Why Choose Sony?
When you’re shopping for projectors, Sony is a brand you’ll constantly come across. This projector brand certainly has a lot of things going for it. The company produces a wide range of projectors and offers some great features. How does it stand out from its competitors, though? To see whether Sony is the right choice for your next projector, check out our guide. We’ll tell you everything you need to know about the brand.
History
Sony is a multinational corporation based in Japan. In modern times, it’s one of the largest creators of consumer electronics. However, its origin was quite humble. The company got its start in the post-World War II boom. In 1946, Masaru Ibuka opened a small electronics store in Tokyo. Originally, he had just eight employees and mainly focused on radio repair.
However, once physicist Akio Morita joined the company, they began experimenting with producing their own radio. Eventually, Masaru and Akio established the Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation and produced Japan’s first tape recorder. They then went on to produce transistor radios and other consumer electronics.
In the 1950s, the company’s founders decided to change to a shorter, more modern name. After some debate, they decided to call their company Sony as a reference to the Latin word for sound. At the time, it was highly unusual for a Japanese corporation to select a non-Japanese name. However, they felt that the name’s global sound suited their plans to expand internationally.
Over the next few decades, Sony continued to expand its lineup. They produced a broad range of small, portable electronics, including radios, cameras, televisions, and recorders. These items were popular in Japan, so Sony chose to sell them overseas as well. Sony was one of the first Japanese companies to open a branch in the United States.
By the 1990s, the Sony name was synonymous with innovation. The company has helped to develop all sorts of iconic technology, including CDs, digital cameras, and gaming consoles. With its focus on audiovisual technology, it’s no surprise that Sony was one of the first corporations to get involved in producing projectors.
Sony was the first company to make a home-use projector with LCD architecture. They were also responsible for creating the first HD-compatible projector, the first single-optical engine system, and the first 4K projector. In modern times, Sony continues to provide consumers with cutting-edge technology.
Despite their fascinating innovations, Sony has never been an exclusionary company. Their products usually aren’t expensive or only sold in select stores. Instead, Sony’s mission has always been to help the average person enjoy technological conveniences in day-to-day life. They focus on designing items that are simple to use and compatible with other tech.
Founding and Milestones
Sony has gone through a lot of impressive changes over the years. Here are a few highlights from the company’s history.
- 1946: Masaru Ibuka opens his electronics shop and joins forces with Akio Morita.
- 1955: The TR-55 transistor radio is the first product sold under the Sony name.
- 1958: Masaru and Akio officially change their company’s name to Sony.
- 1960: Sony opens a branch in America to sell their products internationally.
- 1973: Sony releases its first color video projection system, the VPP-2100.
- 1979: Sony releases the portable Walkman music player.
- 1983: Sony develops the compact disc (CD) format for storing audiovisual data.
- 1993: The Sony LPH-350J becomes the first LCD projector for home use.
- 1994: Sony launches the PlayStation, their first gaming console.
- 2003: The Qualia 004 becomes the first home projector that’s HD-compatible.
- 2011: The VPL-VW1000ES Sony projector 4K becomes the world’s first 4K projector.
- 2013: Sony launches the VPL-FHZ55, the first projector with an LCD laser light source.
- 2016: The company releases a line of Sony projectors in portable sizes for casual use on any wall.
- 2020: Sony announces that it will stop producing professional movie theater projectors and will instead focus on consumer electronics.
Production and Manufacturing
How does Sony manage to create so many cutting-edge designs? The secret to their success lies in their manufacturing process. Sony is less centralized than many other projector manufacturers. They aren’t afraid to use input from new designers, so their products stay affordable and innovative.
Products
The company has produced a lot of Sony projectors and TVs over the years. Since they are constantly adding new products to their lineup, consumers constantly have new options to choose from. Though model names and specific features frequently change, Sony always makes sure they have an array of types available.
The company produces both laser and lamp projectors. Sony lamp projectors have a classic design that uses bright light to project an image. Sony laser projectors use LCD lasers to display the image. Both styles of Sony projectors have their own advantages. Laser projectors have a longer lifespan and require less maintenance. However, lamp projectors tend to be a little cheaper to purchase. Some people find that lamp projectors aren’t quite as smooth, but the Sony projector SXRD technology helps address this issue. Whether you choose a laser or lamp Sony projector, Sony offers customers these special features.
- High-resolution projectors: Sony tends to sell at least a few models with the highest resolution possible. Right now, Sony projectors HDR are typically 4K, and the company also makes Sony projectors in 1080p. However, if resolutions continue to get higher, Sony may produce even more advanced models in the future.
