When it comes to buying a new TV, consumers are often faced with a plethora of options from various brands, each touting their unique features and technologies. Two popular brands that often come to mind are Sony and Hisense. While Sony is a household name in the electronics industry, Hisense is a relatively new player that has been gaining traction in recent years. One question that has been circulating among TV enthusiasts is whether Hisense TVs are made by Sony. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of both companies, their relationships, and what sets them apart to provide a comprehensive answer to this question.
A Brief History of Hisense and Sony
Before we dive into the connection between Hisense and Sony, it’s essential to understand the background of both companies.
Hisense
Hisense is a Chinese multinational electronics and appliance manufacturer founded in 1969. Initially, the company focused on producing radios, televisions, and other home appliances. Over the years, Hisense expanded its product lineup to include air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and mobile phones. In the early 2000s, the company began to focus on developing its TV business, investing heavily in research and development.
Today, Hisense is one of the largest TV manufacturers in the world, with a presence in over 130 countries. The company has become known for its budget-friendly TVs with advanced features, such as 4K resolution, HDR, and smart TV capabilities.
Sony
Sony, on the other hand, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate founded in 1946. The company started as a small electronics firm, producing radios, TVs, and other audio equipment. Over the years, Sony grew to become one of the largest and most recognizable electronics brands in the world, known for its innovative products, such as the Walkman, CD players, and PlayStation gaming consoles.
In the TV industry, Sony has been a pioneer, introducing technologies like Trinitron CRT TVs, Bravia LCD TVs, and more recently, OLED TVs. Sony’s TVs are renowned for their exceptional picture quality, sleek designs, and cutting-edge features.
Partnership and Collaboration
So, what’s the connection between Hisense and Sony? In 2015, Hisense and Sony entered into a partnership to collaborate on TV production. Under this agreement, Hisense acquired the rights to use Sony’s TV technology, including its Bravia brand, for a period of five years. This partnership allowed Hisense to manufacture and sell TVs bearing the Bravia name, while Sony continued to focus on its high-end OLED TVs.
The collaboration was seen as a strategic move by both companies. Hisense gained access to Sony’s advanced TV technology, which helped to improve the quality of its TVs. Sony, on the other hand, was able to expand its reach in the budget TV market, where Hisense has a strong presence.
During this period, Hisense produced Bravia TVs with Sony’s picture processing technology, including its X1 Extreme processor. These TVs were marketed as “Bravia TVs powered by Sony technology” and were sold in various regions, including Asia, Europe, and South America.
What Does This Partnership Mean?
The partnership between Hisense and Sony has led to some confusion among consumers. Many believe that Hisense TVs are simply rebranded Sony TVs, while others assume that Sony has a significant stake in Hisense’s TV business.
To clarify, Hisense TVs are not manufactured by Sony. While Hisense did acquire the rights to use Sony’s TV technology, the company still designs, manufactures, and distributes its own TVs.
The partnership has, however, influenced the quality of Hisense TVs. Hisense has incorporated Sony’s TV technology, including its picture processing algorithms, into its own TVs. This has resulted in improved picture quality, with some Hisense TVs receiving praise for their excellent color accuracy and contrast ratio.
Separation of Business Operations
It’s essential to note that Hisense and Sony operate as separate businesses, with distinct research and development teams, manufacturing facilities, and distribution networks. While the partnership has led to a sharing of technologies, the two companies are not intertwined in terms of their business operations.
Hisense continues to focus on producing budget-friendly TVs with advanced features, while Sony concentrates on its high-end TV lineup, including OLED and 8K resolution TVs.
What Happens After the Partnership?
The partnership between Hisense and Sony came to an end in 2020, with both companies deciding not to renew the agreement. Hisense has since shifted its focus to developing its own TV technologies, including its Vidaa smart TV platform and Laser TV technology.
Sony, on the other hand, has continued to innovate in the TV space, introducing new OLED TVs with improved picture quality and features like its X1 Ultimate processor.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Hisense and Sony did have a partnership that involved the sharing of TV technologies, Hisense TVs are not made by Sony. The partnership was a strategic move by both companies to expand their reach in the TV market, but it has come to an end.
Today, Hisense operates as a separate entity, producing its own TVs with advanced features and technologies. Sony, meanwhile, continues to focus on its high-end TV lineup, pushing the boundaries of picture quality and innovation.
When buying a new TV, it’s essential to research and compare the features and technologies offered by different brands, including Hisense and Sony. While Hisense TVs may not be made by Sony, they still offer excellent value for money, with advanced features like 4K resolution, HDR, and smart TV capabilities.
In the end, the choice between a Hisense TV and a Sony TV depends on your budget, viewing habits, and personal preferences. By understanding the background and relationships between these two companies, you’ll be better equipped to make an informed decision when selecting the perfect TV for your needs.
