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Foxconn Reportedly Testing Designs for 46-55 Inch Apple Television Sets

Wednesday December 19, 2012 5:53 am PST by Eric Slivka
Taiwan's Central News Agency reports (via Patently Apple) that Apple's manufacturing partner Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision, is currently working with Apple to test several designs for an Apple television set in the range of 46-55 inches.
Hon Hai, the world's largest contract electronics maker, has declined to respond to the reports, saying that it never comments on specific business deals with any single client.

However, the Hon Hai source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the initial phase of tests on the TVs has kicked off.

Nevertheless, the source said it is unlikely that shipments of the appliances will begin as soon as the end of next year.
The source claims that Apple may be looking to show off its new television products at CES next month in Las Vegas, but that seems difficult to believe given Apple's penchant for avoiding trade shows and for holding its own media events to introduce its products as close as possible to launch. With the report apparently claiming that Apple's television sets are unlikely to launch in 2013 and other recent claims that Apple's television projects are being slowed by difficult content negotiations, there would be little chance of Apple showing off anything at CES.

The report notes that using displays in the claimed range of 46-55 inches gives Apple flexibility in deciding on one or more vendors to supply LCD panels for the television sets. Foxconn has worked closely with Sharp and has made an investment in a Sharp LCD factory, but the report's source indicates that it is unlikely that Sharp panels will be used in the Apple television set.

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rei101
82 months ago
Why would I replace my TV?
Rating: 37 Votes
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Elbon
82 months ago
I love Apple products, but I don't see myself ever buying an Apple-branded TV. I'll stick with my Sony/Samsung with an external box (i.e. Apple TV).
Rating: 23 Votes
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TimUSCA
82 months ago
At the end of every single year, we see a rumor that the TV is 2 years out... I guess they'll be right eventually.
Rating: 17 Votes
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wkadamsjr
82 months ago

Why would I replace my TV?


Why would you replace your phone with an iPhone in 2007? If Apple can't make something better, theoretically they wouldn't get involved.
Rating: 16 Votes
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mklaman
82 months ago
i would bet a 55" apple tv would run about $4900.


and i'll still buy it. (damn you apple!)
Rating: 15 Votes
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JayJayAbels
82 months ago
I wonder what kind of rear facing camera it'll have. 10 megapixel or better.

Taking pictures of the wall will look so crisp!
Rating: 12 Votes
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Benjamins
82 months ago

Why would I replace my TV?


nobody said you HAVE to replace your TV.
Rating: 12 Votes
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newyorksole
82 months ago
I'm no insider/analyst, but they will NOT be at CES. Not Apple's style. Too early.

Everyone is so quick to say you won't buy an Apple TV, but wait until they reveal it. Guarantee everyone's story will change. TV Set w/ set top box built it or solely a standalone set top box.
Rating: 10 Votes
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odaiwai
82 months ago

What a great marketing idea... so Apple releases the 55" with the A5 processor regular screen, then 3 months later releases it with a A6 processor with Retina Display making everyone TV obsolete..

I would love to see a Apple TV with Retina display..


TVs are already Retina if you watch them from more than about 6 feet away.
Rating: 10 Votes
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HarryKeogh
82 months ago

Why would I replace my TV?


It's sure to be thinner which will make it easier to carry from its storage case in the closet to the TV stand every time you want to watch "Breaking Bad".
Rating: 7 Votes

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