Sony Canada

Established in 1955, Sony of Canada Ltd. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation, of Tokyo, Japan, a world leader in High Definition. Sony provides end-to-end solutions through products that include the market-leading Blu-ray player, BRAVIA® televisions, Cyber-shot® digital cameras, Handycam® Camcorders, VAIO® computers, broadcast cameras, IPELA security cameras and video conferencing and many more products that deliver the true entertainment experience.

Sony is one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world with a portfolio 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 80 Sony Style retail locations across Canada.Sony Canada is proud to support 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.

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 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. Using the most powerful technology of its time, 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 leverages technology from its broadcast arm to deliver end-to-end High Definition solutions to consumers. HD is at the centre of all Sony products, allowing customers to shoot in HD with Cyber-shot® digital cameras and Handycam® camcorders, edit in HD using VAIO® computers, and watch HD on BRAVIA® LCD televisions.

Sony focuses on pairing this technology with content to create the complete entertainment experience. With sister organizations Sony Pictures, Sony BMG, and PlayStation, Canadians can experience full High Definition content and entertainment.

Sony of Canada Ltd. Milestones
1939
General Distributors (Gendis) founded in Calgary

1955
General Distributors (Tokyo) Ltd is founded

1956
Canadian Albert Cohen had the insight to bring 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

1975
General Distributors (Gendis) assumed 51 percent ownership of Sony of Canada Ltd

1983
Sony of Canada receives an international marketing award for establishing Betacam as the de facto standard for ENG/EFP.

1985
Sony of Canada Science Scholarship Foundation Inc. is founded

1990
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes an official EcoKids (www.ecokids.ca) sponsor

1995
Sony of Canada Ltd. becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation

1997
Sony of Canada and Alliance Broadcasting share Gemini award for development of multi-channel server system.

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

2005
Sony of Canada Ltd. launches MBNA Sony Master Card

2007
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. expands recycling program to include all Sony branded products

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

Sony Canada unveils Sony's first full-frame a (alpha) DSLR camera

Sony Canada’s Philosophy

Sony Canada’s goal is to be the leading consumer electronics company in Canada. Together with its sister companies, Sony of Canada is committed to creating uniquely memorable end-to-end experience for every consumer. In addition to delivering full HD solutions to Canadians, Sony Canada believes in being socially responsible and active in the community.

Sony Canada’s socially responsible initiatives include reducing its environmental footprint through an innovative recycling program, and raising funds for charities through the Sony Canada Charitable Foundation.

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 80 Sony Style retail stores across the country, and online at http://www.sonystyle.ca. 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.

For more information on Sony’s Broadcast and Professional Products please visit:
http://www.sonybiz.ca
http://www.theprofessionaledge.ca
http://www.sony.ca/vidcon
http://www.sony.ca/projectors
http://www.sony.ca/ip
http://www.sony.ca/storage
http://www.sony.ca/hd
http://www.sony.ca/xdcamex
http://www.sony.ca/medical
http://www.sony.ca/dvcam

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.

At the 80 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.

For information on all of Sony Canada’s environmental initiatives, visit:
http://www.sony.ca/environment

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 Sept. 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 $10 million, 20-year title sponsorship will re-energize the entertainment venue with aesthetic improvements and technical upgrades, all while maintaining the heritage of the Toronto landmark.

The facility is scheduled to undergo a complete interior renovation commencing June, 2008. When completed, the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts will be transformed into a multimedia theatre and concert venue. The 47 year-old historic building will be outfitted with the most technically advanced audio and video Sony products that offer the ultimate entertainment experience.

The Sony Family

Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications serves the global communications market with innovative and feature-rich 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. continues to redefine the entertainment lifestyle with its PlayStation® and PS one® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system, and the ground-breaking PlayStation®3 (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 BMG
SONY BMG MUSIC (CANADA) INC. carries on the Canadian operations of SONY BMG 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 BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT is 50 % owned by Bertelsmann A.G. and 50% owned by Sony Corporation of America.

SONY BMG 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 BMG Canada (http://www.sonybmg.ca)
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)