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Touring the Sony Archives in Tokyo: Walkmans, robot dogs and a golden guinea pig
Sony has had some tough times recently, and while it's finally started to make some difficult changes in a bid to turn its fortunes around, the Archives building is where the company's success stories live forever. A fair distance from most of Sony's high-rise structures in Shinagawa, it's a well-stocked pantheon to everything that made the electronics maker what it is today. It's open to the public (as long you make an appointment), and the tour includes a rousing TV presentation from Sony co-founders Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita, and a walk through 60 years in the electronics business. An AIBO robot will greet you at the door, and if you've spent any time around tech, there's bound to be something here to make you smile -- even if it's just the Billy Joel CD. Our own highlights are right after the gallery.
Sony bids adieu to Trinitron CRT sets
Just months after Sony hauled its RPTV production business off to the graveyard, the firm is now bidding a fond farewell to the Trinitron CRT. Believe it or not, the first Trinitron became a reality in 1968, and here we are some 40 years later shedding a tear as LCDs and OLED displays steal the thunder. Reportedly, the firm has moved some 280 million units worldwide between televisions and computer monitors, but we suppose all good things must eventually come to an end. So long, Trinitron -- it's been a mighty impressive run. [Via Slashgear]
What did Sony do to the 34-inch XBR?!?!
The Sony XBR brand has always been some of the best products in their respected TV types. The 34-inch version hit its pinnacle with the KD34XBR960. This 220 lb. monster may not have a big screen or look that cool, but it had arguably the best high-def picture you could buy. The TV had everything too: 3 firewire inputs, memory stick; HDMI; ATSC/NTSC/QAM tuners, DRC, cable card, and the best tube Sony has ever made: the Super Fine Pitch Trinitron. Check out the newest XBR though. (KD34XBR970) Looks the same, but that can be deceiving. This TV is branded as an XBR but is nothing more then lasts years non-XBR (KV34HS420) with an ATSC tuner in it! Talk about disappointing. This new "XBR" does not have firewire, no cable card, no memory stick input, one less RCA input, but this biggest let down is the lack of the Super Fine Pitch Trinitron. This once great TV has been reduced to just another widescreen HDTV. So if you are looking for a great 34-inch tube TV, the new XBR is not it. Find the old one.
