chance with their typical strategy of high quality, high profit margin devices, especially when they're now selling their Apple TV set top box for only $99!
At best, existing TV manufacturers may include some of Apple's software from the factory, but I'm betting on a continued cheap set top box strategy, where things really take off once it gets an app store.
The deal with Rovi is for better software with live services or for apps. NOT a whole TV. Rovi doesn't make TVs, they make software. Gene Munster has no clue what he's talking about.
Look at how much Apple's monitors cost. $1000 for 27"! Other manufacturers sell similar sized monitors for just over $300.
Think of the pricing on a living room worthy 55" set! It would be ridiculous and the TV market is too cost competitive for Apple to stand a chance with their typical strategy of high quality, high profit margin devices, especially when they're now selling their Apple TV set top box for only $99!
At best, existing TV manufacturers may include some of Apple's software from the factory, but I'm betting on a continued cheap set top box strategy, where things really take off once it gets an app store.
The deal with Rovi is for better software with live services or for apps. NOT a whole TV. Rovi doesn't make TVs, they make software. Gene Munster has no clue what he's talking about.
We already did.
http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/multimedia/2008/01/gallery_apple_flops?slide=4&slideView=9
I already have an Apple DVR. Is a Mac mini running WMC with HDHomerun and tonight it's been working overtime with no fuss.
For all the advantages that OSX has over Win7, the fact Win7 ships with WMC for free and Apple has had no interest in even attempting to compete with it is ridiculous.
Why pay to rent shows when Apple could create a WMC alternative that allows you to record those shows for free in HD in the first place?
That's Steve Jobs for you. If it doesn't come from the iTunes store he's not interested.
Almost every new consumer electronics media player is network active and filled with video over IP services. Why would anyone pay a cable or telco to subsidize their set when they could buy the competition and get more than iTunes for nothing extra?
I'm salivating at the idea of Apple 're-inventing' entertainment options for our living rooms. Now getting movie studios, tv networks and other content creators onboard with this is another story and that will be their biggest challenge. Many have tried and failed. Can Apple pull this off?? If I was a betting man I think they are probably half-way there....
Everyone out there in the Las Vegas area with Cox digital cable, did you notice how your set top box interface changed about 2-3 months ago?
What do you think of the new interface compared to the old one?
Guess who provides that interface.
What do you think of the new interface compared to the old one?
Guess who provides that interface.
I've said it before... Apple needs to come out with a TiVO killer. I don't need a device to stream more stuff to my TV, especially when my TiVO handles Netflix and Amazon Video On Demand already.
My TiVO is an essential for me... and for everyone else not brand loyal to TiVO, you can just insert the generic term DVR. I work insane hours, long days, and there is no chance whatsoever that I could plan to watch TV shows at their scheduled broadcast time. TiVO changed my life and brought TV back into my life when it was first introduced (my first TiVO was a media review model with a serial number that was only 3 digits long!). I appreciate the downtime, and to be able to enjoy what others are enjoying. Now, I can watch shows on my own schedule, when I want. Sometimes, half-a-season can go by before I get a chance to catch up. But catch up I do. My wife and I had a blast with our recent Dexter marathon, watching the last four episodes of the previous season so that we're ready for the new season's premiere later this week.
Let's make it interesting though... if Apple came out with a box that did everything my TiVO does, but also had iTunes integration... that'd catch my eye. There may be things in the iTunes store that I'm not getting on Netflix or Amazon, and more choices = more content purchased on my end. Most times, I want to BUY content, not rent it. I have kids and iPads, and iPods. We love to load content on those for road trips and boring weekends. Rentals and expire dates = wasted money. I want to OWN the file. Imagine being able to add episodes of DVR content as well. That'd be great.
Take it a step further (here comes part of the business model). My time-shifted viewing via DVR is often WEEKS late. The ads that I do see are often stale. "On sale now through Labor Day" ... oops, I wont see that ad for another two months. "Watch the debut of this hot new show tomorrow night" ...sorry to break it to you, but that "tomorrow night" came and went months ago. Apple could cut deals with the networks and drop in CURRENT ads relevant to when I'm watching, regardless of when it was broadcast. Share the money so the networks don't lose, and everyone wins.
