Sony’s on TV

Sony Electronics Inc. (Park Ridge, N.J.) has opened its first QUALIA store in the U.S.

QUALIA 006 is the first rear-projection TV with Sony Silicon X-tal Reflective Display technology, originally introduced in the QUALIA 004 front projector. The new 70-inch micro-display is the industry’s first rear projection set to achieve 1920×1080 HD resolution.

The Manhattan location, situated within the Sony Style store on Madison Avenue between 55th and 56th streets, features a concierge at the entrance to the store and appointment-driven, one-on-one product demonstrations with retail consultants. The store opening featured the introduction of two televisions to be sold in the U.S. — QUALIA 005 and QUALIA 006. A second QUALIA shop will open next month in the new Sony Style store at Caesar’s Forum Shops in Las Vegas.

To celebrate the opening of the store, a photo exhibit entitled “QUALIA 016: Celebrating the Chronicles of Life,” has been commissioned. The exhibit features digital images taken by notable personalities using the QUALIA 016 digital still camera.

“Because QUALIA products represent the ultimate expression of technology, craftsmanship and design, we knew that we had to create a very special retail environment to encourage consumers to experience QUALIA first-hand,” said Mike Fasulo, president of Sony Electronics eSolutions Co., which is spearheading the QUALIA initiative and the expansion of Sony Style stores in the U.S. “After purchasing a product, each customer will receive a personalized letter from his or her own concierge as well as access to Sony’s exclusive Cierge program, along with invitations to Sony movies and other entertainment events.”