Sony, which claims 80 percent share of the world's high definition (HD) TV market, is preparing to establish strong presence in India once the government allows HD broadcasting.

"We expect high definition broadcasting in India to start by 2009 and currently Sony is aggressively approaching broadcasting companies for content creation as it has all the equipments required," Sony India Managing Director Masaru Tamagawa told reporters in New Delhi.

He, however, did not divulge more details saying talks were confidential and the names of the companies could not be disclosed.

"But we are sure about one thing, that no other company other than Sony can change LCD into High Definition," he added.

Sony India is targeting around 26 percent rise in its sales from Rs 2,300 crore in 2006 to Rs 2,900 in the current year.

It has also earmarked USD 35 million for marketing and advertising spend for this year, up from USD 20 million last year.

"Of the 35 million dollar set aside for this year, around 10 million dollar would be spent for Diwali," Tamagawa said.

Sony launched six new series comprising 15 models of LCD TVs for the festive season, aiming 25 percent share of the LCD market in India and number one position in the large screen segment by the end of this fiscal.

"We are aiming 25 percent LCD market share this year by selling around four lakh TV sets," Tamagawa said, adding it expects to sell 30 lakh units of LCD TVs in 2010.

The company has slashed prices of its products by 10-15 percent ahead of Diwali. - DDNEWS