The roadmap to Apple television (as opposed to Apple TV), as Munster sees it:

  1. A new Apple TV set-top box within the next few months, with a TV input and DVR built in. “With the popularity of ad-based internet TV (Hulu.com) and subscription models (Netflix’s Watch Instantly), we believe a-la-carte (iTunes) video purchases have lost share against other video models in recent months. As such, we believe Apple is exploring a subscription-based offering for its TV content in iTunes.”
  2. An iTunes TV Pass within the next year. “Apple could leverage its deep library of content with many network and cable channel content owners to provide unlimited access to a sub-library of its TV shows for a standard monthly fee ($30 to $40 per month). Such a product would effectively replace a consumer’s monthly cable bill (~$85/month) and offer access to current and older episodes of select shows on select channels.”
  3. An Apple television set within the next two years that could wirelessly sync with iPods, iPhones and Macs. “Such a device would command a premium among a competitive field of budget TVs; we believe Apple could differentiate itself with software that makes home entertainment simple and solves a pain point for consumers (complicated TV and component systems).”

As evidence for Apple’s interest for pushing deeper into the living room, Munster cites: COO Tim Cook’s statement last month that the company will continue to invest in Apple TV because “we fundamentally believe there is something there for us in the future”; patents covering digital video recording; and a five-year, $500 million partnership with LG to produce LCD screens.

source: brainstormtech

I wouldn’t buy an Apple Television even if it was sold for 99$, I’d rather get an LCD TV or a Plasma TV then hook it up to my Home Theatre PC. Does everything I want it to do, and it’s a computer to boot. None of that Apple Mini crap or crippled computers that can barely do anything. My HTPC can play HD Content, Multitask, has terabytes of storage, and play games. What more can I ask?  =p

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