A Real Apple TV?

Apple is rumored to have hired Tomlinson Holman as its new audio chief. Holman is the guy behind all the THX patents:

Darrell Etherington, Apple Said to Have Hired the Audio Genius Behind THX

If Apple has indeed brought Holman on board, it could signify big things in store for Mac, iOS and even iTunes audio. Apple already builds optical audio out into all new Macs, via the headphone port (it works with optical TOSLINK cables using an adapter), which can provide true surround sound from your computer to your home theatre system, but it could stand to improve the quality of its built-in Mac and iOS device speakers and headphones. There have also been rumors that Apple may be looking to improve the sound quality of iTunes audio files, which is definitely something Holman could assist with.

What about a new generation of Apple audio devices?

And the battle for the living room, with streaming video — instead of broadcast TV — as the dominant use of ‘television’ sets. Apple could be planning to roll out a new product line, based on its already amazing displays. Something to replace the Apple TV device, which is not a TV at all, but an internet appliance.

Imagine a real Apple TV: iOS, wifi/ethernet connection, an app store to support various streaming options like Roku has now, and some fixed speakers. Touch screen, as well as being controlled through iOS devices. And the ability to push audio through wifi to other wifi-enabled speakers.

Basically the mutant offspring of an iPad and a Cinema Display. And with THX-style speakers.