[Ron Ramirez]

I think that to some degree RCA copied Philco by going into the large appliance business in that they owned Whirlpool for a time. The diversification idea sucked in many companies at the time, and ruined just about as many, but such is to be expected when you stray off the path of what you know.

Interesting point. We note that Brand Z was the "last man standing" in American consumer electronics; their "diversification" went as far as a (temporary) agreement with Wincharger to help them sell farm radios...and, later, buying Heathkit. Zenith never went into the "white goods" business. All of the other U.S.-based electronics companies that diversified into white goods ultimately failed. Zenith stayed around until the Lucky Goldstar buyout.