Apple has signed a new confidential licensing deal with Rovi today, a deal that has at least one analyst claiming Apple will release a Web-connected HDTV with live TV and DVR in the future.
Gene Munster of Piper Jaffray calls the deal strong evidence of an upcoming HDTV.
Rovi is the company behind the interactive program guide used by many cable/satellite operators and set-top box makers.
Says Munster (via AI): “We believe this announcement is further evidence that Apple is developing live TV and DVR features for its Apple TV product, and will likely launch an all-in-one Apple Television in the next 2-4 years. Following its deal with Rovi, Apple would be clear to add live TV, DVR and guidance features to its Apple TV product, which we believe is a critical step towards an all-in-one Apple Television.”
Apple launched an updated Apple TV earlier this month.
Although it is unclear, Munster believes the deal will cost Apple $10 million per year.
Result for: munster
According to their official web store, Apple has slashed the price of their 160GB model Apple TV while at the same time killing the lower capacity 40GB model.
The 160GB model now sells for $229, what the 40GB model was selling for, and will be the only model available for the time being.
The price drop follows recent predictions by Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, which reported in a note to clients that the 40GB model looked to be phasing out, and that he believed a price cut was coming in the 160GB, most likely at the ‘Rock and Roll’ live event. It happened less then a week later.
Munster also said a major interface upgrade should be coming soon, most likely based on an iTunes subscription service. The analyst also believes a new Apple TV hardware is in the works, with no set timetable, that will include DVR capabilities.
Adds Munster, originally via Apple Insider, “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 or $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.”
You can check the new price cut here: Apple TV 160GB model
Result for: munster
According to a new Piper Jaffray note this week, analyst Gene Munster says he expects Apple to eventually get into the HDTV market providing a full home entertainment system alongside the Apple TV media device.
Additionally, Munster says that a new, updated Apple TV is coming before Christmas, including DVR and a monthly sub to iTunes TV shows.
“We believe Apple is exploring a subscription-based offering for its TV content in iTunes,” says Munster, via The Street. “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.”
Adds Apple COO Tim Cook of the Apple TV:
“It is clear that the movie rental business has really helped Apple TV and there are more and more customers that want to try it,” he says, noting that sales were up 300 percent year-on-year. “We’re going to continue to invest in it, because we fundamentally believe there is something there for us in the future.”
As for the HDTV, Munster expects a 2011 debut, and the completion of a full Apple home entertainment center.
“The device would push Apple further into the digital living room with interactive TV, music, movie, and gaming features,” he added. “Such a device would command a premium among a competitive field of budget TVs.”
