How Sony beat digital-camera rivals

Article Abstract:

Sony Corp. has outmaneuvered its competitors in the digital camera race. Sony's Mavica digital camera holds a 41% market share in the US and although $200-$400 dollars more expensive than its rivals' cameras, its PC-friendliness and ease of use make it the digital camera of choice. Since there is no standard in the digital camera industry, the Mavica's ease of use became its strongest selling point. The Mavica's pictures are stored on a regular floppy disk which holds about 20 images and can be printed from the floppy once inserted into the PC. Its images are not as sharp as those produced by other cameras and it is more cumbersome, but it does not require complicated storage systems and hookup cables. Sony also sells a printer which takes the Mavica floppy disks and allows the user to bypass a PC. Sony is developing a high-resolution detachable device called Memory Stick which has more storage space and will greatly enhance picture quality.

Photographic equipment and supplies, Photographic and Photocopying Equipment Manufacturing, Product information, Computer Peripheral Cameras, Market share, Digital cameras, Electronic cameras, Digital camera, Sony Digital Mavica (Digital camera)

Sony agrees to pay $1 million to settle SEC complaint over loss disclosures

Article Abstract:

The Securities and Exchange Commission has accepted a settlement in which the Sony Corp. will pay a $1 million fine for failure to properly disclose that Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. had suffered hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Sony's losses had been hidden from shareholders after they were combined with the record unit's fiscal 1994 profits. The SEC also will force Sony to allow outside auditors to examine the management discussion and analysis section of its accounts, beginning in 1999, to insure that the company produces accurate accounting records.

Comment:

Will pay a $1 mil fine for failure to properly disclose hundreds of millions of dollars in losses

Financial management, Company Planning/Goals, Article

Sony unit to unveil online music studio

Article Abstract:

Sony Corp.'s Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment unit is introducing a new broadband service on the Web that will enable users to buy software that will allow them to create their own sound recordings and music videos.

Household audio and video equipment, Services introduction, Services, Company service introduction, Service introduction, Sound recordings, SNE, Music videos, Music video direction, Music video production