Apple reportedly in talks with EPIX over content for new TV

According to two unnamed sources, EPIX, a three-year-old movie streaming service created by Lions Gate Entertainment Corp, MGM and Viacom's Paramount Pictures, would offer streaming of much-needed premium Hollywood content to Apple's set-top box, reports Reuters.

One of the sources also said that the agreement would include future Apple television products as well, hinting that the computer giant is indeed planning to release a internet-connected HDTV.

Rumors about the device have been swirling for over a year, though the whispers have so far been here-say and no concrete evidence has been discovered. A recent report claims that the product will be called the "iPanel" and will launch sometime in 2012.

The deal is still in the negotiations phase and an agreement is not expected any time soon. Besides its own streaming site, EPIX is currently beholden to an exclusive $200 million a year deal with Netflix that ends in September.

Currently on EPIX's roster of films are "Rango" and "The Lincoln Lawyer," and Netflix announced that the service will add "Thor" and "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" soon.