Analyst Notes Apple Television Product Launch “Imminent”

Looks like more rumours of an Apple Television related product are surfacing, according to a recent Barron’s report (via MacRumors). Analyst James Kisner from Jefferies & Co. notes a TV-related product launch is “imminent” from Apple based on his conversations with people in the industry. In particular, he reports the multi-system operator (MSO) in the U.S, Arris, is working on estimating how much of an additional capacity would be needed to support an Apple device on their data network, which supports infrastructure for major cable companies:

Our discussions with industry contacts suggest that at least one major N. American MSO is working to estimate how much additional capacity may be needed for a new Apple device on their broadband data network. We believe this potentially suggests an imminent launch of the Apple TV, a positive development for ARRIS, who is directly exposed to data traffic growth from incremental IP video streams on cable networks.

Back in August, the WSJ noted the rumoured Apple TV set top box would be an iCloud DVR with an iPad-like interface, with Apple negotiating content deals with US cable companies. Back in February, the Globe and Mail reported Apple was already in talks with Rogers and Bell over an ‘iTV’ to be used on their networks.

Something is most likely coming from Apple, but it doesn’t look like we’ll see it in 2012 anytime soon. Are you eagerly awaiting some sort of Apple television product?