Slow Apple TV start?

Apple's new Apple TV set top box designed to stream media wirelessly from a computer to a TV is likely to see an initial sales spike from die-hard Apple fans, according to research firm Piper Jaffray, followed by a slowdown as general consumers find out what the device does and warm up to its usage. "As was the case in the early days of the iPod, Apple resellers in our checks expect Apple TV will need to be more fully understood by consumers before it turns into a major contributor," said Piper Jaffray senior analyst Gene Munster. "Almost all (95 percent) resellers in our sample said they expect Apple TV will have a minor impact on business in the near term (the next 1-2 quarters), with Apple faithful buying in an initial surge and others spending some additional time figuring out what Apple TV is." Munster noted however that most Apple specialist stores are optimistic about the long-term prospects for Apple TV, but are aware that it may take some time for the product to find itself in the eyes of the average consumer.

by MacNN Staff