Funai to acquire Philips' North American Blu-ray / DVD operations

We already saw the writing on the wall, but now the deed is purportedly done -- or close enough, anyway. Reuters has it that Japan's Funai Electric will take over Philips' North American DVD, Blu-ray and other audiovisual operations starting next month. It's anticipated that the deal will boost Funai's North American sales by around $332 million, and of course, maintaining that well-known Philips badge is sure to be of assistance in that department. The agreement lays out that Funai will make periodic royalty payments to use the Philips brand rather than just buying up the whole thing outrightly. First the TV division, now this -- is there anything left of Philips worth caring about in the US?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 11:21PM]

well, actually, they do sell allot of medical, imaging, and lighting products.. Philips that is..

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 24th 2008 9:10AM]

Wow.

Philips bails on the USA.....including it's Blu-ray stuff.

So how does this square with the usual 'Blu-ray uber alles' BS?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 24th 2008 10:22AM]

Wonder if I should bail on my Sonicare as well?? my Dentist will not be happy

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 26th 2008 9:35AM]

I bought a Phillips DVD player for my dad when DVD players were first coming out and the thing was awful. It barely worked and the colors were bleached out to the point of it being barely watchable.

I would think 3 times before buying a Phillips again... even though they're not made my the same company anymore.

Save the money and badge that shit a Funai. Vizio has made a name for themselves, why not Funai?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 24th 2008 2:49PM]

I love my philishave! but i doubt that its made in North America.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2009 6:23PM]

Quote: "is there anything left [...] worth caring about in the US?"

Good question...