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Sony’s entertainment strategy will revolve around four pillars: Stringer
MUMBAI: As the global entertainment industry evolves four pillars – e-Entertainment, Digital Cinema, High-er Definition and PlayStation will play an important role in Sony’s strategy.
This was stressed by Sony chairman and CEO Sir Howard Stringer at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.
In his presentation called Entertaining the Future Stringer spoke about the changing relationship between content, technology and the consumer. As far as the e-Entertainment pillar is concerned Stringer focussed on the increasingly personalised nature of entertainment and the importance of recognising and accommodating the needs of the individual while providing choice and convenience in the ways that consumers use Sony products.
Stringer introduced the new Sony Reader, which will be available later this year. At CES he was joined on stage by Dan Brown, author of The Da Vinci Code, to discuss the many benefits of eBook technology for readers, authors and the environment. The Sony Ericsson W810, the latest version of the Walkman phone, which established the mobile phone as a credible digital music player, was also demonstrated.
Following that Stringer showcased PlayStation Portable’s ability to allow consumers to watch their favorite television programmes any time, from anywhere in the world using Sony’s Location Free technology.
In a discussion of digital cinema, Stringer detailed how Sony’s digital cinema equipment is being used by leading directors around the world to redefine the way consumers enjoy the motion picture experience. Brian Grazer, who is the producer of the highly anticipated film The Da Vinci Code, along with the film’s director, Ron Howard and actor Tom Hanks joined Stringer on stage to discuss how the film is progressing and the technological advancements in high-definition filmmaking and projection systems that are keeping the theater-going experience alive and thriving.
Stringer also emphasised the fact that Sony is well-positioned to succeed in the transition to High-er Definition – both inside and out of the home. “The transition to HD is especially important to Sony, because from film production in Hollywood to television viewing at home, Sony has connected every link in the HD chain. With professional equipment, camcorders, television displays, Blu-ray Disc players, packaged media and more, no one is better positioned to lead the way to full high definition. That’s why we say Sony is High-er Definition.”
In addition to highlighting Sony’s HD equipment and Grand Wega and Bravia televisions Stringer dwelt on the rapid growth and proliferation of HD content. He announced that Sony’s game shows Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune will be the first game shows available in HD later this year.
Dell chairman Michael Dell discussed the importance of the Blu-ray disc format for both the consumer electronics and IT industries. To show the importance of the last of the four pillars Playstation, Sony Computer Entertainment America president and CEO Kaz Hirai joined Stringer to discuss how Playstation 3 will build on the success of the PlayStation 2, which experienced a 10.5 per cent year-over-year gain in holiday sales and was the only platform in the videogame industry with positive growth, and on the success of the PlayStation Portable (PSP).
Hirai also emphasised the importance of the Cell processor, which is designed to support broadband consumer applications and HD video streams and will be at the heart of the Playstation 3, scheduled to launch later this year. By utilising Blu-ray, Playstation 3 will also provide the large storage capacity required by game creators to achieve real-time gameplay mechanics in a HD world.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
