Sony Canada
Encyclopedia
Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan. Sony provides products that include Blu-ray players, BRAVIA
televisions, Cyber-shot
digital cameras, Handycam Camcorders, VAIO
computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products.
Sony is an entertainment company that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses.
With headquarters in Toronto
, sales offices in Vancouver
and Montreal
and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia
, and Whitby
, Ontario
, approximately 1,200 employees support a network of more than 500 authorized dealers and 70 Sony Style retail locations across Canada.
Sony Canada supports the communities in which it operates through corporate sponsorships of organizations that include the Make-A-Wish Canada, the United Way of Canada
and Earth Day
Canada.
Albert Cohen and Akio Morita
Originally headquartered in Winnipeg, Sony of Canada brought Walkman
portable music players, Trinitron Televisions and Handycam Camcorders to Canadians. In addition to consumer products, Sony of Canada has also pioneered and powered the growth of Broadcast media. Sony's Betacam
technology transformed the world of Electronic News Gathering. Key broadcast successes included the implementation of Sony's digital routing system at the CBC Toronto Broadcasting Centre and the use of the Digital Betacam
SX as the primary tool to record and broadcast the 1996 Olympics. Sony of Canada Ltd. milestones
1939
General Distributors (Gendis) founded in Calgary
1955
General Distributors (Tokyo) Ltd is founded
1956
Canadian Albert Cohen brings Sony's transistor radios to Canada.
T. Eaton Co. is first retailer outside Japan to buy a Sony product.
1968
Sony of Canada Ltd. is established
1970
Sony of Canada Ltd. opens The Sony Store, the first Sony retail store in the world
1970
Trinitron
colour television introduced
1975
General Distributors (Gendis) assumed 51 percent ownership of Sony of Canada Ltd
1976
Sony wins an Emmy award for its development of the Trinicon single-tube camera, electronic editing units and the U-matic, the world's first videocassette system
1979
Launch of the "Walkman", the world's first personal headphone stereo
1982
World's first CD player, the CDP-101
is introduced
1983
Sony of Canada receives an international marketing award for establishing Betacam
as the de facto standard for ENG/EFP.
1984
Discman Sony's portable CD player is launched
1985
Sony unveils first XBR TV models
1995
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation
The world's first consumer use digital video camcorder, the "Digital Handycam" is launched
1996
Sony's Cyber-shot Digital Camera is introduced
1997
Sony of Canada and Alliance Broadcasting share Gemini award for development of multi-channel server system.
Launch of VAIO Computers
Technical Emmy for its foresight in implementing the Sony Digital Routing System at the CBC.
2004
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes the exclusive and official supplier of consumer electronics products to Make-A-Wish of Canada
Launch of the world's first consumer use digital HD video camcorder recorder compliant to HDV standard 1080i.
2005
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches MBNA Sony Master Card
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the new BRAVIA line of LCD HDTV compatible flat screen televisions
2006
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches its introductory Blu-ray Disc products including a home disc player, VAIO computers, an internal computer drive and recordable/rewriteable media
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches first a (alpha) Digital SLR Camera offering
2007
Sony's 8-year global FIFA partnership commences
Sony of Canada Ltd. announces sponsorship deal with The Hummingbird Centre in downtown Toronto, now called The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
2008
Sony of Canada Ltd. re-brands The Sony Store(s) to Sony Style
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the world's first Organic LED television in Canada
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the Reader Digital Book, the first electronic reading device in Canada
2009
Sony of Canada Ltd. announces the Bravia VE5 HDTV, its most energy efficient LCD HDTV to date
In April 2008, through a partnership with GEEP, Sony Canada established a network of collection sites across the country where customers can drop off any old Sony product for recycling, at no charge.
In October 2008, The Recycling Council of Ontario presented Sony Canada with the top-level Platinum award in the Business Category at the 2008 Waste Minimization Awards.
At the 70 Sony Style retail stores across Canada, Sony accepts all handheld Sony electronics for recycling (cameras, camcorders, etc.) at no charge, recycles rechargeable batteries, operates a VAIO notebook trade-in program, and uses 100% biodegradable bags.
In addition to its recycling programs, Sony is focused on environmentally conscious product design, fostering environmental education in youth, and making environmental improvements at its offices across Canada.
Some of the notable charities that SCCF has been actively supporting include:
Make-A-Wish Canada
The SCCF provides electronic products in support of all related requests made of Make-A-Wish by children across Canada with life threatening illnesses. Sony has made more than 130 wishes come true for children across Canada.
United Way of Canada
The SCCF supports the United Way, by employee fundraising activities and by matching all employee donations through a payroll deduction program.
