Sony panels....

[admin_exported]

well most of you may or may not know that the last range of Sony models panels were bought from Samsung... and now ive learnt when they launch their 2009 range... the panels will be made from Sharp in a new plant... cant they just make their own panels? although they are adamant that its just the panel and the technology is completely different...

 

[Clare Newsome]

Yes, we heard that some time ago. Will be interesting to see how Sony's take on the Sharp LCD panels compares with Pioneer's forthcoming LCD line-up, also to be based on Sharp screens. Bring it on!

The reason, BTW, that Sony can't make their own panels is that flatscreen factories take years to build and squillions to fund. Sony underestimated just how fast flat TVs would take-off, so didn't make the same level of investment that others did (Sharp, Samsung, Panasonic etc).

Couple that with the stunning success of the Bravia range, and there's no way Sony could be self-sufficient in screens as it stands.

 

[Anonymous]

Sony were late into the LCD arena after continued promotion of their Trinitron CRT screens and therefore had to come up with a 'quick win' to recapture their share of the flat panel market. I think you'll find their lcd panels are not 'bought' from Samsung but made in a joint venture plant called SLCD based at a Samsung site in Korea. Samsung own 51% and Sony 49%. Its one of the most advanced plants in the world and provides panels for both brands. Sony apply their own picture processing technology which apparently makes all the difference to the picture quality. Although I understand Samsung 'tv's' are pretty close in terms of picture quality and are considerably cheaper.