Sony Won’t Be Manufacturing Converter Boxes

As February 2009 draws closer, it should come as no surprise that many companies are clamoring to be the ones to provide digital converters to the public. After all, with the government planning to help with the purchase of millions of these little gadgets, there certainly will be plenty of people out there looking to purchase them. Therefore, you can understand why it was interesting to me when I ran across an article about Sony and about how the company isn’t planning to sell any of these upconverters at all. In fact, they are steering clear of the entire ordeal. The reasoning, however, makes quite a bit of sense if you think about it.

Apparently, CEO Stan Glasgow said, “Those that really are going to go the converter box, they’re note going to buy a TV anyway. We’re really taking about a $40 converter box that’s going to downgrade a digital to an analog signal – I think, some people, it’s good enough for them, but they were not going to be TV purchasers from Sony anyway. So I don’t see that being a major effect in terms of HD televisions being sold in this country.”

In the article I read, it was implied that Sony was an uncaring company that refused to look out for the “little guy” or that the company was projecting some sort of elitist attitude. If you ask me, Sony is just doing smart business. The company is well-aware of its demographic and its target audience. As such, those that aren’t willing to make the jump to a digital television simply are not part of their target audience. Rather, Sony tends to cater more to those that want to get the most out of their television viewing experience. There is nothing wrong with that – it’s a matter of picking a market and doing what you can to please it.

Although Sony may be deciding to miss out on the converter sales, there will still be plenty of converters available for those that want them. Brands such as Zenith, RCA, and Magnavox/Phillips will be manufacturing the boxes. So, if you aren’t part of Sony’s demographic, there is no need to worry!

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