Apple to make an HDTV within two to four years?

I find it more likely that Apple will Licence TV firmware and chips to TV and Optical Disc Player Manufacturers. Soon the TV logo could be as pervasive as the DivX logo was 18 months ago.

That said, I still find it unlikely to happen in 2 years. Apple would probably revise the TV to a more efficient, maybe even more powerful little box (with some custom silicon) before then.

With respect to the previous comments about the possibility of a complete Apple HDTV service, one must consider three things:

1) A complete service fits with the Apple philosophy

2) Apple has over $20B cash to play with

3) Steve Jobs

I don't know about an all in one TV, but I'm guessing the AppleTV is becoming more than just a hobby. Mostly motivated by Job's new hate for Google and their plans for a set top box.

oh god, if sony's bravia line is expensive can you imagine how much this would be?

I agree with those who would like to see Hi Def TV built into all future Macs.

Maybe a part of the server farm will be devoted to serving Apple produced TV programs and independant TV into the cloud. That would interest me.

It would replace for me most of the garbage currently on TV.

Don't they already have HD tuners that can plug into an iMac?

Please tell me how this fits into the mold of Apple being the world's largest "Mobile" device maker based on revenue? Unless I am going to be able to drive my TV around real soon? :-)

Apple TV will be dead soon enough. How about Apple focus on either of two solutions: 1. A wireless cloud based synch for iPhone iPad? Or a media server at home that recognizes my devices on the network and keeps them in sync? I STILL!! cannot believe I have to plug my freaking phone into a USB cable and soon my shiny new iPad.

BTW on the subject of wireless, instead of paying the extra $$ for a WiFi iPad, why wouldn't anyone now get one of those shiny WiMax 4G WiFi mobile hotspots from Sprint and cancel their data plan on the iPhone? One Device/bill to rule them all. This would work for multiple iPhones, iPad and laptop while mobile. And their tiny. Sure you need an extra widget, but they are tiny.

Someone focus on this instead of trying to create a new television network that we don't need, that would be another cost for content, and would not carry any live sports etc. Makes absolutely no sense to me.

Am I wrong, or do I remember Steve J. saying something to the effect of "we wanted to give you an idea of where we're going" at the end of the keynote when he introduced Apple TV?

Why not instead focus on updating the Mini with HDMI out, a Blu-Ray drive, and enough cpu and graphics mojo in order to handle Blu-ray playback,..

It would be an easier market dynamic to get users to chuck their Blu-ray players in favor of a MacMini, but not their HDTV's in favor of an Apple HDTV.

That would be a difficult market. "Televisions" come is all different sizes for various needs and applications. Would Apple, Inc. market 26 different sizes and permutations like Sony and Samsung? I doubt it. But, anything to reduce remote-control clutter and confusion would be a top decision maker for me.