Sony, Panasonic cling to TVs, betting on halo effect of premium sets

GOING HIGH END TO SURVIVE: Analysts say Japanese TV manufacturers had little choice but to focus on high-end models, particularly when faced with a rival like Samsung whose smartphone success has given it overwhelming resources.

TOKYO: Japan's once-mighty electronics makers have lost billions of dollars from TVs but Sony Corp and Panasonic Corp won't quit, saying retreating from the world's living rooms would close the door to more promising businesses. 

Consumer electronics account for a shrinking portion of income after restructuring focussed Sony on gaming and image sensors and Panasonic on electric car batteries. But TVs remain among their best-known products.