More Apple HD TV Hardware Speculation

Could Apple’s recent $3.9 billion investment in display components signal an intention to enter the HD TV market? AppleInsider is reporting that Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster thinks this could be on the horizon.

With Munster estimating a “connected” TV rate of 48% in 2012, you have to admit the concept fits in with Apple’s convergence strategy for media delivery/domination. It also could represent some serious cash—like $2.5 billion—and a further diversified product line.

My only question is how would it be priced? With all their “retina” developments, you know the quality would be good, so maybe this is another approach to bring “non-apple” types into the cult by a more traditional route—the TV in the living room.

But is the Piper image below comparing function and price accurate? Why do I think an Apple HD TV could cost more than listed below? Because their products always seem to cost more than I expect.