Apple's iTV Could Feature a Bonus, 9.7-inch "Mini" Display

Why will consumers have to pay $1,500 or more for an Apple-made AAPL television set? The answer might surprise some investors. If Topeka Capital Markets' Brian White is correct, the company will ship at least one Mini iTV with every full-size television. The smaller set will resemble an iPad and feature a 9.7-inch display -- but it will be used primarily for TV viewing. White believed that the iRing and iWatch concepts will be "important parts" of the iTV ecosystem. Siri and FaceTime will also play important roles. Topeka compared the iRing concept to the motion-controlled computers in the film Minority Report. In the movie, John Anderton (played by Tom Cruise) wears a special glove that allows him to interact with a large, transparent monitor just by moving his hands and fingers. Up to four Mini iTVs may be tied to one Apple television set, allowing users to take and share their viewing experience throughout the home. Thus, the $2,500 price point may actually include four Mini iTVs. The lower, $1,500 MSRP may be reserved for the television that includes only one mini display. Topeka theorized that some or all of the cost could be subsided by Verizon VZ and other pay-TV service providers. Netflix NFLX was also mentioned as a possible content partner. Louis Bedigian is the Senior Tech Analyst and Features Writer of Benzinga. You can reach him at 248-636-1322 or louis@benzingapro.com. Follow him @LouisBedigianBZ