Pioneer pulls plug on plasma

Music Joe
Music Joe Posts: 459
edited March 2008 in Electronics
http://blog.wired.com/gadgets/2008/03/pioneer-drops-p.html

"In a move that clarifies the current cutthroat nature of the high def TV business, as well as the larger standing of LCDs, Pioneer announced that it would stop manufacturing Plasma panels by the end of the year."

Can someone verify this?
"The Web is a monoblog"
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  • WilliamM2
    WilliamM2 Posts: 4,807
    edited March 2008
    Sounds legit to me. They will still make Plasma TV's, but they will outsource the screen. Pretty common these days.
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited March 2008
    Reuters has an article about it. They will be buying plasma panels from Panasonic and lcd's from Sharp.
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited March 2008
    I was actually concidering the pioneer plasma...

    it`s got a great picture IMO
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  • the7comeback7ki
    the7comeback7ki Posts: 51
    edited March 2008
    They have fantastic picture. Bought one a while back.
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited March 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    I was actually concidering the pioneer plasma...

    it`s got a great picture IMO
    The Pioneer KURO's are fabulous and most experts say they are the best PQ you can get in a flat panel.
    Testing
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  • cmy330go
    cmy330go Posts: 2,341
    edited March 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    I was actually concidering the pioneer plasma...

    it`s got a great picture IMO

    I wouldn't let this change your mind. I have yet to see any LCD that I felt produced as good a picture as a quality plasma. Sure LCDs have tighter pixel spacing, and comparable color, but the black levels just aren't there. At least not yet.
    HT
    Mits WD-65737, DirecTV, Oppo DV-970HD, XBOX ONE, Yamaha RX-A1030, Parasound Halo A23, Rotel RB-985, Music Hall MMF-7, Parasound PPH-100, LSi-15, LSi-C, LSi-FX, LSi-7, PSW-1000, Monster HTS2600

    2 CH
    Parasound Halo P3, Parasound Halo A21, Sutherland Ph.D, VPI Classic 3 w/ 3D arm & Soundsmith Aida Cartridge, Arcam CD72T, B&W 802 S3, Monster HTS2500,
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited March 2008
    That sucks. Pioneer did make the best tv's on the market - however they also cost twice as much.

    Panasonic is the main reason Pioneer is having troubles considering that a $1500 Panny looks nearly as good as the $2600 Pioneer - its not hard to see why most consumers, me included, would have a hard time paying the extra $1100 for a set that 99% of people couldnt tell a difference on.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • dkg999
    dkg999 Posts: 5,647
    edited March 2008
    There seems to be a growing concern with the environmental impacts of plasma screen production, energy use, and ability to be cleanly disposed of. Right now these concerns seem to be growing in the more enviromentally "enlightened" markets across the globe. It will be interesting to see how they impact the manufacturers and the US market. I don't have enough understanding of the technology to know why the concern is focused on plasma and not LCD, or maybe LCD is just as bad but these groups just haven't rallied to that cause yet?
    DKG999
    HT System: LSi9, LSiCx2, LSiFX, LSi7, SVS 20-39 PC+, B&K 507.s2 AVR, B&K Ref 125.2, Tripplite LCR-2400, Cambridge 650BD, Signal Cable PC/SC, BJC IC, Samsung 55" LED

    Music System: Magnepan 1.6QR, SVS SB12+, ARC pre, Parasound HCA1500 vertically bi-amped, Jolida CDP, Pro-Ject RM5.1SE TT, Pro-Ject TubeBox SE phono pre, SBT, PS Audio DLIII DAC
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  • venomclan
    venomclan Posts: 2,467
    edited March 2008
    It seems like the plasmas use up a lot more energy than other type of tv, including the LCD's. At the same time LCD's have been getting a lot better and are cheaper to make, so it seems like a smart business move in the long run. Sony did it 2 years ago and now just dumped CRT and DLP's.
    Venom
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  • reeltrouble1
    reeltrouble1 Posts: 9,312
    edited March 2008
    I bought a Pioneer Plasma a few weeks ago to replace the Mit. DLP which the light engine totally failed on. I am very pleased with the Pioneer, its an elite model, my TV guy told me the same thing though that Plasma will fade away, he also said that the new plasma's by the discount companies were pretty shabby and pretty much throw aways as far as repair after the warranty period.

    RT1
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited March 2008
    I suspect they're going after laser tv's.
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited March 2008
    I just with they could perfect the DLP sets. Other than the fact that none of them seem to last more than 2 weeks before something breaks on them, theyre perfect! They have no burn in and they have no motion lag and their PQ is in between an LCD and plasma.

    If I knew for a fact the set I would be buying would be trouble free, Id buy a Mits DLP in a hearbeat! No question.

    The LED DLP's are looking sorta promising. Ive been keeping up with the reviews of them on CC and BB websites and there really isnt a ton of people complaining about the thing blowing up like they are with the conventional DLP sets. Maybe Sammy's on to something.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • cantzme78
    cantzme78 Posts: 58
    edited March 2008
    Pioneer is overpriced for what they are. A lot of experts actually prefer the Panasonic screens over the Pioneer anyway. If you check consumer reports, Panasonic is always on top in the plasma screens especially as of late.
    There are two types of people in the world, The Ones that do, and the ones that wish they had! What are you?


