Japanese electronics giant Sony has decided to shut down its television production factories in Bridgend and Pencoed in Wales. This is part of its plan for its European operation to move away from cathode ray tube (CRT) televisions and focus on the production of plasma TV’s, LCD’s (liquid crystal displays) and rear projection devices. Citing the declining demand for CRT televisions as the reason for the decision, the plant shutdowns will affect around 600 workers.
Sony is a market leader in the world of consumer and business electronics, as well as in the entertainment industry. Its high-end Wega Plasma HDTV’s (high definition televisions) range in price from $4,499.99 to $12,999.99. Despite the company’s high visibility and the continuing popularity of its offerings, it cannot afford to sit back and be complacent. Other market players, notably Samsung, LG, Panasonic and Dell, are charging in and are threatening to erode Sony’s market share with their comparable and lower-priced plasma TV’s.
This competition in the plasma TV market will most probably have a healthy effect on prices, to the benefit of the consumers. It’s great to see the increasing affordability of technology today.
