Summary of the content on the page No. 1
Summary of the content on the page No. 2
Throughout history, curiosity has been a source of inspiration, expanding the possibilities for the future. The fun of discovery; the joy of creation; technology that goes beyond “convenience” to touch the hearts – these concepts have driven Sony since its founding. Quest for Curiosity: QRIO. QRIO embodies Sony’s dreams and most advanced technologies in recognition, motion control, communications, IT and AI. Through QRIO’s continued growth and development, Sony will pursue the infinite possibili
Summary of the content on the page No. 3
1
Summary of the content on the page No. 4
To Our Shareholders Sony continued to face a challenging business environment during the fiscal year ended March 31, 2004. Nevertheless, our sales increased as a result of higher sales to outside customers in the Electronics segment and higher revenue in the Financial Services segment. Measures taken to bolster our lineup of electronics products proved to be particularly beneficial. Our aggressive launch of new products in such categories as digital still cameras, flat panel televisions and DVD
Summary of the content on the page No. 5
Management Message 02 To Our Shareholders 04 “Continuing to be One of the World’s Leading Consumer Brands” Nobuyuki Idei 07 “Operational Restructuring Aimed at Realizing Outstanding Efficiency and High Added Value” Kunitake Ando Strategy Topics 18 The Future of Key Components 36 At a Glance: Operating Performance Highlights 24 Research and Development 55 Sony’s Advertising Around the World 28 Sony Craftsmanship 56 Corporate Governance 40 Convergence 58 New Members of the Board and Corporate – A
Summary of the content on the page No. 6
Continuing to be one of the world’s leading consumer brands – Nobuyuki Idei, Chairman By successfully executing “Transformation company for the 21st century. This is why we In the home electronics category, we believe that the role of the television as the center- 60,” Sony is enacting bold reforms that will formulated a group-wide mid-term corporate create new value and generate growth strategy called “Transformation 60” (TR60), piece of the living room will be enhanced by its scheduled for com
Summary of the content on the page No. 7
“Transformation 60” is a road map for transforming Sony into a global company of the 21st century for the year 2006, Sony’s 60th anniversary Transformation 60 “Transformation 60” — a group-wide mid-term corporate strategy “Transformation 60” has set in motion sweeping reforms for the entire Sony Group. The objective is to ensure that Sony remains as one of the world’s leading consumer brands in the 21st century by developing attractive products, content and services. • Initiate reforms to improv
Summary of the content on the page No. 8
While continuing to be a company that evokes fascination and excitement, the management team is working together to build a foundation for future growth How did Sony perform in the fiscal year in the previous year, despite the continued convergence of our electronics products and ended March 31, 2004 vis-à-vis its mid-term contraction of the global music industry. The wireless technologies in products such as corporate strategy TR60? Pictures segment achieved record-breaking cellular phones and
Summary of the content on the page No. 9
Operational restructur- ing aimed at realizing outstanding efficiency and high added value Phase 2 structural reforms are a vital element of “Transformation 60.” Here, President Kunitake Ando discusses these reforms and his vision of Sony’s future Structural reforms are an important element of terms, we intend to strengthen our operating Breakdown of Restructuring Expenses Recorded in the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2004 “Transformation 60” (TR60), Sony’s mid-term structure through cuts in fixed
Summary of the content on the page No. 10
Accelerating the identification of, and focus on, Accelerating reform in manufacturing activities efficiency of our administrative functions. strategic businesses and shifting management Along with these measures, we are revising resources from mature to strategic product What steps are you taking to accelerate the personnel systems in Japan. In line with the prin- categories reforms of global manufacturing activities? ciple of matching compensation with contribu- tion, we will rigorously implem
Summary of the content on the page No. 11
Phase 2 Structural Reforms (1) Intensifying our focus on strategic businesses (2) Accelerating reform in global manufacturing activities (3) Streamlining administrative, sales and marketing operations (4) Transforming design processes, quality management and the procurement of production materials (5) Restructuring the procurement strategy for non- production materials Building a powerful operating framework through structural reforms 9