    MARANTZ 7002
    RTi8'S
    CSi A6
    FXi A4'S
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    PANASONIC 50 IN PLASMA
    PANASONIC DMP-BD30
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited March 2008
    but the Pioneer has a blacker black, and IMO is a much sharper Pic


    I hear that mostof what you get out of any of these, be it Panny , Pioneer, Plasma, or LCD...it`s all in the proper calibration

    and that it`s worth paying a tech to come out and calibrate your set
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
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    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited March 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    I hear that mostof what you get out of any of these, be it Panny , Pioneer, Plasma, or LCD...it`s all in the proper calibration

    and that it`s worth paying a tech to come out and calibrate your set
    Bingo! Calibration is the key ;)
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited March 2008
    dkg999 wrote: »
    There seems to be a growing concern with the environmental impacts of plasma screen production, energy use, and ability to be cleanly disposed of. Right now these concerns seem to be growing in the more enviromentally "enlightened" markets across the globe. It will be interesting to see how they impact the manufacturers and the US market. I don't have enough understanding of the technology to know why the concern is focused on plasma and not LCD, or maybe LCD is just as bad but these groups just haven't rallied to that cause yet?
    The '08 Panny plasmas are Energy Star Compliant. Was something that was important to my sister in her buying decision. The 720P sets consume less energy than the 1080P sets too.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • beardog03
    beardog03 Posts: 5,550
    edited March 2008
    it seems most of the electronics suck up the wall juice even when idle ...

    My PG & E is through the roof !!

    What do you think of the Sony Wega, and =

    I still not sure if I want Plasma or LCD, but Samsung has some good prices on thier stuff sometimes..

    The one with the 120 Hz engine is definately the one to get....I forget who makes it...
    I think it`s Samsung though
    Cary SLP-98L F1 DC Pre Amp (Jag Blue)
    Parasound HCA-3500
    Cary Audio V12 amp (Jag Red)
    Polk Audio Xm Reciever (Autographed by THE MAN Himself) :cool:
    Magnum Dynalab MD-102 Analog Tuna
    Jolida JD-100 CDP
    Polk Audio LSi9 Speaks (ebony)
    SVS PC-Ultra Sub
    AQ Bedrock Speaker Cables (Bi-Wired)
    MIT Shotgun S1 I/C`s
    AQ Black Thunder Sub Cables
    PS Audio Plus Power Cords
    Magnum Dynalab ST-2 FM Antenna
    Sanus Cherry wood Speak Stands
    Adona AV45CS3 / 3 Tier Rack (Black /Gold)

    :cool:
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  • halo
    halo Posts: 5,616
    edited March 2008
    beardog03 wrote: »
    it seems most of the electronics suck up the wall juice even when idle ...

    My PG & E is through the roof !!

    What do you think of the Sony Wega, and =

    I still not sure if I want Plasma or LCD, but Samsung has some good prices on thier stuff sometimes..

    The one with the 120 Hz engine is definately the one to get....I forget who makes it...
    I think it`s Samsung though
    don't you already have plasma?

    The only things I don't like about my Sony Wega RP LCD HDTV are the blacks are not black and that effin screen door effect. Our set is three years old and it sickens me when I think about how much we paid for it. Prices have been FALLING. Thought Sony had a good thing with the SXRD RP LCoS sets but they discontinued them.
    Audio: Polk S15 * Polk S35 * Polk S10 * SVS SB-1000 Pro
    HT: Samsung QN90B * Marantz NR1510 * Panasonic DMP-BDT220 * Roku Ultra LT * APC H10
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  • cantzme78
    cantzme78 Posts: 58
    edited March 2008
    My 50PZ77U is Energy star and it is a 07 model. Compared it side by side with the Pioneer 5010 and Panny 700U and really could not see the difference. So if you are willing to spend close to $2000 dollars more for the Pioneer, more power to you.
    There are two types of people in the world, The Ones that do, and the ones that wish they had! What are you?


    MARANTZ 7002
    RTi8'S
    CSi A6
    FXi A4'S
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    PANASONIC 50 IN PLASMA
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  • fireshoes
    fireshoes Posts: 3,167
    edited March 2008
    cantzme78 wrote: »
    Pioneer is overpriced for what they are. A lot of experts actually prefer the Panasonic screens over the Pioneer anyway. If you check consumer reports, Panasonic is always on top in the plasma screens especially as of late.

    Come on man, you didn't just play the Consumer Reports card, did ya? :eek:
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  • polkseller
    polkseller Posts: 184
    edited March 2008
    Here's some infos for you guys.

    First Plasma panels are better than LCD on everything exept PC use. Real Contrast is way better ( 1600:1 sony vs 2500:1 pana and 3075:1 pioneer), better color gamut ( 92% sony vs 116% pioneer), better speed (12x more fast), better longevity ( 100 000h half life!), better viewing angles without picture color wash-out, uses little more energy but still many are Energy star compliant. In fact, only pioneer did wins 3 years in a row the japanese prize of the lowest energy consuming plasma in the world. They also polute less because they do not contain mercury like the neon lamps in the LCD. Panasonic plasma do not contain lead or mercury and are easy to recycle.

