Update: Pioneer to end plasma panel production - Blu-ray Forum

unreal1080p · 03-03-2008, 10:54 PM

UPDATE: Apparently, this "might" ONLY apply to their 42" panels (fine by me if that's the case)... we'll have to wait for something "official" from Pioneer to know for sure I guess...

http://www.engadgethd.com/2008/03/03...manufacturing/

http://www.cnbc.com/id/23454069/for/cnbc

Quote:

The Nikkei is reporting that Pioneer plans to stop producing plasma panels altogether, and only put together HDTVs with panels purchased from other sources. Since Pioneer is the only manufacturer promising the blackest black levels this side of carbon nanotubes, we're freaking out a bit

ManUtd · 03-03-2008, 11:08 PM

I can't believe this too, if all they will do is assemble parts from other companies like Panasonic, why not buy Panasonic TVs in the first place?

unreal1080p · 03-03-2008, 11:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

I can't believe this too, if all they will do is assemble parts from other companies like Panasonic, why not buy Panasonic TVs in the first place?

Maybe to get 3:3 pulldown 72hz instead of 48hz...

All I can say is Pioneer better give the bluepritnts for infinite contrast ratio plasma's to Panasonic and Panasonic and/or Pioneer better make with the infinite contrast ratio plasma's in 2009 or there's going to be HELL to pay

I'm not freakin waiting till 2012 to buy a freakin OLED

JohnGalt · 03-03-2008, 11:13 PM

Small semiconductor companies don't build multi-billions dollar fabs to produce their products, they farm the mask works out to third parties for production. This is probably no different, Pioneer would likely design the panels but contract out the manufacturing. Probably makes economic sense for a niche player in the HDTV industry.

unreal1080p · 03-03-2008, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnGalt

Small semiconductor companies don't build multi-billions dollar fabs to produce their products, they farm the mask works out to third parties for production. This is probably no different, Pioneer would likely design the panels but contract out the manufacturing. Probably makes economic sense for a niche player in the HDTV industry.

If that's the case then they need to control their PR department better and come out in PLAIN ENGLISH and say that the Infinite Constrast Ratio Plasma's are still coming... then explain about the manufacturing processes and cost cutting measures... not the other way around and have us all in a fit of panic

unreal1080p · 03-03-2008, 11:28 PM

UPDATE: Apparently, this "might" ONLY apply to their 42" panels (fine by me if that's the case)... we'll have to wait for something "official" from Pioneer to know for sure I guess...

http://www.reuters.com/article/techn...34259620080225

Johk · 03-03-2008, 11:30 PM

I hope this is not true!!!

ManUtd · 03-03-2008, 11:32 PM

I think Pioneer can make excellent TVs but not so great on the business and manufacturing side. They could've done much better in marketing and building the Kuros. What's worse is that even with the so-so marketing they couldn't make enough panels (especially the Elites) to satisfy the demand. Obviously they can't make money that way.

Bango · 03-03-2008, 11:33 PM

Meh...I'm sure they'll hand the plans out and make some money on their way out of this part of the market....I don't like Plasmas anyway...

stockstar1138 · 03-03-2008, 11:33 PM

its not like they are leaving the HDTV business all together if they do this. I'm sure they got something better in R&D. So, if there is something better, who cares if they ditch plasma???

ManUtd · 03-03-2008, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stockstar1138

its not like they are leaving the HDTV business all together if they do this. I'm sure they got something better in R&D. So, if there is something better, who cares if they ditch plasma???

They aren't ditching the plasma business, the report says they will stop making plasma panels but will procure them from Panasonic instead. Now when the "new" Pioneer TV comes, I wonder who is willing to pay the premium knowing that most of the parts are from Panasonic. I doubt I would.

tommyboy81 · 03-03-2008, 11:46 PM

So does this mean that the one that are in the stores now going on a Clearance Sale!

ManUtd · 03-03-2008, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tommyboy81

So does this mean that the one that are in the stores now going on a Clearance Sale!

If that happens I'll get another 150FD.

Seriously, if anyone is looking into buying a Kuro now, better buy it soon while it still has Pioneer components.

shadowmoon · 03-04-2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Art Vandelay

If that happens I'll get another 150FD.

Seriously, if anyone is looking into buying a Kuro now, better buy it soon while it still has Pioneer components.

+1 on that 150FD

omgitsmikeyc · 03-04-2008, 12:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unreal1080p

Maybe to get 3:3 pulldown 72hz instead of 48hz...

All I can say is Pioneer better give the bluepritnts for infinite contrast ratio plasma's to Panasonic and Panasonic and/or Pioneer better make with the infinite contrast ratio plasma's in 2009 or there's going to be HELL to pay

I'm not freakin waiting till 2012 to buy a freakin OLED

panasonic 08 models are carrying 1 mil to one contrast (dynamic) with 30k native.... ohhh yeaaa!

