Apple May Launch HDTV Based on Bose VideoWave in 2012

Leaving aside all the speculations about iPhone 5, the latest from the rumor mill is that Apple could launch its HDTV modeled after Bose VideoWave in March 2012.

"Apple HDTV is directionally similar to Bose VideoWave TV, in terms of simplicity, reducing clutter, image quality and sound quality," Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry wrote in a note to clients.

Investors should probably take a look at Bose Video Wave HDTV to get directional sense of where Apple HDTV may be heading, Chowdhry said.

Apple HDTV, which is being benchmarked against Bose VideoWave HDTV, will probably be launched in March 2012, with a lot of Developer sessions at WWDC in June of 2012. In June 2011 WWDC, Apple unveiled iCloud, Mac OS X Lion and iOS 5 and these technological enhancements are considered as a game changer for Apple and its products.

Following are the key speculated differences between Apple HDTV and Bose VideoWave:

1) Bose Video Wave HDTV has reduced the number of cabling to only 3, much better than what is typical installed in homes. But Apple HDTV will probably have only one cable.

2) Bose Video Wave HDTV is 6 inches thick and has 16 speakers, while Apple HDTV will have only 1/3rd of that thickness, but will have 16 speakers. These 16 built in speakers gives a complete surround sound experience without the need for any external speakers.

3) Bose Video Wave HDTV has a 46-inch screen and priced at about $5,200, while Apple HDTV is expected to come with three distinct screen sizes and three price points.

Chowdhry said the digital signal processing chip in Apple HDTV is a brand new chip based on Apple's acquisition of PA Semi. As of now, this new chip is not in mass production.

Bose' VideoWave HDTV, which went on sale on October 14, 2010, is a complete home-theater speaker system in a 46-inch 1080p LCD TV. The set includes 16 speakers, a Bose designed receiver, an iPod dock, and a RF "click pad" universal remote. Bose developed a technology called PhaseGuide that sends high-frequency sound from the set to every corner of the room and simulates surround sound.

If Apple releases an HDTV, it is expected to feature Apple TV, iCloud and iTunes App Store functionality. But, nothing is official until Steve Jobs unveils the product on the stage.

Meanwhile, several sources have hinted at the possibility of Apple's assault on living room. Jefferies analyst Peter Misek said in April that Apple is about to launch a new video-focused cloud-based service.

Misek believes Apple's assault on the living room is likely to include a new device. He is not sure what it is, but would guess a TV or a new set-top box. While a simple TV is certainly possible, Misek just believes Apple wants to do something completely different.