Rumor – Networked HDTVs in the Works at Apple

Mahalo chief Jason Calacanis claims he knows “first-hand” that Apple is actively working on a networked television, an HDTV. Don't get ahead of us, it's not an upgrade to the Apple TV – it's better, much better!

CNET's Nate Lanxon claims that Jason Calacanis “confirmed” to him that Apple was indeed working on such a solution for the average couch-potato, rhetorically asking, “what better way to extend the iTunes Store than by providing an elegant TV that seamlessly integrates with its movie and TV offerings?”

Indeed, why would Apple sit with its arms crossed while videophiles buy HDTV to watch on their crummy PCs, sitting uncomfortable in a chair shaped like a toilet seat from all the hours spent in front of it, when the company could provide a much better solution? And, if Apple doesn't, who will? Apple already has the content up on its iTunes Store, BBC is back, HDTV shows are a go, all this while the Apple TV isn't the only box of its kind. Comparing this with a solution that allows streaming iTunes movie rentals over 802.11n, and boasts remote controlling abilities through iPhone, iPod touch, or the Apple Remote, what would you choose?

“These LCD HDTVs will be fully networked, with the ability to stream all your iTunes content from your Mac or PC,” says the rumor. Calacanis claims these devices will function like a standard TV hooked to an Apple TV, only the set-top-box will be gone.

Apple also specializes in producing some high-quality 30'' displays. In January 2007, American Technology analyst Shaw Wu embraced rumors saying that the company was working on "large screen" technologies within its development labs, according to AppleInsider. "We are not certain on timing but our analysis indicates that AAPL is beyond prototype on large-screen technologies (for a larger monitor or possibly Apple-branded HDTV)," the analyst said.