It's been quite a while since we last heard about the Apple TV, but now we're hearing the growing rumble of beautiful rumors regarding the availability of downloadable HD content for the Apple TV. And we say that it's about time. The Apple TV does have 720p HD playback, after all, why not take advantage of the feature with actual HD content?

Even more promising are the rumors of new hard drive sizes and even optical drives in store for the Apple TV: word is out that the Apple TV line of products will be made more affordable, with a starting price of US$ 249 for an Apple TV with a 60 or 80GB hard drive. TVs with larger HD sizes (with sizes ranging from 120 GB to 250GB) were rumored to make an appearance as well, with pricetags worth US$ 299 to US$ 399 attached.

As for optical drives, there's no specific details available for this rumor, not even which format it will support. But an Apple TV with more features and more format options is indeed a better Apple TV, so we just have to cross our fingers for now and hope for more specific updates, and wish that they will come true.