In a message to his clients (via MacRumors) Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster mentions a chance that Apple may enter the television set market, with an emphasis on movies, music, games, and interactive TV. “TV hardware is a challenging business if you don’t change the rules of the game,” Munster writes, “but we see potential for Apple […]
" />

Apple to Enter Television Hardware Market by 2011?

Aug 21st 2009 by

In a message to his clients (via MacRumors) Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster mentions a chance that Apple may enter the television set market, with an emphasis on movies, music, games, and interactive TV.

“TV hardware is a challenging business if you don’t change the rules of the game,” Munster writes, “but we see potential for Apple to offer best-in-class software and hardware and charge a premium.”

Munster believes Apple would first introduce a product similar to current Apple TVs but with the addition of a built-in DVR and subscription-based access to TV shows. Then Apple would offer cable TV shows on a subscription basis. Lastly, Apple would release a TV set that could wirelessly sync iPods, iPhones, and computers, much like the Apple TVs today.

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).

Munster also estimates that Apple will sell 6.6 million Apple TVs in 2009. That’s up from 2.1 million sold in 2008.
I can see a new Apple TV with DVR. On a stretch I can see TV show subscriptions on iTunes. But I cannot see Apple entering the television set market.

Continue reading:

TAGS: ,