It’s the End of an Era for Sony

by

Sony, the multimedia giant, has announced it’s selling off one of its oldest businesses – one that actually started before the famous PlayStation gaming consoles. While Sony is now hugely successful with PlayStation, the company has been involved in media and entertainment since 1946. Originally, Sony became well-known for electronics like the TR-55 radio and the CV-2000 videotape recorder.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Sony continued to expand, purchasing Columbia Records and Columbia Pictures. These were then integrated into Sony Music Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment. Beyond music, film, and television, Sony entered the gaming market with the 1994 launch of the PlayStation, which quickly became the world’s best-selling console brand. More recently, in 2021, Sony bought Crunchyroll and combined it with its existing Funimation service, aiming to become a leading name in anime.

Sony’s TV Brand Will Be Handed Over to TCL

Sony and TCL, a Chinese electronics company, are joining forces to create a new company focused on televisions. TCL will be the majority owner with a 51% stake, while Sony will own 49%. The agreement is expected to be finalized by March, with the new company launching operations in April 2027, pending standard legal approvals.

Despite their new partnership, TCL plans to keep using the Sony and Bravia names on its future TVs. Although Sony is no longer directly making televisions, TCL will still incorporate Sony’s renowned picture and sound quality into its products. They’ll combine this with their own innovative display technology and use their worldwide reach to continue selling TVs globally.

As a film and tech critic, I’m watching this potential deal with real concern. If it goes through, it could seriously damage Sony’s reputation in the television world – a space they’ve been pioneers in for over six decades. Think back to 1959, when they launched the TV8-301, the very first all-transistor TV. And who could forget the Trinitron? That brand alone, selling over 100 million sets, really pushed color television forward. This deal feels like it could mark the end of an era for a true innovator.

Over the past decade, Sony has been shifting away from traditional electronics, recently stopping production of its own Blu-ray discs to concentrate on its film and anime content. At the same time, TCL has become a strong competitor in the TV market, challenging brands like LG with more affordable options. This partnership combines Sony’s strengths in media creation with TCL’s manufacturing expertise and brand recognition, allowing both companies to thrive – Sony by focusing on content, and TCL by leveraging Sony’s name and technology to better compete.

Read More

2026-01-21 09:04