Sony-TCL Tie-Up Promises a New Era for TVs, Pending Regulatory Hurdles

Sony and TCL have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to explore a joint venture in which TCL would own 51% and Sony 49% of Sony-branded TVs and related audio hardware. The deal would give Sony access to TCL’s end-to-end manufacturing and TCL access to Sony’s acclaimed picture processing, potentially lowering costs and boosting Bravia performance, while keeping the Sony/Bravia name. It still requires regulatory approvals, and products are likely years away (potentially 2027), with many questions about how much Sony tech would flow to TCL and how premium vs. midrange lines would be divided. It signals a potential new phase for Sony rather than the end of the brand.