MAY 28, 2008 • Sony Corp. is very serious about managing the digital entertainment gateway in the home. The electronics firm signed an agreement of understanding with the National Cable & Telecommunications Association that establishes the fundamentals of retailing digital cable-ready televisions. Such TVs would have built-in DVR, VOD, and interactive interfaces that would be compatible with all major U.S. cable providers. Other consumer electronics firms were invited to sign onto the agreement.

Impact: Sony has always attempted to set its own formats as industry standards – not always successfully. In being first to sign on with the NCTA to define digital cable-ready TVs, Sony has set the standard for other consumer electronics manufacturers without having to brave consumers’ choice.