Pioneer tuning out HDTV sets, including Kuro line

[admin]

The top-notch electronics maker confirms that it's done with the TV business—and that's a real shame, because Pioneer cranked out some of the best HDTVs in the business.

http://tech.yahoo.com/blogs/patterson/38440/pioneer-tuning-out-hdtv-sets-including-kuro-line/

This is bad news, because my next plasma was going to be a Kuro, as it is still the best HDTV available. Hopefully, Panasonic will pick up the slack before LED TVs take over.

[gadgetman2]

It is indeed a shame but with the prospect of losses getting even worse I suppose they've got to protect their business. I fear that the current economic climate will lead to many more companies scaling back on R&D and 'playing it safe' until times get better.

[doctorhardware]

That is too bad Pioneer makes a excellent product. I wonder if there is a chance if someone will buy the Pioneer production line.

[admin]

Welcome to the forum, gadgetman2.

LCDs with LED backlight, then OLED screens. One is here already, but can't really compete with Kuros, while another is years away. Hopefully Panasonic will buy out Pioneer's plasma division, but build quality may suffer.

[gadgetman2]

Thanks for the warm welcome.

I suppose the decision to develop both LED backlight and OLED technology was taken a few years ago, well before the current economic problems. They were probably so well advanced in the development stages when the downturn took hold that they had to be seen through to market. The problem is that R&D programs about to start now, that could potentially lead to future advances in display technology, may no longer get the green light due to the current situation.