This comes by way of an “anonymous source” to CultofMac, but this insider has come through with some juicy details before. In this instance, the upcoming Apple HDTV is going to look mostly like the existing LED backlit Apple Cinema Displays, except much larger. We can probably expect a small handful of models in the 40-inch to 60-inch range.

What’s interesting is that we’re hearing the new Apple HDTV will feature an iSight camera for FaceTime as well as the Siri personal assistant (from the iPhone 4S) for some navigation. Aside from that, details are sketchy, but we have heard that Foxconn has invested $1.6 billion in Sharp’s TV unit. There has to be a reason for that.

I don’t really expect Apple to make a TV just for TV’s sake. It’s going to be like the iPod or the iPhone in that they’ll create some sort of closed environment to “revolutionize” the experience. You can probably expect heavy integration with the iTunes Store, possibly at the expense of ousting “alternative” entertainment sources like conventional cable TV. We will see, but according to TV analyst Paul Gagnon, we should see this come to light some time in 2013.

[Source]

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It’s called Uppleva and it means “experience.” These new home entertainment units aren’t just the pieces of furniture where you can hang your HDTV — IKEA already has that kind of thing going on — but instead, it’s a complete kit that includes the entertainment unit, of course, but it also incorporates an LED TV, 2.1 sound system (with wireless subwoofer), Wi-Fi for smart TV features, and DVD/Blu-ray players. As with all other IKEA products, you’ll get a few options for colors and configurations, but they’ll all have to be put together yourself when you get home unless you want to pay for assembly.

So, who has IKEA partnered with to make these TVs? Samsung? LG? Sony? Nope, none of the above. Instead, the Swedish company has turned to TCL of China, the same manufacturer responsible for RCA products in the United States and Alcatel products in Europe. The LED panels are presumably 1080p full HD and IKEA is saying they have a 400Hz refresh rate, four HDMI inputs, two USB ports, and DivX HD support. They’ll be offered in four sizes and work with a single remote.

Pricing for the base model starts at SEK 6,500 ($995) and it goes up from there. Initial launch is being planned this fall in Sweden, France, Italy, Poland, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and Portugal. Worldwide availability follows in spring 2013.

[Source]

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