Sony has announced it will spin off its television business, one of its longest-running ventures. This comes despite Sony’s massive success in video games with the PlayStation brand. Sony has also been a major player in electronics, music, film, and TV since its founding in 1946. Early products included the TR-55 radio and the CV-2000 videotape recorder.
Over the decades, Sony expanded further. It acquired Columbia Records and Columbia Pictures, creating Sony Music Group and Sony Pictures Entertainment. In 1994, it launched the original PlayStation, which became one of the best-selling console brands ever. More recently, Sony acquired CrunchyRoll in 2021 and merged it with Funimation, aiming to dominate the anime market as well.
Now, Sony is partnering with Chinese electronics company TCL. Under this deal, TCL will own 51% of the new television company, and Sony will retain 49%. The agreement is expected to be finalized by March, with operations beginning in April 2027.
Even with the new joint venture, TCL will continue using the Sony and Bravia brands. TCL plans to combine its advanced display technology with Sony’s picture and audio technology. This move allows Sony to step back from manufacturing while TCL pushes displays globally under Sony’s trusted name.
Sony’s history in TV is long and notable. It started with the TV8-301 in 1959, the first all-transistor television. Its Trinitron brand sold over 100 million units and was a major milestone for color TV. However, in recent years, Sony has gradually moved away from electronics production. It ended Blu-ray disc production last year to focus more on its film and anime intellectual properties.
The joint venture benefits both companies. Sony can concentrate on creating media, while TCL leverages Sony’s branding and technology to compete with other TV makers like LG. This partnership marks a new chapter in Sony’s long television legacy.
