Any rumors or chances that apple would release a specifically designed HTPC?

Something like the Sony VAIO XL series?

That would be great!

Any rumors or chances that apple would release a specifically designed HTPC?

Rumors? No. Chances? There's always a chance, but recent history suggests it's doubtful.

But it doesn't really matter, though, because whatever new Macs come our way we're going to stick them in the living room and connect them to our HDTVs anyway--as we're doing now, recording high def, playing back Apple lossless, etc. Only Macs can run OS X, which is why most of us are on Macs to begin with.

Don't forget Leopard is right around the corner, which should change the landscape a little.

Something like the Sony VAIO XL series?

That's even easier to answer: let's see, a Mac with HDMI, component, two 3.5" drives, built-in DVR functionality and tuner, OCUR, CableCARD, and a recordable Blu-ray drive?

No.

Apple won't mess with CableCARD or providing built-in tuners or DVR functionality or the ability to connect a proprietary 200 disc firewire external dvd changer/recorder. Other than that, you're describing a headless xMac or next-gen mini, which has sort of been the HT "holy grail" around here ever since the G4 mini was released. Who knows whether Apple will release such a device, since a very, very small percentage of the buying public wants it or knows what to do with it. If Apple did release something along these lines, it would have "n" wireless, though, and of course it would actually work as promised.

are there any graphics cards for macs that have an hdmi port? instead of using dvi to hdmi adaptors....

I think AppleTV is as close as they will come, IMHO. They want to sell you episodes of 'Lost' on iTunes, not have you record episodes of 'Lost' for free.

I think AppleTV is as close as they will come, IMHO. They want to sell you episodes of 'Lost' on iTunes, not have you record episodes of 'Lost' for free.

Exactly. I believe I've seen Steve Jobs more or less make this statement before. People want to watch what they want, when they want, where they want. DVRs are clunky at being able to transfer a program to a portable viewing device for the most part.

With Apple's solution, you download the programs you want, sync to iPod and/or Apple TV, and watch when and where you want.

Now when they start putting up HDTV programs, I'll seriously consider dropping cable and instead put my money in commercial free programming from Apple.

Now when they start putting up HDTV programs, I'll seriously consider dropping cable and instead put my money in commercial free programming from Apple.

Preachin' to the choir my man, preachin' to the choir...

Except that I'll still need some kind of high speed connection, so I can't completely kick TWC to the curb yet like I so want to...

Except that I'll still need some kind of high speed connection, so I can't completely kick TWC to the curb yet like I so want to...

Our DSL connection is excellent; Using 6Mbps and soon to be 12Mbps - and it runs this fast even at the busiest times; I've found HD streaming to be great - starts within a few minutes and keeps up with the download while playing...
and The newer Fiber to the home stuff (ala Verizon and many others) really rocks...

ken

Smarthouse - New Apple Media Centre to replace AppleTV

http://www.smarthousenews.com.au/Communication/Industry?Article=/Communication/Industry/V6L8T6S9

"We are also told that Apple has formed a close relationship with Cisco and that the two companies are hoping to launch by early 2008 a brand new Apple network box that will be a cross between the Apple TV solution and a traditional media centre. Major differences will the networking capability of the box and its integration with other Apple and Cisco products."

Our DSL connection is excellent; Using 6Mbps and soon to be 12Mbps - and it runs this fast even at the busiest times; I've found HD streaming to be great - starts within a few minutes and keeps up with the download while playing...
and The newer Fiber to the home stuff (ala Verizon and many others) really rocks...

ken

FIOS, mmmmm speedy goodness! Not for me though... Damn telcom industry, why are we Americans so far behind the rest of the first world (mainly asian countries)...?