Sony has reported a loss of 40.8 billion yen (US$437m) for the year to the end of March, less than half the loss it made the previous year.

Sharp, which makes Aquos brand LCD TVs, initially played down the urgency of selling 3D TVs, questioning whether consumers wanted them. But with 3D growing hotter not only with Hollywood releases but also flat-panel TVs for living rooms, Sharp is switching gears.

Sony plans to launch new 3D television sets in Japan from 10 June. A 46-inch 3D screen will cost around 350,000 yen (US$3,898), 52% more expensive than a regular Sony flatscreen television.

The world's largest manufacturer of computer memory chips and flat screen TVs has predicted an operating profit of up to US$3.44 billion for the fourth quarter of 2009 after racking up its first ever loss a year earlier. It did not give a net profit estimate.