Sony of Canada
Sony is one of the most recognized brand names in the world as a result of years of remarkable advances in technology and market leadership. Sony of Canada's history is an intriguing story that combines the spirit of the entrepreneur with the curiosity and inventiveness of the engineer.
In the beginning there was Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Company (TTK), founded in 1946 by Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka. The company's name was changed to Sony Corporation in 1958.
In 1955, the first export of a Sony product outside Japan was made to Canada. Albert Cohen, founder of General Distributors of Winnipeg, placed an initial order with TTK, for 50 TR-55 transistor radios.
As Sony entered the 60s, more innovative products followed. The first FM transistor radio, the smallest-ever pocket-sized set, and the first transistorized TV, are some examples. As early as 1961, a transistorized videotape machine was described as a cost-effective new. In 1969, the first Trinitron color TV was launched. A new and innovated product, the Walkman, was also developed in the late 70s. Although it had a high retail price driven by the factory cost, the initial Canadian order sold out in 40 days. Canadian Walkman sales in its first year outpaced England, France and Germany combined. The Walkman soon became one of the biggest success stories in the history of consumer electronics.
In 1983, Sony of Canada received a Betacam Marketing Award for its leadership in establishing the Betacam technology as the broadcast standard outside Japan. The Betamax transport system was adopted by key Canadian television networks, Global, CTV, CFTO and CBC. As the decade ended, Sony sustained a 95% share of the global electronic news gathering (ENG) market.
Entering the 90s, Sony of Canada remained the dominant company in the consumer, industrial and broadcast markets. In 1992, the CBC Broadcasting Center opened in Toronto and included the largest Sony Digital Routing System. It was also one of the world's first. Today, forms of this groundbreaking router control software are used worldwide and in 1997, the CBC won a technical Emmy for its foresight in implementing such an advanced system--based almost solely on Sony components. A critical factor for Sony of Canada's continued success in the 1990s was the creation of the next generation of VTRs, Digital Betacam. Since Digital Betacam had compatibility with analogue Betacam, it soon became a standard for studio and post-production.
In 1993, Sony of Canada established its Computer Products Division. Trinitron technology was incorporated into multiscan computer monitors, creating unbelievable clarity, accuracy, and color quality. Storage devices became key lines and the division launched the VAIO Notebook Computer in 1998. VAIO was an instant hit in the marketplace; a fresh presentation of new, reduced-in-size design. In 1999, Sony of Canada launched the revolutionary Memory Stick. It has up to 44x the storage capacity of a standard floppy disk, and yet is as small as a stick of gum. Sony of Canada's other major launch in 1999 was that of its first e-commerce site. A virtual extension of the Sony store, Canadians began calling the Sony store direct.
The future for Sony of Canada is extremely bright. Traditional product innovation continues with DVD, Digital8 Camcorders, High Definition TV, Digital Still Cameras, VAIOTM Notebook Computers, and new broadcast standard Digital Betacam products. Sony envisions a future where technology provides the essential tools for everyone to pursue their dreams.
WORKS CITED
http://www.businessweek.com/1996/22/b3477134.htm
http://www.interbridge.com/chatterbox/sony.html
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