Apple will broadcast its highly anticipated media event today in a live video stream, but in a decision sure to divide consumers, only owners of the latest Apple kit will be able to watch it.

Commentators expect Apple CEO Steve Jobs to unveil a refreshed iPod family plus confirm whether iTunes is headed online as well as lifting the lid on TV show streaming rumours.

However, not everyone will be able to watch the event live as Apple has made a divisive move to broadcast its conference using HTTP Live Streaming, which only runs on the latest Apple products, perhaps risking alienating would-be Apple customers.

Viewers will need a Mac running Safari on Mac OS X version 10.6 Snow Leopard, an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch running iOS 3.0 or higher to watch the show, which starts at 10am PDT at www.apple.com.

Some commentators have perceived the move to be another show of arrogance from the consumer electronics powerhouse and believe the Apple-only approach will heighten its ‘closed door’ image, where Apple product owners are members of some sort of exclusive club.

In fact, as recent figures estimate Mac’s os market share is just 5 percent, Apple risks alienating 95 percent of all computer users.