And while this is a total 360 from the new AppleTV, but I say throw the biggest possible hard drive in the thing. With TiVO I have to buy "black market" hard drive kits and do weird trickery to get the space I need. Just max it out and let us consume until we can't stand it anymore.
Wanna be a beast with it? Make a bad ass 55" (or larger) TV that has all this integrated and watch how fast my TiVO and Vizio fly out off the entertainment center and into my eBay account.
Now THAT would excite me.
Anything short is a yawn, and fails to innovate.
P.S. - Any bets on how long until we see a report on the news where the field reporter is "Live via FaceTime" ... just saying....
My TiVO is an essential for me... and for everyone else not brand loyal to TiVO, you can just insert the generic term DVR. I work insane hours, long days, and there is no chance whatsoever that I could plan to watch TV shows at their scheduled broadcast time. TiVO changed my life and brought TV back into my life when it was first introduced (my first TiVO was a media review model with a serial number that was only 3 digits long!). I appreciate the downtime, and to be able to enjoy what others are enjoying. Now, I can watch shows on my own schedule, when I want. Sometimes, half-a-season can go by before I get a chance to catch up. But catch up I do. My wife and I had a blast with our recent Dexter marathon, watching the last four episodes of the previous season so that we're ready for the new season's premiere later this week.
Let's make it interesting though... if Apple came out with a box that did everything my TiVO does, but also had iTunes integration... that'd catch my eye. There may be things in the iTunes store that I'm not getting on Netflix or Amazon, and more choices = more content purchased on my end. Most times, I want to BUY content, not rent it. I have kids and iPads, and iPods. We love to load content on those for road trips and boring weekends. Rentals and expire dates = wasted money. I want to OWN the file. Imagine being able to add episodes of DVR content as well. That'd be great.
Take it a step further (here comes part of the business model). My time-shifted viewing via DVR is often WEEKS late. The ads that I do see are often stale. "On sale now through Labor Day" ... oops, I wont see that ad for another two months. "Watch the debut of this hot new show tomorrow night" ...sorry to break it to you, but that "tomorrow night" came and went months ago. Apple could cut deals with the networks and drop in CURRENT ads relevant to when I'm watching, regardless of when it was broadcast. Share the money so the networks don't lose, and everyone wins.
And while this is a total 360 from the new AppleTV, but I say throw the biggest possible hard drive in the thing. With TiVO I have to buy "black market" hard drive kits and do weird trickery to get the space I need. Just max it out and let us consume until we can't stand it anymore.
Wanna be a beast with it? Make a bad ass 55" (or larger) TV that has all this integrated and watch how fast my TiVO and Vizio fly out off the entertainment center and into my eBay account.
Now THAT would excite me.
Anything short is a yawn, and fails to innovate.
P.S. - Any bets on how long until we see a report on the news where the field reporter is "Live via FaceTime" ... just saying....
Well their Apple Displays do go WAY beyond 1080P; so the price should come down. But in the end a 55" 1080P TV from Apple would probably be around 5K easily.
Sadly; some people would believe it to be truly the best and buy it.
Actually. Apple doesn't believe in 1080P, so their 720P TV would still cost 5k
What do you mean apple don't believe in 1080? Of course they do, the issue is that there is NO 1080 streaming content, so at this stage to keep the price point down on the AppleTV for the next couple of years while the telco's play catch up, they've left it off the unit, as there is no need for it to achieve Apple's stated purpose for the device.
Eh, why would they?
I've checked the size of the Apple TV and with a bit of velcro it will nicely attach to the back of my Pioneer TV. Just to the side, so it won't add anything to the depth of the TV and probably won't even need a lead from the IR repeater. I should be able to control it with my iPhone, but otherwise it's invisible and yet fully functional. If they ever implement HDMI-CEC on it, it's good to go.
Same thing with an AV receiver, some of those even have power outlets on the back that would be perfect for the Apple TV.