Summary of the content on the page No. 12
Sony is dedicated to creating dreams and experiences that make our lives more enjoyable and enriching. In this section, we introduce four Sony enthusiasts who work closely with Sony products every day. Producer of the Montreux Jazz Festival, held annually on the shore of Lake Geneva in Switzerland, Mr. Claude Nobs is a big fan of Sony products. A stellar performer at the Montreux Jazz Festival Surrounded by Sony at home and in Outstanding perfor- mance and ease of use the studio I really count o
Summary of the content on the page No. 13
Sony Products File 01–06 A look inside Sony’s DNA “To establish an ideal factory that stresses a spirit of freedom and open- mindedness, and where engineers with sincere motivation can exercise their techno- logical skills to the highest level” This statement of the purpose of incorporation from Sony’s Founding Prospectus continues to define “Sony’s DNA,” guiding the activities of Sony engineers who develop new technologies and products. Today, those tackling the challenge of devising new Sony p
Summary of the content on the page No. 14
File 01: Flat panel television “WEGA” Enjoy a realistic television picture A stylish remote control that’s [KDE-P61-HX2N] anytime, anywhere easy to use Television powered by Wega Engine The Wega’s aluminum remote control technology reflects Sony’s commitment to style and functionality. Operation is as easy as With the Wega Engine’s high-quality pressing the Wega Gate button and using picture image circuit, users can enjoy the the jog dial to navigate the control panel same breathtaking picture o
Summary of the content on the page No. 15
File 02: DVD recorder “Sugoroku” Setting up a program recording Compatibility with various disc [RDR-HX10] has never been easier formats for stress-free recording Simply choose a program that you want to record from the electronic program guide Dual RW compatibility means the unit (EPG). Search for a program recorded on the can record and play DVD+RW and DVD- hard disc drive (HDD) by its title or use the RW discs, both rewritable formats. It also keyword recording function, which takes full acce
Summary of the content on the page No. 16
File 03: DVD recorder “PSX” The remote control should be I want to connect my PSX to [DESR-7100] simple and fun to use lots of other equipment The cross-shaped menu, with controls PSX comes with a game controller aligned vertically, permits smooth and port, a network port for online speedy operations. Press any button gaming like that on PlayStation 2 and the action on the screen will (PS2), a USB socket for PS2- immediately stop, as the image fades compatible keyboards and into the background.
Summary of the content on the page No. 17
File 04: PC “VAIO” Can a PC double as both a I want to see LCD television- [VGC-V201] video deck and DVD recorder? quality images on my PC The hard disk drive (HDD) in the VAIO This PC is equipped with Sony’s exclusive type V can record up to approximately high-quality picture image circuit Motion 103 hours of television programs. The Reality. There’s also a fast response 20- timer function, used to record programs, inch television-grade LCD screen can also be set via the Internet. equipped with
Summary of the content on the page No. 18
File 05: Digital Still Camera “Cybershot” I want a compact camera that’s I don’t want to miss another great shot [DSC-T1] slender, yet durable Equipped with Sony’s proprietary Real Imaging Miniaturizing CCD to create an ultra- Processor, the camera powers up in about 1.3 compact, high-resolution digital still camera seconds, takes approximately one second between was a challenge. Stainless steel was chosen shots and has a shutter lag of about 0.24 seconds and for the body material of the 17.3mm
Summary of the content on the page No. 19
File 06: Video Camera “DVD Handycam” There is no danger of mistakenly [DCR-DVD201] It has never been easier to dub recording over other material content and send it to family and friends DVD Handycam uses a DVD with a diameter of 8cm. It automatically records new material onto Material stored on DVD Handycam can unused disc space, so there is no need to fast be dubbed for family and friends by forward or rewind, or worry about mistakenly using either a DVD recorder with a hard recording over oth
Summary of the content on the page No. 20
The future of key components To reinforce its competitive strength in its core electronics business, Sony is seeking to differ- entiate its products by implementing a vertically integrated business model that incorporates internally produced proprietary semiconductors, modules and components. Key components include Cell, a next generation, multi-purpose microprocessor; imaging components, such as CCDs and CMOS image sensors; display components, such as LCDs and organic electrolumi- nescence (OEL
