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In-the-Red Sony Delays Superflat TV

By Jason Farago,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 18, 2009 7:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – Sony will delay production of its next-generation ultrathin television as the struggling electronics giant seeks to avoid further losses, reports the Wall Street Journal. The organic light emitting diode, or OLED, television was to succeed a three-millimeter-thick model released in late 2007, but will be held back until at least next year. At present Sony is on track for a sixth straight year in the red.

In past years Sony has rolled out technologically impressive products that nevertheless failed to turn a profit, but today's decision signals impatience at the Japanese giant for profits from its TV division—it lost $1.34 billion last year. Delaying the OLED television opens the door for LG, Samsung and other manufacturers racing into a market seen as a replacement for LCD displays.

A model of Sony Corp.'s  21-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, measuring just 3 millimeters thick.
A model of Sony Corp.'s 21-inch organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, measuring just 3 millimeters thick.   (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
While flat-panel TVs have come down to as little as $200, OLEDs can cost thousands.
While flat-panel TVs have come down to as little as $200, OLEDs can cost thousands.   (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, file)
11-inch OLED displays have been sold since 2007, but a larger version has been delayed.
11-inch OLED displays have been sold since 2007, but a larger version has been delayed.   (AP Photo/Itsuo Inouye)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
The_Pinkston
Aug 19, 2009 6:27 AM CDT
That's what I said when I fist saw plasmas....Wait a little bit. Now plasmas are dirt cheap and "old technology".
doingtherightthing
Aug 18, 2009 5:16 AM CDT
being in this industry for a while I might add this. Sony will go the way of RCA and Zenith. Former notable American brands. Japan cannot compete with Korea in turn, Korea cannot compete with China, and China cannot compete with Somalia.......get it, cheap cheap cheap........Sony will become will fade away......say hello to Somalian TV's!
Nwambe
Aug 18, 2009 1:59 AM CDT
Might it also have something to do with Sony's incompetence when it comes to rolling out well-priced products that the market wants to use? viz their rootkits from a couple of years ago, lack of network playability and expense on their PS3, and a history of making shoddy consumer products (I owned a phone and a TV from Sony - Both were surprisingly crap)

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