Apple recently filed a patent on what could be some kind of total home entertainment system that will read music and video from just about every medium from iPods, computers or stand-alone DVD players.

The device may be an enhancement to the already-released Apple TV or may also be an entirely different device in itself. It was also speculated that the device may record media or stream data similar to a Slingbox.

The patent says that this Apple concept is segmented - divided into different modules - and has a central hub coordinating the exchanges. Of course, the user will be able to call the shots in a multitude of ways. Theories that a mouse and keyboard, a remote control or the iPhone can be used to direct everything have surfaced, although no confirmations have been made.

If Apple follows its innovative tradition of allowing third parties to create products that will enhance the system, firms will be likely to get in a rush to capitalize on this market opportunity. Still, everything's still just a patent at this point and a lot of modifications may still be made. We'll keep you posted for new developments. If you want to read more about this new Apple brainchild, follow the read URL.