EarthDay and Eco Kids Program
The SCCF supports the environmental education program which promotes participation and student engagement in local environmental initiatives.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications sells mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards. Established as a joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in 2001, with global corporate functions located in London, the company employs over 7,500 people worldwide, including R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China and America.
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. sells the PlayStation and PS one game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, and the ground-breaking PlayStation3 (PS3) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Music
Sony Music (Canada) Inc. carries on the Canadian operations of Sony Music Entertainment, a global recording music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local and international artists, as well as a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history.
Sony Music (Canada) Inc. is home to artists including Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart, Il Divo, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, Dixie Chicks, Shakira, John Mayer, Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Foo Fighters amongst many others. This also includes one of the deepest catalogues in the business with a diverse roster from the likes of AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis and Glenn Gould. The Canadian repertoire has strength in both the new and the known with Eva Avila, Kalan Porter, illScarlett, The Guess Who, Leonard Cohen and Celine Dion.
Sony Pictures
SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production and distribution, worldwide channel investments, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment products, services and technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.
BRAVIA
BRAVIA is a Sony brand used to market its high-definition LCD televisions, projection TVs and front projectors and for the PlayStation 3 , along with its home cinema range under the sub-brand BRAVIA Theatre. The BRAVIA name is an acronym of "Best Resolution Audio Visual Integrated Architecture"...
televisions, Cyber-shot
Cyber-shot
Cyber-shot is a line of digital cameras made by Sony. The first cyber-shot was made by Sony in 1996. The Cyber-shot range is well known for its proprietary InfoLithium battery pack, the trademark Carl Zeiss lenses, and overall design. Also, all Cyber-shot cameras accept Sony's proprietary Memory...
digital cameras, Handycam Camcorders, VAIO
VAIO
VAIO is a sub-brand used for many of Sony's computer products. Originally an acronym of Video Audio Integrated Operation, this was amended to Visual Audio Intelligent Organizer in 2008 to celebrate the brand's 10th anniversary...
computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products.
Sony is an entertainment company that includes electronics, music, movies, games and online businesses.
With headquarters in Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, sales offices in Vancouver
Vancouver
Vancouver is a coastal seaport city on the mainland of British Columbia, Canada. It is the hub of Greater Vancouver, which, with over 2.3 million residents, is the third most populous metropolitan area in the country,...
and Montreal
Montreal
Montreal is a city in Canada. It is the largest city in the province of Quebec, the second-largest city in Canada and the seventh largest in North America...
and distribution centres in Coquitlam, British Columbia
British Columbia
British Columbia is the westernmost of Canada's provinces and is known for its natural beauty, as reflected in its Latin motto, Splendor sine occasu . Its name was chosen by Queen Victoria in 1858...
, and Whitby
Whitby
Whitby is a seaside town, port and civil parish in the Scarborough borough of North Yorkshire, England. Situated on the east coast of Yorkshire at the mouth of the River Esk, Whitby has a combined maritime, mineral and tourist heritage, and is home to the ruins of Whitby Abbey where Caedmon, the...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
, approximately 1,200 employees support a network of more than 500 authorized dealers and 70 Sony Style retail locations across Canada.
Sony Canada supports the communities in which it operates through corporate sponsorships of organizations that include the Make-A-Wish Canada, the United Way of Canada
United Way of Canada
United Way of Canada is the national organization for the 117 autonomous, volunteer-based United Ways across Canada. United Way campaigns raise money for local groups that address community issues and problems, and the national organization provides leadership, services and coordination to the...
and Earth Day
Earth Day
Earth Day is a day that is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. The name and concept of Earth Day was allegedly pioneered by John McConnell in 1969 at a UNESCO Conference in San Francisco. The first Proclamation of Earth Day was by San Francisco, the...
Canada.
History of Sony of Canada Ltd.
Sony of Canada Ltd. evolved from General Distributors (Gendis) founded in 1954. In collaboration with the founders of Sony Corporation, Akio Morita and Masaru Ibuka, Albert Cohen and his four brothers negotiated early distribution of Sony's first transistor radio, TR55 in 1955. The Cohens also negotiated for Eaton's company to be the first company to retail Sony products outside of Japan. Known originally as Gendis Sony, Sony of Canada Ltd. was officially founded in 1968.Albert Cohen and Akio Morita
Originally headquartered in Winnipeg, Sony of Canada brought Walkman
Walkman
Walkman is a Sony brand tradename originally used for portable audio cassette, and now used to market Sony's portable audio and video players as well as a line of Sony Ericsson mobile phones...
