The Vergecast The end of the Sony era in TVs
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Jan 23, 2026 Nilay mourns the potential end of an era for Sony TVs as he discusses a new partnership between Sony and TCL. The hosts dive into OpenAI's surprising plans for ad monetization and cheaper ChatGPT subscriptions. Apple’s rumored AI wearable gadget adds a layer of intrigue, sparking debate. In a lightning round, they touch on Netflix's shift toward vertical clips and the struggles of ad-supported TV with Telly. The conversation wraps up with some fun takes on the implications of AI in our tech future.
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Sony Cedes TV Leadership To Panel Makers
- Sony's TV era is shifting as it enters a joint venture with TCL and cedes operational control.
- This reflects how panel makers (Samsung, LG, TCL) now set display technology directions, not legacy brands.
Processing vs. Panel Control
- Sony's strength is picture processing, but it buys panels from others and lacks panel-making influence.
- The JV with TCL could let Sony influence panel tech indirectly or accept being a high-end brand without foundational manufacturing.
TVs Are Subsidized By Ads And Software
- Cheap front-end pricing plus ad-filled TV software is why TVs devalued while vendors chase ad revenue.
- High-end models assume discerning buyers will avoid the ad-laden default software experience.
