Check out this excellent concept video by Sam Beckett that details how an Apple television might work.
The overall idea of the concept demonstrates how an iPad or iPad Mini could be paired, (via bluetooth) to an Apple TV set-top box or TV screen panel. User input would either be by multitouch (on the tablet), or with Siri voice commands.
The video talks through how interacting with the television would work. Take a look below.
I like it, its not mind blowing actually and one would expect this functionality already to be honest, it really wouldn't take all that much. As there are similar solutions already. It doesn't show how blue ray or gaming would work as suggested from the beginning. BUt the over all concept seems very do able. The other comment I wonder is it would be equally nice if people don't require an iPad. LeapMotion offers a novel way to use hand motions to interact with a monitor. Hence allowing the entire UI to become wave-able. LeapMotion coupled with a 4kHDTV and a Apple TV would be a wonderful experience. Now that makes me think, of a bigger question here; Internet versus Cable. My Apple TV wish to have internet, I feel Apple would allow for cable but not insist on it - this video suggests otherwise. While there is a growing population seeking none cable solutions I believe Apple is listening. Why has Apple taken so long though to produce something like this video projects?