    Pioneer plasma side by side with panasonic AT HOME, you can clearly see the diff before of after calibration. Pioneer is clearer, more vivid and natural colors without any picture noise. PureVision technology really shine with the crystal emissive layer. Better electronic too and scalers. Worth it in my opinion. But you are right about the panasonic lower price and 90% picture quality of pioneer. Elite 50'' are unbeateable plasmas.

    I,m sorry to ear that pioneer might be shutting down it's own plasma production. Samsung and panasonic offerings are cheaper and good quality. Pioneer is losing millions of dollars in the last Quarters, because they simply put too much quality on their products and dont sell much even at lower price than comparable product (some AVRs packed of tech for example)

    As for consumer reports, yes they put panasonic to the top, but they dont give points for Picture REALITY, only dvd, hd and SD quality. They also consider price as a major factor in they rating. NO justice to the pioneer highter quality here

    On the sales point of view, plasma is up more than 28% from last year in north america.
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  • BrettT1
    BrettT1 Posts: 560
    edited March 2008
    MacLeod wrote: »
    I just with they could perfect the DLP sets. Other than the fact that none of them seem to last more than 2 weeks before something breaks on them, theyre perfect! They have no burn in and they have no motion lag and their PQ is in between an LCD and plasma.

    If I knew for a fact the set I would be buying would be trouble free, Id buy a Mits DLP in a hearbeat! No question.QUOTE]


    I guess I'm just lucky. I've had a sammy 50 dlp for about 2 yrs now and haven't had a problem. I've read so many horror stories, I feel like I'm just waiting for it to blow up. I'm glad I got a 4 yr warranty with it.

    Does anyone else have a dlp that works besides me:confused:
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited March 2008
    I think Pioneer could come in a lot cheaper if theyd dump some of their features or at least make them optional. Things like cable card slots and TV guides arent needed and only bump the price up. If Pioneer could offer a stripped down 50" for $1800-2000 I have a feeling they wouldnt be able to make 'em fast enough. But for $2600-3000, the Panny is the better deal.

    I like the way Consumer Reports reviews their TVs. Theyre one of the only ones that give you info on SD viewing which is important to me since not all channels are available on HD and Im not really sure I want to pay the extra $$$ for the few HD channels when Im already paying $60 a month for Dish anyway. CR may not be the most critical videophiles, for that Ill check with Sound and Vision and Home Theater, but CR gives you a good idea what the average consumer can expect and be looking for. Ive been a website subscriber to CR for many years and I use them all the time. $5 a month and worth every penny.
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • okiepolkie
    okiepolkie Posts: 2,258
    edited March 2008
    MacLeod wrote: »
    I think Pioneer could come in a lot cheaper if theyd dump some of their features or at least make them optional. Things like cable card slots and TV guides arent needed and only bump the price up. If Pioneer could offer a stripped down 50" for $1800-2000 I have a feeling they wouldnt be able to make 'em fast enough. But for $2600-3000, the Panny is the better deal.


    Except for this generation of pioneer panels, they do offer a "stripped down" version as a commercial piece. The PDP-504CMX was comparable to last years 50" 720p model. They didn't update the commercial piece this year to coordinate with the Kuro models. However, they will be coming out with a commercial panel this summer, sill in Pioneer's factory from what I've been told, that will match the Kuro's image quality.
    Tschüss
    Zach
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  • SKsolutions
    SKsolutions Posts: 1,820
    edited March 2008
    The opposite is true of the Panny. The newest generation screen goes in the 'pro'/commercial line (panel only, no gizmos), then to the consumer models fairly quickly. I believe that Panny now has the largest plasma panel production, with the construction of it's newest plant in Japan which is it's 5th and largest. I would expect that this had something to do with Pioneer pulling the plug, as it's hard to compete with the pricepoint derived from this scale. As the new factory comes on line, it would be expected that it would continue the downward pressure on price.
    -Ignorance is strength -
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  • MacLeod
    MacLeod Posts: 14,358
    edited March 2008
    Interesting read in Sound and Vision from Pioneer VP. Apparently Pioneer is still going to be very much in the plasma business but only in the high end of the market and there will be some Pioneer/Sharp LCD's in the future.

    http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/features/2803/pioneer-stands-by-its-plasma.html
    polkaudio sound quality competitor since 2005
    MECA SQ Rookie of the Year 06 ~ MECA State Champ 06,07,08,11 ~ MECA World Finals 2nd place 06,07,08,09
    08 Car Audio Nationals 1st ~ 07 N Georgia Nationals 1st ~ 06 Carl Casper Nationals 1st ~ USACi 05 Southeast AutumnFest 1st

    polkaudio SR6500 --- polkaudio MM1040 x2 -- Pioneer P99 -- Rockford Fosgate P1000X5D
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  • Systems
    Systems Posts: 14,873
    edited March 2008
    Good find.
    Testing
    Testing
    Testing
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