Could This Be the New Apple HDTV?

Washington, D.C. (May 8, 2012) -- The Apple and CE communities today are giddy over a report that someone says he's seen a prototype of a new Apple HDTV -- and it looks sensational.

For at least a year, rumors have circulated that Apple will soon launch a company-branded HDTV that will revolutionize the industry. Analysts have differed over the timing of the launch, but most agree that Apple will not release a new set unless it has exclusive features that would persuade consumers to pay a premium price.

The Cult of Mac, a blog devoted to all things Apple, quotes an unnamed source as saying that the set he's seen has a built-in iSight camera for making FaceTime video calls (now available on the iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s); the Siri voice digital assistant (also available on the iPhone 4s) and its screen suggests a LED-backlit Cinema Display.

The source tells the blog that Apple is preparing to launch the set, despite the fact that one prominent Wall Street analyst says it won't be released until 2014. But the Cult of Mac says the source has a strong track record of providing tips on upcoming product releases.

However, as CNET.com notes today, prototypes don't always make it to market.

The iSight camera, writes the Cult of Mac, "is sophisticated, with facial recognition and the ability to zoom into the user's face and follow them as they walk around the room. This allows users to make video calls from the couch across the room, rather than having to stand smack in front of the TV."