As a company, Sony isn't solely focused on car radios. Since its appearance on the audio scene in the 1980s, the company has focused on innovation and the marriage of audio technology. Today, many consumers prefer Sony car stereos because the brand is easily located and includes a long line of products, including car receivers, car stereo accessories, and car stereo installation kits. Moreover, Sony systems, like other manufacturers, boast CD receivers that connect to MP3 players and Bluetooth receivers, providing users with wireless freedom when on the road.
The Facts
Sony car radios became popular in the 1980s; however, the company had a long history with radios even before that time. The original name of the company was already taken when the founders expanded their business to the United States, so the name was officially changed to Sony Corporation in 1958. However, three years prior, the company released the first Sony-branded product. It was the TR-55 transistor radio and it performed well on the market. Because the direction of the company seemed to be focused on radios, the founders decided to name the company Sony, which is derived from the Latin word "sonus," meaning sound.
History
Sony has existed longer than most electronics companies and has developed a number of popular products, including an original line of car radios. The company was originally called Tokyo Tsushin Kogyo, which means Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Company. It was founded by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita over half a century ago. Even as far back as 1946, when the company began, Sony was a large radio manufacturer. During the post-war Japanese economy, Ibuka and Morita made a living repairing radios and manufacturing voltmeters on a very small scale.
Types
Currently, Sony boasts a wide variety of car audio options. The company has more than 15 new CD receivers on the market, many of which come equipped with MP3 playback, satellite radio, HD radio, MP3 players. Moreover, at least three of the receivers are also equipped with Bluetooth technology.
Features
Despite Sony's more traditional roots in the car audio realm, the company's current systems are jam packed with modern day conveniences. The company's current line of systems range from affordable basics to expensive, high-end systems. For example, a basic Sony car stereo comes with a motion display, which is attractive to the consumer and affordable. A more expensive system with additional bells and whistles is the Sony MEX BT5000, which allows users to answer their cell phone without having to remove it from their pocket. When an incoming call is coming through, the music in your car automatically mutes and the call is heard over the front speakers. This kind of innovation is part of what keeps Sony in the upper echelon of car audio manufacturers.
Design
Sony began mass producing a wide array of car radios in the mid '80s, with one of the most popular sellers being the AM/FM cassette car stereo, which featured ergonomic design. The controls on the radio were enlarged to cover the entire surface of the panel and not just the the display and cassette slot. The buttons featured on the design were large and those that had similar functions protruded or were inset, which enabled users to easily operate their car radio without taking their eyes off the road.
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