HDTV makers hope history repeats; Japanese companies look to Olympics to boost sales

Article Abstract:

The Japanese electronics industry is waiting to see if the introduction of the new high-definition television (HDTV) system will catch on the way color television did in 1964. Japanese manufacturers are offering HDTV after billions of yen in investments and years of development. The Japanese system is based on analog technology, not digital technology. Analysts estimate that fewer than 1,000 homes are using the HDTV systems. Industry executives optimistically hope that over 30,000 homes will use HDTV by the end of 1992. HDTV provides a clear and crisp picture that approaches movie quality. Japanese companies experienced a huge boom in 1964 when they introduced color television to the public during the Olympics. Several companies are hoping to cash in on the potential popularity of HDTV during the Olympics by dropping prices of HDTV sets.

Television broadcasting stations, Product introduction, Industrial research, Research and Development, Marketing Strategy

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Japanese seem to be hedging bet on HDTV

Article Abstract:

Japanese television makers are hedging bets concerning the consumer use of high-definition television (HDTV) in 1991. At the same time, the Japanese government moves ahead with promoting the new technology by increasing its transmission to eight hours a day. Industry observers note that HDTV will not become available to consumers until 2000 because of the high cost of HDTV television sets. Estimates in the mid-1980s were that the Japanese would dominate the world market for HDTV and have one million sets in the market by 1991; Japanese television makers say that 1995 is a more realistic date for having one million sets in circulation.

Product development, Digital television, Television, Future Technologies, High-Definition Television

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While Sony tries to resolve cash shortage, a few analysts urge investors to steer clear

Article Abstract:

Sony Corp is still viewed as a solid company by most industry observers, but the company has recently experienced cash problems as well as longer-term problems involving competition. An alliance between Matsushita and Philips Electronics NV is expected to introduce its Mini Disc in 1992, which would replace cassette tapes. And Nintendo is becoming stronger and more threatening in the game/'multimedia' market. Overall, Sony is positioned to take good advantage of an impending synergism of computers and consumer electronics products. Nevertheless, some analysts now advise investors to avoid Sony, at least for the time being.

Consumer electronics industry, Consumer electronics, Securities, Sony Corp., column, Outlook, Competition, Stock, Financial Stability

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