portable music players, Trinitron Televisions and Handycam Camcorders to Canadians. In addition to consumer products, Sony of Canada has also pioneered and powered the growth of Broadcast media. Sony's Betacam
Betacam
Betacam is family of half-inch professional videocassette products developed by Sony in 1982. In colloquial use, "Betacam" singly is often used to refer to a Betacam camcorder, a Betacam tape, a Betacam video recorder or the format itself....
technology transformed the world of Electronic News Gathering. Key broadcast successes included the implementation of Sony's digital routing system at the CBC Toronto Broadcasting Centre and the use of the Digital Betacam
Betacam
Betacam is family of half-inch professional videocassette products developed by Sony in 1982. In colloquial use, "Betacam" singly is often used to refer to a Betacam camcorder, a Betacam tape, a Betacam video recorder or the format itself....
SX as the primary tool to record and broadcast the 1996 Olympics. Sony of Canada Ltd. milestones
1939
General Distributors (Gendis) founded in Calgary
1955
General Distributors (Tokyo) Ltd is founded
1956
Canadian Albert Cohen brings Sony's transistor radios to Canada.
T. Eaton Co. is first retailer outside Japan to buy a Sony product.
1968
Sony of Canada Ltd. is established
1970
Sony of Canada Ltd. opens The Sony Store, the first Sony retail store in the world
1970
Trinitron
Trinitron
Trinitron is Sony's brand name for its line of aperture grille based CRTs used in television sets and computer display monitors. One of the first truly new television systems to enter the market since the 1950s, the Trinitron was announced in 1966 to wide acclaim for its bright images, about 25%...
colour television introduced
1975
General Distributors (Gendis) assumed 51 percent ownership of Sony of Canada Ltd
1976
Sony wins an Emmy award for its development of the Trinicon single-tube camera, electronic editing units and the U-matic, the world's first videocassette system
1979
Launch of the "Walkman", the world's first personal headphone stereo
1982
World's first CD player, the CDP-101
Sony CDP-101
The Sony CDP-101 was the world's first commercially released Compact Disc player. The system was launched in Japan on October 1, 1982 at a list price of 168,000 yen....
is introduced
1983
Sony of Canada receives an international marketing award for establishing Betacam
Betacam
Betacam is family of half-inch professional videocassette products developed by Sony in 1982. In colloquial use, "Betacam" singly is often used to refer to a Betacam camcorder, a Betacam tape, a Betacam video recorder or the format itself....
as the de facto standard for ENG/EFP.
1984
Discman Sony's portable CD player is launched
1985
Sony unveils first XBR TV models
1995
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation
The world's first consumer use digital video camcorder, the "Digital Handycam" is launched
1996
Sony's Cyber-shot Digital Camera is introduced
1997
Sony of Canada and Alliance Broadcasting share Gemini award for development of multi-channel server system.
Launch of VAIO Computers
Technical Emmy for its foresight in implementing the Sony Digital Routing System at the CBC.
2004
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes the exclusive and official supplier of consumer electronics products to Make-A-Wish of Canada
Launch of the world's first consumer use digital HD video camcorder recorder compliant to HDV standard 1080i.
2005
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches MBNA Sony Master Card
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the new BRAVIA line of LCD HDTV compatible flat screen televisions
2006
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches its introductory Blu-ray Disc products including a home disc player, VAIO computers, an internal computer drive and recordable/rewriteable media
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches first a (alpha) Digital SLR Camera offering
2007
Sony's 8-year global FIFA partnership commences
Sony of Canada Ltd. announces sponsorship deal with The Hummingbird Centre in downtown Toronto, now called The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
2008
Sony of Canada Ltd. re-brands The Sony Store(s) to Sony Style
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the world's first Organic LED television in Canada
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches the Reader Digital Book, the first electronic reading device in Canada
2009
Sony of Canada Ltd. announces the Bravia VE5 HDTV, its most energy efficient LCD HDTV to date
Sony Style
Sony Style is Sony of Canada’s direct retail brand. Customers in Canada can purchase Sony products through two Sony Style retail channels; at 70 Sony Style retail stores across the country, and online. The first Sony Style retail store opened its doors in 1982, and Sony Style online was launched in April 1999.The Broadcast Communication Solutions Group
The Broadcast Communication Solutions (BCS) Group is a division of Sony of Canada Ltd., headquartered in Toronto, Ontario. BCS Group markets and supports Sony's full range of broadcast, professional video and audio equipment, including high definition video, interactive and security applications for the broadcast, production, business, industry, government, medical and education sectors through a network of authorized dealers and system integrators.Sony Canada’s environmental responsibility
Sony Canada has maintained a corporate stance on environmental sustainability, with the first corporately sponsored consumer electronics of any company in Canada. Sony accepts all of its products for recycling, at no additional cost.In April 2008, through a partnership with GEEP, Sony Canada established a network of collection sites across the country where customers can drop off any old Sony product for recycling, at no charge.
