Out of Osaka, Japan we learn that Sharp Corp. is about to embark on a major restructuring of its business that will likely change the company in fundamental ways. Plans call for closing domestic factories – a first for Sharp – staff cuts, and a possible exit from a major business segment for the company. Sharp is also seeking to raise capital, something that is not easy for a struggling company.
Manufacturers
AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website
Seattle, WA-based AudioControl announced this week that it has completely redesigned its website seen at www.audiocontrol.com. Much more than just a new color scheme or updated fonts – AudioControl rebuilt the entire site from the ground up with all new graphics, navigation, and in-depth information.
See more on the AudioControl website upgrade… [Read more…] about AudioControl Unveils Completely Redesigned Website
AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660
As promised at last month’s CES, AudioControl is now shipping the latest model in its popular Architect line – the 2660. Sure to be a workhorse amplifier that will be the backbone of many system installations, the Architect 2660 brings a lot of channels, power, and flexibility to the table.
Learn more about the 2660 here… [Read more…] about AudioControl Launches All-New Architect 2660
Despite Scary Sales Slide, JVC Kenwood Posts Big Profit Gains
JVC Kenwood Corp. released their financial results for the first 9-months of the current fiscal year (ending March 31st) and the company points to a tremendous swing in profits as proof of the positive impact of their painful, multi-year business restructuring efforts. The company completely turned around a negative profit trend – booking an operating profit, an ordinary profit…and a ¥500 million ($4.2 million) improvement to a modest net loss.
See more on these results which occurred despite a continuing sales decline… [Read more…] about Despite Scary Sales Slide, JVC Kenwood Posts Big Profit Gains
After Fighting Idea for Years, Sony is Ready to Dump TV, A/V, & Smartphone Businesses
In a revealing presentation with the press yesterday in Japan, embattled Sony CEO Kazuo Hirai told the media that the company is finally ready to consider alternatives for its TV, A/V, and smartphone businesses, including exiting them. This is a stunning turnaround in strategy, not just for the inventor of the Trinitron picture tube, but for Hirai himself who had previously identified their TV and smartphone businesses as a core categories when he first took over as CEO in 2012.
See more on Sony’s strategy to turn around their business…which has many skeptics… [Read more…] about After Fighting Idea for Years, Sony is Ready to Dump TV, A/V, & Smartphone Businesses
S. Korea Stakes Claim as World’s #1 TV Supplier
New market data confirms what you probably already suspected, South Korea is the #1 supplier of TV products to the world. Home to both Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics, S. Korean media is calling itself the ‘Country of TV.’
See some surprising new global TV market data… [Read more…] about S. Korea Stakes Claim as World’s #1 TV Supplier
Local TV Crew Tracks Mysterious Van; Traces It to Apple
A San Francisco TV station KPIX news crew inadvertently ran across a mysterious blue minivan with an odd assortment of cameras and technology affixed to the top. The purpose of this van was not obvious…nor was the owner, as it was completely unmarked. But the intrepid KPIX reporters traced the van and discovered it was leased to…Apple.
What was Apple up to with this van?… [Read more…] about Local TV Crew Tracks Mysterious Van; Traces It to Apple
Planar to Show Unique Transparent OLED Technology at ISE2015
Planar Systems, Inc. announced today that it will show a new transparent OLED technology this month at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2015 this month. Calling themselves “a pioneer in this next wave of transparent display” Planar will show what looks to be an impressive 55″ prototype display with stunning OLED image on a transparent screen.
See more on this interesting new technology from Planar… [Read more…] about Planar to Show Unique Transparent OLED Technology at ISE2015
Sharp Considers Dropping TV Biz in N. America
“Sharp has fallen on hard times again,” declared an at times shocking report in the Nikkei this week. The statement comes in the wake of the company announcing on Tuesday that, rather than their forecast of a profit for the current fiscal year, the company will in fact book a net loss. And this disappointing news will almost certainly drive the call for a much more drastic restructuring than has been accomplished in the past – with the company reportedly considering pulling out of the television business in North America altogether.
See more on this stunning reversal in Sharp’s fortunes… [Read more…] about Sharp Considers Dropping TV Biz in N. America
Toshiba Takes A Hike – Drops TV Biz Everywhere But Japan
Toshiba Corp. announced late yesterday that it has decided to exit the TV business in all export markets, including North America. The move shocked some, but those who follow the trends in the TV business were not surprised at all as Japanese manufacturers have struggled to maintain viability in a low profitability category with declining demand.
