Washington, D.C. (July 12, 2012) -- With DIRECTV CEO Mike White busy answering questions yesterday about his programming dispute with Viacom, his intriguing comments at an industry conference regarding a possible partnership with Apple flew well below the radar.

The New York Post reports that Apple CEO Tim Cook's surprise appearance at the Allen & Co media executive conference in Idaho stirred speculation that Apple was seeking a deal with other media heavyweights in attendance. The newspaper writes that Cook was scheduled to meet with White, among others.

Asked about Apple, White said he always had business to discuss with the company because DIRECTV offers its content on several Apple devices, including the iPad. But the DIRECTV executive opened the door to a larger Apple partnership when asked by the Post about rumors that a future Apple HDTV could come with a pay TV service inside, such as DIRECTV's.

White said the idea had yet to be discussed, but "we are very open minded."

Apple has been rumored for months to be developing a company-branded HDTV that would offer several unique features including the Siri digital voice assistant and a non-traditional TV content service.

On another rumor, White dismissed talk that DIRECTV would merge with satellite rival Dish. The Post writes that the executive said there's not much to the rumor.

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