Apple Reportedly Meeting with Cable Operators about New Set-Top Box

By emeadows
August 17, 2012

According to sources close to the matter, “Apple is in talks with some of the biggest U.S. cable operators about letting consumers use an Apple device as a set-top box for live television and other content,” reports the Wall Street Journal.
As of yet, it doesn’t appear that Apple has made any deals, perhaps a sign of cable operators’ overall reluctance to allow Apple a solid foothold within the TV business.
According to WSJ, this move could indicate a shift in Apple’s approach to TV: “The talks illustrate that Apple is seeking a less radical path to expand in television than it has contemplated in the past, namely teaming up with existing service providers rather than licensing content to compete with them directly.”
As of now, Apple sell its $99 Apple TV, a box that allows for some Internet streaming onto TV sets, but not for live channels through cable operators. According to sources, this most recently discussed technology “could ultimately be embedded in a television.”
“For cable operators, the advantage of a deal with Apple is that it could allow them to reduce the money they spend buying set-top boxes, which are leased to customers for a monthly fee. It could also help them hang on to customers who can watch video through a growing array of Internet alternatives, as both traditional TV and Web video would be available through the same device,” suggests WSJ.

2 Comments

Rob Scott August 17, 2012 at 05:54am

Apple was granted a patent this week for a cable box that would include live television and recording capabilities.
https://www.etcentric.org/stories/apple-granted-patent-for-cable-box-will-apple-tv-upgrade-to-live-tv/

Rob Scott August 17, 2012 at 05:54am

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2 Comments