When the first color TVs (in 14" initially) arrived - they were order/magnitued Better in every measurable way - reliable to the point of absurdity, even with typ Murican abuse of all things technical not-comprehended (that would be: Most things.)

My '86 SLHF-650 Super-Beta continues to work flawlessly, as do several radio-type gadgets from the '70s and into early '90s. CU (Consumer Reports) lists the annual repair MTBFs which chronicle their fall from unquestionable Numero Uno.

The pioneers, like the brilliant [link|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Made_in_Japan_(biography)| Akio Morita] himself: be Daid, along with much of that earned Integrity capital .

My last Sony purchase ~ 4? years ago, a 24" WEGA flat-tube performs well, thus far, has all the connection tailfins/switching I'm likely to 'need'. I do not expect comparable longevity to above exceptional designs -- but the close-out giveaway price at one of the local chains ($220ish IIRC) was simply too attractive a replacement for a ratty 20". (And I was not about to buy a >24" CRT unit for all reasons of moving such, sans fork-lift.)

Concur re the Character of the post-Morita Suits; Murica has set the Lead Standard for corporate connivance / RIAA whole-heartless unconditional support; I say, too: Fuck 'Em and the MBAs they rode in on.


PS - Sony was a Phenom, as I've mentioned before re pioneering of a bitchin FM portable + tuner and all those other Firsts. Have already reported my ["ignoring-Xerox" grade] faux pa$: I went so far as to inquire re Sony stock (who in Murica contemplated *buying* Furrin Stocks in late '50s/early '60s?!?) -- was ~ $1 US at time. Thought I might get a round tuit.

And THAT's why my Learjet is not in one of my hangars.
Oh Well.. saved self from one major source of corruption, I wot. All techno oriented folk are vulnerable to the mesmerization of unlimited toys: this is Not an 'advantage' to the development of consciousness.
(These assholes with personal 767s are the QED, the epitome of wealth without conscience.)