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Analyst predicts Apple TV set is "imminent"

Analyst predicts Apple TV set is "imminent"
One analyst believes that the Apple TV set is coming soon
One analyst believes that the Apple TV set is coming soon
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One analyst believes that the Apple TV set is coming soon
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One analyst believes that the Apple TV set is coming soon
To be revolutionary, an iTV would need to be more than a nice design with Apple TV software
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To be revolutionary, an iTV would need to be more than a nice design with Apple TV software

Apple's TV set just won't go away. For a couple of years, its rumored existence has been a favorite subject of analysts and tech blogs. Just as we thought iTV Fever had died down, another analyst has chimed in, predicting that the its release is "imminent."

James Kisner, an investment analyst with Jefferies, thinks the time is now for the Apple television. He says that a cable company is investigating how much extra bandwidth it would need to handle the Apple TV set:

    "Our discussions with industry contacts suggest that at least one major N. American MSO (Multi system operator) is working to estimate how much additional capacity may be needed for a new Apple device on their broadband data network. We believe this potentially suggests an imminent launch of the Apple TV …"

That's quite a leap. One cable company is wondering how much bandwidth a long-rumored product would require, and now it's "imminent?" There's some chance Kisner has additional inside information that he can't divulge, but don't bank on it.

You say you want a revolution ...

To be revolutionary, an iTV would need to be more than a nice design with Apple TV software
To be revolutionary, an iTV would need to be more than a nice design with Apple TV software

Apple likely has its sights set on an iTV, but there are obstacles. An Apple TV set with an innovative design and user interface would be nice, but the key is content delivery. Attractive design masking the same old cable packages would be too similar to what's already available.

To make the kind of splash it made in the MP3 player, smartphone, and tablet markets, Apple needs the content providers to play ball. But they're reluctant to give Apple too much power. If there's going to be a Smart TV revolution, they want control over their content.

Would Apple release the set now, and improve content delivery later? Or would it prefer to wait, hoping the providers get desperate? Unless there's been an unforeseen change of heart in Hollywood, this is Apple's dilemma.

Source: Barrons via 9to5Mac

3 comments
3 comments
Bob Fately
While the Apple TV device for $100 is a pleasant accessory, I do not see why Apple would want to get into the hardware side of the TV equation - that is, screens and such.
Considering the variety of sizes they would need to offer, which makes the paltry three size models of MacBooks trivial by comparison, it would seem to be more trouble than it's worth. But as mentioned in the piece, content would be the real key. Unless Apple is considering purchasing the existing TV providers or starting its own satellite based service, what would their revenue stream be based upon?
While some folks do purchase TV episodes on iTunes today, who would want to pay for every show all the time? And unless that is the business model, why would Apple want to waste time in this space?
Jeremiah Bayles
Great! Another overpriced and redundant device from apple. Thanks again.
Jenna Smith
Any device that runs XBMC is all you really need
My setup is Jynxbox Android + XMBC + 1channel plugin = MOVIE HEAVEN.
Look how easy it is to find any movie within seconds and free http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxqTH1qSX_c