Rich Fiscus
25 Feb 2008 1:34
As flat panel TV sales continue to increase and LCD continues to grab an increasing amount of market share, some manufacturers have shifted their focus away from plasma HDTVs. One company that hasn't wavered in their support for plasma technology is Pioneer. Less than two months ago, at CES, the company's commitment to plasma was on display in the form of new displays capable of near perfect reproduction of blacks.
Despite their commitment though, they're feeling the same consumer pressure for lower prices which has already forced electronics giant Matsushita (Panasonic) to add larger LCD displays to their HDTV lineup. A Japanese newspaper is now reporting that Pioneer is hoping to reduce production costs on HDTVs 42 inches and smaller by building them with panels manufactured by Matsushita and Hitachi. They're reporting that production of these panels at Pioneer's own plant in southern Japan.
Although a Pioneer spokesman wouldn't confirm the report, he did say the company's flat panel TV strategy will be included as part of a larger business plan to be unveiled in March.