A number of websites have leaked information about an upcoming Apple iHDTV. HD Guru examined the bits and pieces, and together with information on new technologies from other HDTV tech stories and the recent SID show, we’ve put together a picture of what we expect from Apple as the next HDTV maker.


Software

With Apple’s long tradition breaking new ground, we anticipate the Apple iHDTV to launch with significant HDTV improvements.

It’s a given the iHDTV will have the Apple iOS found in the Apple TV box, iPhone and iPad. In addition, it’s a safe bet to assume Apple’s upcoming iCloud system will be included as well,  with movies and TV programs.

Hardware

There’s a long relationship between Samsung and Apple for components. This, coupled with Samsung’s LCD manufacturing partnership with Sony and other TV makers, other websites are predicting Samsung as the panel supplier and we concur.

It’s possible, though, that this Apple/Samsung TV will feature a next-generation display technology that will outperform today’s cutting-edge LED LCDs.

According to a number of reports out of Asia including the etnews, late last year Samsung began the conversion of one of its plasma plants to produce Carbon Nano Tube Field Emitter Display (CNT-FED) Back Light Units.  A CNT-FED would replace LEDs to create the light for LCDs. One of the main advantages of this technology is the ability to provide very local dimming. Single-pixel local dimming is possible, if the design/cost calls for it.. The result is totally black pixels next to brightly lit pixels (insanely high legitimate contrast ratios), plus lower power consumption.

Here is how they work as explained by Jim Kim’s Displayblog.com website in 2008. “Field emission technology is a variation on how CRTs and plasmas work by using electrons to excite phosphors on a screen. In Samsung’s example, the control is fine tuned by the use of carbon nanotubes and a unique structure. The carbon nanotubes are used as emissive tips. Nanotubes are deposited on a flat surface and is treated with an elastomer. The elastomer allows the exposed nanotubes to stand up, which then can be used as emissive tips. A TFT-like grid is layered above the nanotubes to control the movement of electrons to excite the red, green and blue phosphors.”

According to ET news, the first CNT-FED backlight units will be 46-Inch screen size, an ideal size for Apple and the size of Samsung’s current best selling model.

Further improving performance would be the use of Samsung’s new VA 1 (Vertical Alignment) display with its wider viewing angle and faster refresh (link).

We expect this iHDTV to launch by end of  Q1 2012. The price? Well, it’s Apple, so probably not cheap, but not too expensive either.

 

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