March 28, 2012 - 22:54 AMT
Apple TV unlikely in 2012, research group says

Most analysts say Apple will release an Apple TV this year but research group CLSA said in a note that it thinks it comes out in 2013.

According to Business Insider, it also says that Foxconn parent Hon Hai's decision to invest in Sharp is further evidence that an Apple TV is coming. Sharp will be providing the panels for Apple's TV.

The note reads:

“We continue to view Apple TV hardware as a 2013 event. The timing of Hon Hai/Foxconn's equity stake and partnership with Sharp along with Hon Hai Chairman Terry Gou's separate 46.5% investment in Sharp's Sakai City plant lends further credibility that Apple TV is in the works. This also follows reports that Apple is investing ~$1.3bn in equipment destined for Sharp facilities. The fact that Hon Hai is investing rather than just procuring panels from Sharp underscores a deeper level of integration which Apple/Hon Hai are accustomed to, increased reliability as Sharp has struggled with iPad3 qualification, and an effort to improve Sharp's financial position before becoming a more meaningful supplier to Apple. We also believe Corning has an 83% market share at the Sakai facility and would ultimately benefit from improving utilization that is expected to happen over time. Sharp accounted for 10% of Corning's overall sales and 25% of its display sales in 2011.”