Apple TV shippings have been pushed back to the beginning of March, according to Think Secret sources. The Apple TV was first announced by Steve Jobs at Macworld Expo in San Francisco and Apple set the first ship date sometime in February. Same sources said they had reliable information that the devices will hit retail stores on February 20.

On the other hand, customers report there has been no change in their pre-order status, still naming late February as the shipment date. But it looks like they're in for a disappointment.

The device, previously code-named iTV was announced by Apple at the beginning of this year, on January 9. The company is selling it for $299 and orders were to arrive before the end of February. Apple TV is a set-top box that will enable media digital content to be streamed from any machine capable of running streamed media via iTunes onto an enhanced-definition or high-definition widescreen TV. The device will be compatible with both Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows.

Apple TV technical specifications include: 1Gz Intel Pentium-M "Crofton" Processor, NVIDIA GeForce Go 7400 (64 MB VRAM), 256 MB of 400 MHz DDR2 SDRAM, 40 GB hard disk space, IrDA Receiver, 720p HDMI audio and video output, built-in universal 48W power supply. Connectivity is by USB 2.0. It's 7.7x7.7x1.1 inch big (197x197x28 mm).

The 40 GB hard drive is used for synchronizing media from one computer using iTunes, similar to the manner in which an iPod is synchronized. However, the Apple TV allows media streaming from up to five computers on the local network. The USB port in designed only for service and diagnostic uses.

Apple TV customers have only to wait until the end of this month to see whether Apple keeps its word and delivers this fine piece of equipment on time.