What is Sony Connection and how does it relate to Hisense TVs?
The Sony Connection refers to the partnership between Sony and Hisense, where Sony licenses its TV technology, including its proprietary Triluminos Display and X1 extreme processor, to Hisense. This partnership allows Hisense to produce high-quality TVs that rival Sony’s own offerings, but at a lower price point. The Sony Connection is a key factor in Hisense’s rise to prominence in the TV market, as it gives the company access to advanced technology that it might not have been able to develop on its own.
The partnership between Sony and Hisense is a strategic one, as it allows both companies to benefit from each other’s strengths. Sony gets to monetize its intellectual property, while Hisense gets to produce high-quality TVs that are more competitive in the market. The Sony Connection is a key differentiator for Hisense, setting its TVs apart from other budget-friendly options and making them a more attractive choice for consumers.
What is the difference between Hisense’s Vidaa and Sony’s Bravia TVs?
Vidaa is Hisense’s proprietary operating system, used in its smart TVs to provide access to streaming services and other apps. Vidaa is designed to be user-friendly and provides a range of features, including personalized recommendations and voice control. On the other hand, Bravia is Sony’s proprietary TV brand, which includes its high-end 4K and 8K TVs. Bravia TVs run on Sony’s Android TV operating system, which provides access to a range of apps and services, including Google Assistant.
While both Vidaa and Bravia provide similar functionality, there are some key differences between the two. Vidaa is more focused on providing a streamlined, easy-to-use interface, while Bravia is more focused on providing a premium viewing experience. Bravia TVs tend to have more advanced features, such as better picture quality and more advanced sound systems. However, Vidaa TVs are generally more affordable than Bravia TVs, making them a more accessible option for budget-conscious consumers.
Can I use Sony apps on a Hisense TV?
While Hisense TVs are licensed to use Sony’s TV technology, they do not have direct access to Sony’s apps and services. However, many popular Sony apps, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, are available on Hisense TVs through the Vidaa operating system. In addition, Hisense TVs also support Google Assistant, which is the same voice assistant used in Sony’s Bravia TVs.
That being said, some Sony-exclusive apps may not be available on Hisense TVs. For example, Sony’s PlayStation Now app, which allows users to stream PlayStation games to their TV, is only available on Sony Bravia TVs. However, Hisense TVs do offer a range of other gaming apps and services, including NVIDIA GeForce Now and Google Stadia.
Are Hisense TVs compatible with Sony devices?
Yes, Hisense TVs are compatible with a range of Sony devices, including Sony soundbars and Blu-ray players. In fact, many Hisense TVs come with built-in support for Sony’s proprietary audio technology, including Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. This means that Hisense TVs can take full advantage of Sony’s advanced audio capabilities, providing a more immersive viewing experience.
In addition, Hisense TVs also support HDMI ARC (Audio Return Channel), which allows them to connect to Sony soundbars and other devices using a single HDMI cable. This makes it easy to set up a home theater system using Hisense and Sony devices.
Do Hisense TVs have the same picture quality as Sony TVs?
Hisense TVs that use Sony’s Triluminos Display technology do offer similar picture quality to Sony TVs. Triluminos Display uses a combination of advanced color reproduction and local dimming to provide a more vibrant and detailed picture. In fact, many reviewers have noted that Hisense TVs with Triluminos Display are virtually indistinguishable from Sony TVs in terms of picture quality.
That being said, not all Hisense TVs use Triluminos Display, and some may have slightly lower picture quality than Sony TVs. However, even budget-friendly Hisense TVs tend to offer good picture quality, making them a good option for consumers who want a high-quality TV without breaking the bank.
Can I get Sony customer support for my Hisense TV?
While Hisense TVs are licensed to use Sony’s TV technology, they are still Hisense products, and therefore, customer support is provided by Hisense, not Sony. This means that if you have any issues with your Hisense TV, you should contact Hisense customer support directly.
That being said, Hisense does provide comprehensive customer support, including online resources, phone support, and in-person support at authorized service centers. In addition, many retailers that sell Hisense TVs also offer their own customer support and warranty services.
Are Hisense TVs a good alternative to Sony TVs?
Yes, Hisense TVs can be a good alternative to Sony TVs, especially for budget-conscious consumers. Hisense TVs offer many of the same features and technologies as Sony TVs, but at a lower price point. In addition, Hisense TVs also offer some unique features, such as Vidaa, that are not available on Sony TVs.
That being said, if you’re looking for a premium viewing experience with advanced features like OLED panels and advanced sound systems, Sony TVs may still be the better choice. However, if you’re on a budget and want a high-quality TV with advanced features, Hisense TVs are definitely worth considering.