Date:09/10/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/10/09/stories/2007100957581800.htm

Business

Sony in talks with broadcasters for developing HD content

Special Correspondent

Launches six new series comprising 15 LCD TVs

— PHOTO: ANU PUSHKARNA

VIEWERS’ DELIGHT: Masaru Tamagawa, Managing Director, Sony India, with models at the launch of the HD Bravia LCD TV range in New Delhi on Monday.

NEW DELHI: Japanese electronics giant Sony on Monday revealed that it is in talks with broadcasters in India for developing high definition (HD) television.

“We expect high definition broadcasting in India to start by 2009 and now Sony is aggressively approaching broadcasting companies for content creation as it has all the equipments required,” Sony India Managing Director, Masaru Tamagawa, told reporters here on the occasion of launch of six new series comprising 15 models of LCD TVs for the festive season. Sony India is targeting around 26 per cent rise in its sales from Rs. 2,300 crore in 2006 to Rs. 2,900 in the current year.

It has also earmarked $35 million for marketing and advertising spend for this year, up from $20 million last year.

The company has slashed the prices of its products by 10-15 per cent ahead of Diwali. Of the $35 million set aside for this year, around $10 million would be spent for Diwali, Mr. Tamagawa said.