Back in the 80's, I remember telling my friends "My dad bought a new TV. A Trinitron". Mentioning that model, and the Sony brand name, would illicit genuine oohs and ahs, and cries of "Can we see it?" Buying a Sony meant you were willing to pay a little more (or a lot) for the very best. These days if you say "I bought a Sony", people look at you like you're a schmuck who throws his money away on overpriced crap. Granted, this is due, in part, to competing brands that match or surpass Sony's quality for a lower price. However, a great deal of the derisive laughter you'll receive is due to Sony continually shooting itself in the foot, or feet, as it turns out.