Actually, how hard would it be to sign a partnership with some TV manufacturer to provide a little recessed 'Apple TV compartment' on the back with a dedicated power connector, short HDMI lead and an IR repeater inside? Pop in the Apple TV, done. Much easier. Nice big sticker on the front: "Built for AppleTV!"
I've checked the size of the Apple TV and with a bit of velcro it will nicely attach to the back of my Pioneer TV. Just to the side, so it won't add anything to the depth of the TV and probably won't even need a lead from the IR repeater. I should be able to control it with my iPhone, but otherwise it's invisible and yet fully functional. If they ever implement HDMI-CEC on it, it's good to go.
Same thing with an AV receiver, some of those even have power outlets on the back that would be perfect for the Apple TV.
Actually, how hard would it be to sign a partnership with some TV manufacturer to provide a little recessed 'Apple TV compartment' on the back with a dedicated power connector, short HDMI lead and an IR repeater inside? Pop in the Apple TV, done. Much easier. Nice big sticker on the front: "Built for AppleTV!"
Insider Scoop
1. Most Beautiful TV ever (design)
2. Costs as much (or more than) as a Pioneer Elite
3. Lousy connectivity (maybe like 1-2 HDMI MAX)
4. Glasses free 3D? Probably not, but heres hoping.
5. Magical
6. Over-hyped to Nth Degree
If you want a TV, go Panny/Samsung/LG/Sony. Dont drink the Kool-Aid folks...youre smart people
1. Most Beautiful TV ever (design)
2. Costs as much (or more than) as a Pioneer Elite
3. Lousy connectivity (maybe like 1-2 HDMI MAX)
4. Glasses free 3D? Probably not, but heres hoping.
5. Magical
6. Over-hyped to Nth Degree
If you want a TV, go Panny/Samsung/LG/Sony. Dont drink the Kool-Aid folks...youre smart people
This is true, I have a Pro-151FD from Pioneer. That is an amazing set.
I just don't think Apple needs to enter the TV set business to become a major player on the entertainment market. They can sell the Airplay tech to companies to add to their set and sell more ATV boxes.
Pioneer produced the best sets and did not survive. This is a hard business with huge quality competition and very slim margins of profit. Something Apple dislike.
Let's back up 4 years and ask a similar question:
I really see no reason for Apple to create a cell phone. The cell phone market is huge, why would they try to compete in that?
If Apple sees a compelling reason to enter a market they probably will. Do you remember "smartphones" before the iPhone? I tried a bunch of them and ended up going back to my simple flip phone. Apple changed the face of the whole industry with the iPhone.
Since todays TVs are mostly non-interactive, you can't really compare the market to cell phones. But the interaction is coming stronger all the time. The thing that sucks about my TV is the cable box channel guide experience. That is where Apple would shine, making the user interaction usable and enjoyable, whether that is a separate box or integrated into the TV. Most of us computer savvy people don't mind hooking up a mac mini, etc. to the TV and configuring it. However, I'll bet there is a market to make a TV that you hang on the wall and plug it in, and everything (internet, movie guide, rentals, etc.) just works, no cabling mess. You are already seeing TVs with some of this stuff built in.
Apple doesn't need to make a television to improve the experience. They just need a box (ATV) to bring the UI and experience you talk about.
Not hard, but not something they would do. Why would they make a TV to fit an Apple product when Apple should be making iTunes to fit the TV?
Every major television manufacturer is including online media services from multiple players in their displays. They don't need Apple. They have multiple news, information and movie services more than happy to make software apps to run on their hardware. If Apple want to work with television manufacturers they have to work at putting their products on them.
But they won't. Apple don't want iTunes sharing the same stage as any other VOD service. Especially all-you-can-eat Netflix and superior quality Vudu.
You're probably right - the TV today still is, basically, a "dumb" device, displaying interfaces and content from other devices.
A TV with an embedded ATV would be useful, and easy to setup; but it wouldn't really offer enough advantages over an external ATV & 3rd party TV.
(Any TV + external ATV) > (Apple HDTV with embedded ATV). It offers more choices of TV model/size/styling, it would probably be a lot cheaper (knowing Apple), it's easier to upgrade one component without having to dump the other... etc...etc..