A TV bifo has broken out between Samsung and Sony over who was first to launch LED TV in Australia. The issue came to a head when Samsung earlier this week claimed that they were the first with their new 50″ Series 9.
Sony has promptly hit back claiming they were the first when they launched their $70,000 LED model earlier this year.
Now Samsung has been forced to clarify their statement with an apology and the release of an official statement that says “the first LED television available on the Australian market” refers to Samsung launching the first mass market LED television widely available in major retail channels at a price under $9,999″
They added “A Samsung and a competitor 70″ LED television was previously available but in extremely limited distribution at a retail price of around $70,000; fewer than five units were sold across both companies*.Samsung apologises for any confusion”.
Sony spokesperson Jenny Geddes said “There is no doubt that Sony were the first to launch an LED TV. We have taken this issue up with Samsung”.
In an official Sony statement the Company said “Sony Australia released the BRAVIA KDL70X3500 LCD TV in October 2007. This TV features a Triluminous LED backlight – making it the first LED backlight TV in Australia. In addition, the new 46 inch and 55 inch BRAVIA XBR models announced last week have a RGB Dynamic LED backlight and will arrive in stores in mid October.”