Key Takeaways:
- Sony is handing off its TV business to TCL, with TCL owning 51% of the new joint venture and Sony retaining 49%
- The TV market is facing significant challenges, including low margins and a "race to the bottom" in terms of pricing
- Chinese manufacturers are driving down prices and expanding into new markets, including the US
- ISE 2026 is expected to be the largest ever, with over 1,700 exhibitors and a focus on new entrants to the market
- Bang & Olufsen is unveiling a new landscape speaker at ISE 2026, with little information available about the product
Introduction to the TV Market
The TV market is facing significant challenges, with low margins and a constant "race to the bottom" in terms of pricing. This is driving TV manufacturers to shift their business models, with companies like Roku and Vizio focusing on platform-based models where the hardware is seen as a loss leader and the real money is made in advertising. Chinese manufacturers are also playing a significant role in driving down prices, with companies like Hisense and TCL expanding into new markets, including the US. This trend is expected to continue, with Chinese fabricators seeking out new markets for growth as the Chinese display market enters its own winter.
Sony’s TV Business
In a significant development, Sony has announced that it is handing off its TV business to TCL, with TCL owning 51% of the new joint venture and Sony retaining 49%. This gives TCL control over governance and day-to-day operations, including product development, manufacturing, logistics, sales, and customer support for Sony-branded TVs and home audio products. The companies expect to finalize binding agreements by the end of March 2026, subject to regulatory approvals, with operations expected to begin in April 2027. This move is a significant shakeup in the TV market and raises questions about the future of Sony’s TV business.
ISE 2026 Preview
Ahead of ISE 2026, Executive Editor Zachary Comeau sat down with ISE Managing Director Mike Blackman to discuss the show. Blackman emphasized the importance of promoting new entrants to the market, with the show featuring matchmaking, an investor forum, and other initiatives to help start-ups find partners and customers. The show is expected to be the largest ever, with over 1,700 exhibitors and a show floor of over 100,000 square meters. Blackman also highlighted the importance of innovation and new technology, with the show featuring a range of new products and solutions.
Bang & Olufsen’s New Landscape Speaker
Bang & Olufsen has announced that it will be unveiling a new landscape speaker at ISE 2026, although little information is available about the product. The company’s interim CEO, Nikolaj Wendelboe, stated that the speaker will integrate seamlessly with the company’s broader ecosystem and the wider home environment. This is a significant development for Bang & Olufsen, which has a reputation for producing high-quality audio products. The company’s decision to launch a new landscape speaker suggests that it is looking to expand its product range and appeal to a wider range of customers.
Tribute to Tom Coffin
Tom Coffin, the founder of Simply Reliable, passed away this week after a year-long battle with cancer. Coffin was a well-respected figure in the industry, known for his dedication to uplifting others through his work and thought leadership. His business partner and CTO, Jonathan Knapp, commented that working alongside Coffin was one of the most rewarding experiences of his career. Coffin’s passing is a significant loss to the industry, and those wishing to offer their support can do so by contributing their thoughts and prayers to his family.
Conclusion
The TV market is facing significant challenges, with low margins and a constant "race to the bottom" in terms of pricing. Sony’s decision to hand off its TV business to TCL is a significant development, and raises questions about the future of the company’s TV business. ISE 2026 is expected to be the largest ever, with a focus on innovation and new technology. Bang & Olufsen’s new landscape speaker is a significant development for the company, and suggests that it is looking to expand its product range and appeal to a wider range of customers. Finally, the passing of Tom Coffin is a significant loss to the industry, and his dedication to uplifting others will be remembered for years to come.
