DVman
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Mar 7, 2005, 12:44 PM
Post #2 of 3
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Re: [John K.] Sony sales have been in a slump
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Let's just remember that it was JVC, not Sony which introduced the first HDV camcorder to the market. In any case, HDV is the best news that we videographers have had since the introduction of the DV format. Actually, HDV was long overdue. It is perhaps the lack of marketing innovation that put Sony into a slump. Now with HDV in place, the sky is the limit because this format is exactly what everybody needed. HDV means much better performance, much better quality, and a market revival not only for the manufacturers but for everyone.
Does it cost money? Of course. Do I need it? You are the only one to decide. Is it much better than DV. 100 % better! And specifically about cameras it is not just picture quality but also the functionality of the camera itself with so many useful built-in extremely useful features. Just all those features make the camera worth its price. Even if the HDV format was not a feature of that camera, people would still be talking abot the Z1: true 16x9 chips (much better resolution even if you are delivering in 16x9 DV), PAL-NTSC switchable (2 cameras in one!!!!), a myriad control over audio including a limiter. Also: programmable setups, variable zoom control (much better than PD150/170), advanced color correction within the camera, skin detail, black stretch, gamma control, etc. etc. etc. HDV is the icing of the cake.
I see the introduction of the HDV format exactly, repeat, exactly as when the DV format was first introduced in 97. People questioned the format back then. People were suspicious of the format. It was not trusted at first and had so many technical problems with the editing part. New decks to buy, new cameras to buy, new software, accessories, etc. At first some people even predicted back then that the DV format was doomed, sames as the Beta ED format (remember that short lived professional format?) by Sony or the MII format by Panasonic.
HDV is being accepted by broadcasters faster than the way it is with the event video industry. But there is no question that HDV is the future for an extensive number of applications including wedding video production.
“Japanese icon Sony has named a former American television journalist knighted by Queen Elizabeth II (news - web sites) as its first foreign head in a bid to turn around a dramatic slump in the company that brought the world the Walkman and PlayStation.”
Interesting article today, I guess it supports those who have stated in the past that Sony worldwide has indeed been in a slump and that they need to push new products in order to boost sales and stay competitive. As quoted in the article: Chubachi said there could be "no revival of Sony without a revival of electronics." Perhaps they’re hoping their HD products will stop the slump and boost their sales?? I surely don't see them taking a bite (so to speak) out of what Apple has done with the iPod; something also mentioned in the article.
For the record, I do like Sony and own 4 of their VX2000s, among other things. Just posting this thread as I found it a bit interesting and it does support what I've read from others about Sony's sales. The full article can be found at Yahoo news today.
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