It’s been a fair while since we’ve heard much about Apple’s long-fabled television project, but comments made by Jefferies and Co. analyst James Kisner today reignited those rumors with claims that Apple is planning to release a new television-related device (if not an actual HDTV).
Our discussions with industry contacts suggest that at least one major N. American MSO is working to estimate how much additional capacity may be needed for a new Apple device on their broadband data network. We believe this potentially suggests an imminent launch of the Apple TV, a positive development for ARRIS, who is directly exposed to data traffic growth from incremental IP video streams on cable networks.
Apparently at least one cable company (and possible more) is working with Apple to determine what sort of impact it would have on their network. Kisner claims that the launch of a new TV-related Apple product is “imminent.”
While the earliest Apple television rumors have revolved around the idea of a complete Apple-branded HDTV, more recent reports suggest that Apple may in fact be preparing a set-top box for existing TVs, and is working with cable companies to build network support for the device.
Are you ready to give Apple a little more power in your living room? Get ready – if Kisner is right, we might see some pretty cool stuff happening in the very near future!
Update: AllThingsD confirms that Apple is in talks with cable providers, but that a new TV-related product is unlikely to launch in the immediate future.