The signal to noise ratio regarding Apple's rumored to HDTV seems to get just a tad clearer with each passing month
The signal to noise ratio regarding Apple’s rumored to HDTV is getting just a tad clearer with each passing month. And granted, while we still don’t know much of anything about a product that, to be honest, doesn’t even officially exist, interesting tidbits of information continue to roll in.
To that end, Reuters late last week reported that Apple has been busy negotiating with EPIX in an effort to allow users to stream content owned by the company. EPIX is currently backed by three studios – MGM, Lionsgate, and Paramount Pictures.
While the report notes that such a deal, if struck, would first hit Apple’s infamous hobby – the Apple TV – the door is open for the deal to apply to other devices – which is where the Apple HDTV comes into play.
Apple Inc began talks earlier this year to stream films owned by EPIX, which is backed by three major movie studios, on devices including a long-anticipated TV, according to two people with knowledge of the negotiations.
One of the sources told Reuters that any discussions would apply to its set-top box and also to upcoming devices that stream content. Apple is widely expected to unveil a full-fledged TV product later this year or in early 2013 to drive its next phase of growth and potentially revolutionize the industry.
The talks are said to be in the preliminary stages, but the report underscores that something’s afoot when it comes to Apple’s efforts to secure and line up content for streaming.
Remember that it wasn’t too long ago that a report surfaced claiming that Apple’s Eddy Cue was spearheading negotiations with content providers in an effort to deliver a’la carte programming for its, dare I say, now mythical HDTV. The only glitch is that said negotiations were reportedly going nowhere as content providers were not only wary of getting into bed with Apple, but really have no incentive to give up lucrative revenue streams just to appease Apple.
One source familiar with the negotiations went so far as to say that Apple “wants everything for nothing.”
Yep, that sounds like Apple.
