Report disputes 2013 date, Sharp link for Apple HDTV
updated 11:00 am EST, Wed December 19, 2012
No LCD supplier lined up, source says
A new report by Focus Taiwan -- an English service of Taiwan's national news agency -- is disputing some recent claims about Apple's expected HDTV. Sources close to Hon Hai, better known as Foxconn, support the notion that the manufacturer is testing several TV designs. One source argues however that it's unlikely that the TV will ship in 2013, something some analysts have previously called for.
And although the Wall Street Journal has suggested Sharp's involvement in the project, a source says it's also unlikely that an Apple HDTV will use Sharp panels. The person claims that Apple is looking at displays measuring between 46 and 55 inches, while Sharp's Sakai plant -- which Foxconn has an investment in -- is best suited for screens measuring 60 inches or more. As a result, there may not be much incentive for Apple to depend on Sharp, at least not exclusively.
A source adds that "We [Hon Hai] have not yet confirmed the LCD panel supply source with our client." That would support the Journal's assertion that the TV project is still very early into development.
