We attended the second exclusive Sony event in as many months this October 2. It seems that Sony is on the offensive with regards to market saturation, and make no mistake; Sony isn’t doing anything in half measures.

                                             It says a lot when buying Sony products requires its own credit card. 

Sony is most well-represented here in the Philippines by its line of video cameras, although Sony products obtained from other sources (bought abroad or through unofficial channels) also exists. Yet in the space of a few short weeks, we see three big releases by Sony Philippines, namely the blue-ray player, the Sony VAIO line, and this month’s Bravia line.

                                              Sony has come a looong way.

The Bravia line by itself represents a two-dozen new model commitment by Sony to the local market. There is even an unconfirmed rumor that there will be another TV released in two week’s time “that’s going to be big” – as quoted by a Sony representative. I have a sneaking suspicion that it’s for the biggest screen Sony has, or something similar – 103” LCD anyone? Obviously, Sony thinks the market is ready for the big leagues.

This may be true, and by all accounts I am glad that Sony has decided to take this market seriously and release products as they arrive (that’s relative though, as Sony’s 3mm OLED display won’t be arriving here anytime soon – but no complaints for that), at the same time I cannot help but worry that the only the A and B markets will be able to get into the Sony action.

                                             Sony's OLED, 3mm thich LCD has just been released.

With prices that exceed that of the competitions’ by large percentages in all categories, Sony’s products’ high prices are further underlined by these new releases into the local market. Sony focuses on design and quality, and while no one doubts that these two characteristics remain in the fore of Sony prioritization, it drags along a price point that will scare most middle-level consumers away.

                                             MotionFlow enables smooth-flowing output.

Features like a 10-bit processing coupled with a 10-bit display panel enabling a wider color gamut and thus truer color reproduction, MotionFlow technology that doubles the number of frames to give a smoother output, multiple next-generation connectors, a dynamic backlighting system that adjusts intensity according to the average picture level that promotes high contrast ratios – all these features represent Sony’s relentless drive for improving its quality through technology, and coupled with wonderful design, gives Sony the premium image it nurtures as well as increase price.

Do note though, that Sony employs more and better-skilled financial analysts than a poor ole’ editorial jock like me, so I guess they see something that I don’t or else they wouldn’t be spending quite so much in bringing in all of their new releases, seeing that their existing Handycam line is flourishing. Regardless, I’m not going to argue with them, what with the number of new toys that I can drool over. The VAIO laptops already had me grinning from ear to ear; the release of these wonderful Bravia LCDs makes me want to jump up and dance a cha-cha.

                                             A lot of old Sony products are still going strong due to robustness and quality.

And that summarizes Sony’s unique position even in a less-developed market like the Philippines. Even if it is more expensive than the competition, even with the limited exposure it has here, Sony evokes confidence in potential customers in its products. This invasion of Sony models is a vote of confidence that customers who are after quality, good design, and a premium customer experience will invest in these products.