Sony Corp. (NYSE: SNE) used to get me excited over a decade ago. The nameplate was at the top of the consumer electronics field and the Sony Playstation was one of the marquee brands of the wold. Today, Sony's brand is boring, plain and overpriced to millions of consumers, and the company's slumping sales of late signify this. Competitors Samsung and LG of Korea have mauled it a bit in the HDTV market, and upstart Vizio is killing it as well, undercutting prices in a huge way while maintaining great style and -- according to many -- similar quality. Why would anyone buy a Sony HDTV today?An answer to that question may come this fall, when the venerable electronics giant unveils no less than 15 new flat-panel television sets in what could be seen as a desperate attempt to take shelf space from rivals in any way it can. A general rule of retail is: Whoever has the most shelf space, wins. It works for food, electronics and clothing merchandising in many cases.
Comfort Zone Investing: The unmighty dollar
Five winners of a weak dollar
For a quick-read on the U.S. economy, check the price of gasoline
