Could Apple Launch Its Own Cable Television Network?

**Michael Essany** · 11-02-2009, 06:10 AM

Although Apple has never formally expressed an interest in launching such a venture, many Apple fanatics have, in recent months, broached the subject of an Apple-based cable television network.

Similar to that of G4 - also known as G4 TV, the cable and satellite television channel devoted to the world of video games - the idea for an Apple television network (which, for now, remains fantasy) is at least becoming a more widespread fantasy, with news and rumors about such a venture turning up everywhere in the blogosphere.

And as a result of such rampant speculation, a lot of people fresh to the concept have begun contemplating if such a venture would actually be a good idea.

Although many would likely wonder where the bulk of content would come from, it seems Apple is already working overtime these days to come up with new ways to deliver a more comprehensive multimedia experience. Just last week, as CNET reported, Apple announced that version 3.0 of its Apple TV software is now available for download.

Perhaps the biggest news from the update is the addition of Apple's recently announced iTunes Extras and iTunes LP. The former gives users the opportunity to access special features like deleted scenes and cast interviews in various movies in the iTunes Store. iTunes LP allows users to view content related to specific songs, including interactive lyrics, performance videos, and other offerings.

If Apple TV (as in Apple's own TV network) actually comes to fruition, it's likely that the majority of its content would come from its largest current providers of both digital and mobile content - those also behind many hugely successful apps that would only be promoted further by such a venture.

Some Apple conspiracy theorists have already speculated that Apple may be working on such a venture as we speak, with an eventual offering being exclusive in some capacity to Apple TV. But even without substantial evidence to support such claims, there's no question that Apple has amassed the resources and capabilities to produce such a dedicated cable or satellite channel, perhaps even with some form of on demand programming.

Could Apple pull off its own TV station? Probably. The real question is do they want to?

Image via Apple

**GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL** · 11-02-2009, 06:16 AM

No. End Of

**DaCodec** · 11-02-2009, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by GIRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

No. End Of

Yea! -- what she said

**nickh** · 11-02-2009, 06:26 AM

Well... I actually hope so, being outside the US i'm limited to what i watch, said that I have pay TV (cable) we are weeks behind., whats screened in the US.

I would subscribe to have up to date programs via ATV for sure.

**iNasser** · 11-02-2009, 06:37 AM

That's great....but what about iTunes 9.0.2...any news about if it effects jailbreaking?

**iphone4idiots** · 11-02-2009, 07:00 AM

I don't see this happening anytime soon. Focus on gaming is where they seem to be headed to me. Also, would Apple every start producing its own shows? I don't think that would be a good idea at all despite all the love for their getting to be lame commercials.

**cssoz** · 11-02-2009, 07:10 AM

no they won't

**youngbrammer** · 11-02-2009, 09:29 AM

I personally don't think they would. If they were to create their own station, there would be a "Buy Now" or "Send To My Computer" type option. That way, they would play movie, TV show, etc and you could then buy it.

**Melech518** · 11-02-2009, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by iNasser

That's great....but what about iTunes 9.0.2...any news about if it effects jailbreaking?

No it doesnt.
Wrong Thread.
You would have found the answer if you searched a little

**s4mb4** · 11-02-2009, 11:12 AM

maybe a Steve Jobs reality show....

**Blowfish64** · 11-02-2009, 11:56 AM

Originally Posted by Melech518

No it doesnt.
Wrong Thread.
You would have found the answer if you searched a little

Yeah, but at least he derailed this thread to something actually interesting. This crap news isn't even news. Who comes up with the topics that get posted on here anyway?

**ryne.drizzle** · 11-02-2009, 01:05 PM

no, the real question is do I want them to. the answer is no. they just need to replace my cable bill like we all know they can

**stickyd8** · 11-02-2009, 03:03 PM

I, for one, would pay the speculated $30/month cost for the ability to stream any tv show or movie to my laptop or TV via my AppleTV! I would do this and drop my cable service in a heartbeat! The only problem I see is with getting all of the big broadcasters on board. Sure, ABC, ESPN and Disney would hop on board, but would NBC do it? Especially with talk of Comcast buying them. If it's proportioned right, I think it would be a win-win for the studios and Apple. We are years away from mass adoption of TV via the internet, so this would only appeal to a select market. Hopefully, they'll get a deal worked out, b/c I think Apple would absolutely awesome job at managing media like we've never seen before! I know I'm sick of paying $120 a month for a bunch of channels I never watch and a limited HD selection! I love watching movies on my AppleTV and the HD sound and video looks great. However, the $4.00 and $5.00 rental fees are a bit too pricey. They could limit the number of shows/movies that you can stream daily to prevent too much of an overload. The options are endless. Man, I hope this happens!

**ryne.drizzle** · 11-02-2009, 03:06 PM

I couldn't agree with you more. I can't wait to get an aTV. I think I'm gonna wait till after the first quarter is over tho. They may surprise us in January.

**rhekt** · 11-02-2009, 04:00 PM

im all on board. watch tv through my laptop now anyways

**tudtran** · 11-02-2009, 05:25 PM

That would be a good ideas, if the price is right. Would the cable tv be over the internet? That would really slow your connection down. I don't think my roommates would like that.

**ecd5000** · 11-02-2009, 05:44 PM

what would they show, that just seems as it would get old fast and probably cost too much and they probably have it exclusive with direct tv since thats the hot sh*t these days, but it would still be interesting to see how it would work. an xtra box w/ external storage, log in w/ itunes account?, download movies directly to your tv, maybe an actual a/v out? well we'll have to wait and see

**Cer0** · 11-02-2009, 06:24 PM

I did see on another site about Apple looking to subscription based programming. I don't pay to much for the cable I have now because there is a discount with having internet and cable together. You still have to pay for internet to get the service and not to mention several of the ISPs making monthly caps on the amount of data you can use. I wouldn't mind seeing it.

**big poops** · 11-02-2009, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by rhekt

im all on board. watch tv through my laptop now anyways

I really don't like your picture!! please change it poop face

**staterunner180** · 11-02-2009, 10:58 PM

As for the content, this site makes more then a few posts a day on all sorts of iNews. So I'm sure that it wouldn't be that hard to find things to talk about...

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