New Electronics archive: March 6, 1973
In 1973, New Electronics reported on one of the first colour televisions - Sony's Trinitron. Announced in 1966 to wide acclaim for its bright images, it represented the first step towards Japanese dominance of the global television market as well as an exciting time for UK households.
One of the first truly new television systems to enter the market since the 1950s, the Trinitron television was approximately 25% brighter than common shadow mask televisions of the same era. Constant improvement in the basic technology and attention to overall quality allowed Sony to charge a premium for the devices well into the 1990s.
When its patent protection on the basic Trinitron design ran out in 1996, Sony quickly faced a number of competitors, who were able to produce similar sets at much lower prices. The company responded by introducing its flat screen FD Trinitron designs, which maintained its premier position in the market into the early 2000s.
However, these designs were surpassed relatively quickly by the introduction of plasma and lcd televisions and after a great run, Sony removed the last Trinitron televisions from its product catalogues in 2006 and ceased production in early 2008.
Trepidation as Sony reveals U.K. plans
1 min read
With the burgeoning television market now offering consumers thinner, wider and sleeker devices than ever before, it's clear to see the days of bulky black and white televisions are now a thing of the past.
