CUPERTINO, CA -- Apple's forthcoming iTV and refreshed line of iPod digital music players is putting the company in position to offer an integrated download and playback platform for the home.

"We believe this represents a substantial new market opportunity and will support strong growth into 2007," said analyst Chris Whitmore of Deutsche Bank in a research note issued today.



DB says the initial build for the new Apple Nano exceeded 3 million and should translate into "meaningful shipments" this quarter. Other products in the pipeline include the 6GB widescreen iPod and iPhone, which are expected within the next one to two quarters.

Apple will extend its product line into consumer electronics, DB said, with products for the den, car, living room and pocket.