In October 2008, The Recycling Council of Ontario presented Sony Canada with the top-level Platinum award in the Business Category at the 2008 Waste Minimization Awards.
At the 70 Sony Style retail stores across Canada, Sony accepts all handheld Sony electronics for recycling (cameras, camcorders, etc.) at no charge, recycles rechargeable batteries, operates a VAIO notebook trade-in program, and uses 100% biodegradable bags.
In addition to its recycling programs, Sony is focused on environmentally conscious product design, fostering environmental education in youth, and making environmental improvements at its offices across Canada.
The Sony Canada Charitable Foundation
The Sony Canada Charitable Foundation (SCCF) is a non-profit organization devoted to the betterment of children, the environment and the community. Through funding from Sony of Canada Ltd. and fundraising activities involving employees, dealers, suppliers and customers, the SCCF supports three key charities; the Make-A-Wish Canada, the United Way of Canada and EarthDay and ECOKIDS program. The SCCF also provides an employee donation matching program for Sony Canada employees.Some of the notable charities that SCCF has been actively supporting include:
Make-A-Wish Canada
The SCCF provides electronic products in support of all related requests made of Make-A-Wish by children across Canada with life threatening illnesses. Sony has made more than 130 wishes come true for children across Canada.
United Way of Canada
The SCCF supports the United Way, by employee fundraising activities and by matching all employee donations through a payroll deduction program.
EarthDay and Eco Kids Program
The SCCF supports the environmental education program which promotes participation and student engagement in local environmental initiatives.
The Sony Centre for the Performing Arts
On September 7, 2007, Sony Canada and The Board of Directors of the Hummingbird Centre commenced a partnership agreement for the revitalization of the Hummingbird Centre (now renamed the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts). The facility has gone through a complete interior renovation which began in June 2008, which transformed it into a multimedia theatre and concert venue. The 47 year-old building will be outfitted with advanced audio and video products from Sony .Sony companies
Sony EricssonSony Ericsson Mobile Communications sells mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards. Established as a joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in 2001, with global corporate functions located in London, the company employs over 7,500 people worldwide, including R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China and America.
Sony Computer Entertainment
Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. sells the PlayStation and PS one game console, the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the PSP (PlayStationPortable) system, and the ground-breaking PlayStation3 (PS3) computer entertainment system.
Recognized as the undisputed industry leader, Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. markets the PlayStation family of products and develops, publishes, markets, and distributes software for the PS one game console, the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system, the PSP system and the PS3 system for the North American market. Based in Foster City, Calif. Sony Computer Entertainment America, Inc. serves as headquarters for all North American operations and is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Sony Music
Sony Music (Canada) Inc. carries on the Canadian operations of Sony Music Entertainment, a global recording music joint venture with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local and international artists, as well as a vast catalogue that comprises some of the most important recordings in history.
Sony Music (Canada) Inc. is home to artists including Avril Lavigne, Christina Aguilera, Justin Timberlake, Rod Stewart, Il Divo, Tony Bennett, Alicia Keys, Dixie Chicks, Shakira, John Mayer, Beyonce, Destiny's Child, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Foo Fighters amongst many others. This also includes one of the deepest catalogues in the business with a diverse roster from the likes of AC/DC, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, Barbra Streisand, Miles Davis and Glenn Gould. The Canadian repertoire has strength in both the new and the known with Eva Avila, Kalan Porter, illScarlett, The Guess Who, Leonard Cohen and Celine Dion.
Sony Pictures
SPE is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America (SCA), a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE's global operations encompass motion picture production and distribution, television production and distribution, worldwide channel investments, home video acquisition and distribution, operation of studio facilities, development of new entertainment products, services and technologies, and distribution of filmed entertainment in 67 countries.
External links
- Retail (http://www.sonystyle.ca)
- Sony Canada’s environmental initiatives (http://www.sony.ca/environment)
- Sony Centre for Performing Arts (http://www.sonycentre.ca)
- Sony Corp., Global Headquarters (http://www.sony.net)
- Sony Music (http://www.myplay.com)
- Sony Pictures Canada (http://www.sonypictures.ca)
- Sony Ericsson Canada (http://www.sonyericsson.com/cws/home?cc=ca&lc=en)
- Sony Computer Entertainment America (http://www.playstation.ca)
- Sony America (http://www.sony.com)