Following confirmation from Apple CEO Steve Jobs late last week that the first batch of orders for the new Apple TV remain on schedule for availability by the end of the month, a number of MacRumors readers are reporting today that their orders are now showing as "prepared for shipment", the final processing step before moving into the hands of delivery companies.

Despite many customers reporting late last week that their credit cards had been charged, some questions about possible availability delays arose after some early customers who had opted for expedited shipping were notified by Apple that the shipping charges were being refunded due to difficulties meeting the company's delivery commitments.
Update: Customers are now reporting that their orders are now showing as having shipped. Preliminary reports indicate that the shipments are coming from Shenzhen, China via FedEx, at least for North American customers.