LCD TV Product Strategies of Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp in 2008

Direct Internet access through the TV set has become the core element in the digital home concept. Sony -which showcased its BRAVIA Internet Video Link product in 2007 -announced the formation of new collaborative relationships with content providers, while Sharp and Panasonic both had new smart TV products on show in 2008: the Aquos Net and Viera Cast respectively. It is anticipated that direct Internet access through the TV set will become the main focus of development in the integration of the Internet with the digital home. This report examines the new direct Internet access TV products that Sony, Panasonic, and Sharp showcased in 2008, and compares the product development strategies adopted by these vendors.