Apple Getting Ready to Build iTV For Launch in Late 2012?

The ever-growing speculation surrounding the launch of a new TV from Apple has recently been increased by a new leak, this time from an industrial supplier contributing to the device's manufacturing.  It points to the iTV going on sale before the end of 2012.

Image: apple-tv-news.com

According to Digitimes, several component manufacturers are ready to step up production in line with Apple's schedule.  The same source claims that Apple has picked out ASV displays from Sharp, which have an excellent reputation for being responsive with great contrast ratios—the Philips 40PFL8606H reached 3200:1, for example.

Another rumour suggests that Apple will stick with two sizes to start with, 32'' and 37''.  As far as we know, Sharp doesn't make 37'' displays, and other manufacturers have also recently reduced production, preferring instead a slightly larger 40'' format.

The video graphics hardware looks set to be provided by Samsung, despite the ongoing legal wrangling between the two companies over mobile devices.

Apple's long-term partner, Foxconn Electronics, will most likely be in charge of final assembly.

Finally, if Digitimes' source has got it right, Apple-branded TVs won't go on sale before the third quarter of 2012.

To be continued ...

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