Grubert · 03-04-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unreal1080p

UPDATE: Apparently, this "might" ONLY apply to their 42" panels (fine by me if that's the case)... we'll have to wait for something "official" from Pioneer to know for sure I guess...

Nope - all sizes axed:

Quote:

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Pioneer Corp is finalizing plans to stop all production of plasma display panels in a bid to turn around its loss-making flat TV operations, an industry source briefed on the plan said on Tuesday.

(Emphasis added)

http://www.reuters.com/article/techn...22772520080304

btf1980 · 03-04-2008, 11:21 AM

This is what happens when consumers adopt the walmart philosophy. Premier brands have to close up shop because the mega conglomerates can churn out their latest rubbish LCD's en masse with all the bells and whistles that seduce the less informed while the displays with superior quality get ignored by the public. Sad for people that want large displays that are not LCD. It's not an option for me at all. Anyway, glad I got my kuros before they became extinct. First Fujitsu, now Pioneer. Just awful.

J_UNTITLED · 03-04-2008, 11:54 AM

How good of a TV is the Kuro?

btf1980 · 03-04-2008, 11:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J_UNTITLED

How good of a TV is the Kuro?

Simply put, the best.

J_UNTITLED · 03-04-2008, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btf1980

Simply put, the best.

You mean the best plasma out there currently on the market or the best all-around HDTV, period?

03-03-2008, 11:28 PM	#6
unreal1080p Special Member Member since:Aug 2007 Location:3rd Rock from the Sun	UPDATE: Apparently, this "might" ONLY apply to their 42" panels (fine by me if that's the case)... we'll have to wait for something "official" from Pioneer to know for sure I guess... http://www.reuters.com/article/techn...34259620080225 Last edited by unreal1080p; 03-04-2008 at 01:05 AM.

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03-03-2008, 11:08 PM	#2
ManUtd Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:In my HT Home Theater Gallery:1 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:829 Blu-ray reviews: 5 Trading Score:5	I can't believe this too, if all they will do is assemble parts from other companies like Panasonic, why not buy Panasonic TVs in the first place?

03-03-2008, 11:13 PM	#4
JohnGalt Senior Member Member since:Sep 2007 Trading Score:4	Small semiconductor companies don't build multi-billions dollar fabs to produce their products, they farm the mask works out to third parties for production. This is probably no different, Pioneer would likely design the panels but contract out the manufacturing. Probably makes economic sense for a niche player in the HDTV industry.

03-03-2008, 11:30 PM	#7
Johk Blu-ray Guru Top contributor Member since:Jul 2007 Blu-ray collection:645 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:2	I hope this is not true!!!

03-03-2008, 11:32 PM	#8
ManUtd Blu-ray Count Top contributor Member since:Feb 2008 Location:In my HT Home Theater Gallery:1 4K collection:15 Blu-ray collection:829 Blu-ray reviews: 5 Trading Score:5	I think Pioneer can make excellent TVs but not so great on the business and manufacturing side. They could've done much better in marketing and building the Kuros. What's worse is that even with the so-so marketing they couldn't make enough panels (especially the Elites) to satisfy the demand. Obviously they can't make money that way.

03-03-2008, 11:33 PM	#9
Bango Active Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:San Diego, CA Trading Score:4	Meh...I'm sure they'll hand the plans out and make some money on their way out of this part of the market....I don't like Plasmas anyway...

03-03-2008, 11:33 PM	#10
stockstar1138 Banned Member since:Apr 2007	its not like they are leaving the HDTV business all together if they do this. I'm sure they got something better in R&D. So, if there is something better, who cares if they ditch plasma???

03-03-2008, 11:46 PM	#12
tommyboy81 Blu-ray Count Member since:Oct 2007 Location:Savannah, GA Home Theater Gallery:17 Blu-ray collection:93 Blu-ray reviews:3 Trading Score:2	So does this mean that the one that are in the stores now going on a Clearance Sale!

03-04-2008, 11:21 AM	#17
btf1980 Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2007 Location:NYC Home Theater Gallery:97 Trading Score:14	This is what happens when consumers adopt the walmart philosophy. Premier brands have to close up shop because the mega conglomerates can churn out their latest rubbish LCD's en masse with all the bells and whistles that seduce the less informed while the displays with superior quality get ignored by the public. Sad for people that want large displays that are not LCD. It's not an option for me at all. Anyway, glad I got my kuros before they became extinct. First Fujitsu, now Pioneer. Just awful.

03-04-2008, 11:54 AM	#18
J_UNTITLED Power Member Member since:Jul 2006	How good of a TV is the Kuro?

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