Sony delaying larger OLED TV until 2010?
updated 03:20 pm EDT, Mon August 17, 2009
Sony Large OLED Delayed
A larger Sony OLED TV will now have to wait until 2010 at the earliest, an apparent leak signaled today. Once on track for the end of the year, the set now isn't slated to show until next year at the earliest. Those reportedly passing on the information to the Wall Street Journal have portrayed it as an economic move, as Sony likely can't afford to worsen its losses by selling a TV that has little to no profit, as it does with the 11-inch XEL-1.
The company posted its first annual loss in 14 years this year and blamed it partly on a sagging TV business affected by the poor world economy. To shore up its efforts, the company has focused more attention on lower-end TVs and has seen CEO Sir Howard Stringer personally take over the presidency of the electronics group to help reorganize it.
A delay of this level would have little impact on Sony's core health but would be a symbolic loss to rival LG, which now generates more revenue and is still on track to launch a 15-inch OLED TV as soon as December.
Sony hasn't officially commented on the accuracy of the claims.
