James Delahunty
29 Aug 2007 20:31
Sony Corp. has unveiled 15 new flat-TVs and a new remote control as part of an effort to re-gain market share during the holidays. Sony is the second largest maker of LCD TVs and is trying to catch up with South Korean giant Samsung Electronics Co Ltd. The company hopes the new 40" - 70" panels and its new remote that doesn't need to point directly at a TV screen, will help its Bravia-brand LCD TVs turn a profit this year after a 20 billion yen ($176 million) loss in April-June.
"The year-end shopping season is going to be very tough," Sony Senior Vice President Takashi Fukuda told a news conference. Sony is especially affected by price competition. Sales of its LCD TVs grew about 5% in April-June, while Samsung's sales went up 54% and Sharp's rose 31%, according to DisplaySearch.
Sony's LCD join-venture with Samsung began shipping its first 8th gen panels this week, to help the two rivals lower per-TV costs.
Source:
Reuters