- Short-throw projectors: These projectors don’t need to be far away from the screen to work. They’re ideal for smaller homes.
- Portable projectors: Sony produces a few models meant to be moved around easily. They’re typically compact and fast to set up. Often, they don’t require a screen, and some are battery-powered.
- Wi-Fi projectors: Projectors that use Wi-Fi to get their media tend to be a little lower in resolution. However, they can be quite convenient for the average user.
- Motionflow: Sony projectors with Motionflow help create a film-like image. They use special technology to adjust the frame rate and make the picture smoother.
Manufacturing
Sony has a diversified manufacturing system. They produce their projectors at a variety of factories around the world. Most Sony factories are in Japan, elsewhere in Asia, and in Europe. Sony Corporation of America (SCA) is based in New York City, and they have a few factories in America. They also have some production done by third-party contractors who produce projector components and parts.
How does Sony maintain the same level of quality when so many different groups are involved in producing their projectors? They have a system that starts with a centralized design team. Sony’s group of experts works hard to carefully design every aspect of a new machine.
From there, they delegate production to the most efficient manufacturing site. For example, if the projectors are being marketed toward Americans, they are more likely to be assembled in a U.S. facility. However, if the projectors use a component mostly made in Japan, they might be produced at a Japanese factory. All of Sony’s facilities and partner manufacturers are carefully monitored to ensure that company-wide standards are met.
Key Facts
Sony has been rated as one of the Ethisphere Institute’s “World’s Most Ethical Companies” for their business practices. They received this rating for complying with human rights standards, practicing responsible leadership, and maintaining social support programs.
In addition to promoting an ethical company culture, Sony is beginning to focus on sustainability. They have started an environmental plan called “Road to Zero.” This plan’s main goal is to reach zero environmental footprints by 2050.
Warranty Information
If something goes wrong with your projector, Sony may cover the costs. They offer warranties on all their products, regardless of which store you buy them from. The warranty allows the original owner to seek compensation for repairing or replacing broken projectors. Just keep in mind that the warranty only covers problems due to manufacturer defects. Problems caused by user error will not be covered.
The length of Sony’s projector warranties varies quite a bit depending on what sort of projector you get. Their lamp-based projectors usually have a warranty of three years. Meanwhile, the Sony projectors with laser lighting have a warranty of five years. Check the warranty carefully for the model you select. Some may have limits based on how long you use the projector. For example, some of their newer laser projectors say the warranty ends early if you reach 12,000 operational hours.
Sony Projector Parts
Sony works with various other companies to manage parts around the world. Depending on where you bought the projector, you might need to get parts through different companies. In the United States, Sony’s official projector parts are managed through Encompass Supply Chain Solutions.
Visiting the website for this Sony affiliate allows you to browse a broad range of original equipment manufacturer parts. You can get replacements for basic things like lenses, or you can get parts for internal computer components. This helpful site lets you search by model number, so you can see all available parts for your model.
Check Out More Sony Content From The Projector Expert
The Projector Expert is your go-to spot for all Sony projector information. Check out these helpful details.
Sony Product Reviews
See all the specifications of individual Sony projectors. Learn which features are available on each product and see how they compare to similar models.
Sony Product Roundups
Want to see the best of the best? View our product roundups to find out which models really stand out.
Sony Press Releases
We make it easy to stay up-to-date with Sony news. Click here to view recent Sony press releases.
Sony Recalls
In the rare event of a recall, we’ll let you know. Check here to see if your model has been recalled.
Where To Buy
Since Sony is one of the largest providers of projectors, you can find their products for sale almost everywhere. Sony does sell its products directly to consumers. You can buy them from the Sony store or through online retailers like Amazon and eBay. Many big box stores and audiovisual shops also sell Sony products. You can often find them for sale at plates like ABT, B&H, or Best Buy.
Similar Brands
Like some of Sony’s designs but don’t quite see what you’re looking for? The good news is that many other companies produce similar models. Though most other brands aren’t quite as innovative as Sony, they may offer some other perks. Some companies are more affordable while others may offer additional features. Here are a few similar brands worth checking out:
- ViewSonic
- Samsung
- Epson
- Optoma
- BenQ
- Panasonic
- InFocus
Online Presence
Contact Information
If you have questions about Sony projectors, try contacting the company’s customer service team. You can call them, text with an agent, or message them via Live Chat.
- Customer Service Number: 1-239-245-6354
- Customer Live Chat
- Customer Support Center