Panasonic to dump plasma TV operations

Panasonic will reportedly get out of the plasma TV panel production business by the end of March next year, according to a report.

Sources familiar with Panasonic's plans told the Reuters news agency that the company seeks to end its production of plasma TV panels by the end of its financial year, which ends March 2014.

The move is no surprise given that Panasonic's losses in its TV business have contributed to monstrous losses in recent years. A strong yen has also given it a major disadvantage over flat panel television rivals, such as South Korea's Samsung and its domestic rival LG Electronics.

On top of that, plasma televisions have declined in a market dominated by LCD, which has witnessed considerable improvements and innovation over recent year. According to DisplaySearch, only 6 percent of TV shipments in 2012 were plasma, compared to 87 percent for LCD.

According to Reuters sources, Panasonic will book an impairment loss of more than 40 billion yen with the closure of its plasma factory in Western Japan.

Written by: James Delahunty @ 9 Oct 2013 17:53

DarkJello

That's a shame, they are building by far the best value TV's around. Just picked up an ST60 a few weeks ago and it's pretty incredible. Might have to get another while they're still making them!

9.10.2013 20:08 #1

hearme0

Originally posted by DarkJello: That's a shame, they are building by far the best value TV's around. Just picked up an ST60 a few weeks ago and it's pretty incredible. Might have to get another while they're still making them! Agreed!

I want a ZT60

10.10.2013 12:06 #2

mukhis

bad, too bad. LED does not come even close to plasma in terms of PQ. plasma feels natural, whereas LED gives over-sharpened PQ.

10.10.2013 13:40 #3

omegaman7

As much as I love our plasma, I can't say this surprises me. Plasma is a risk. Burn-in. At least with LED/LCD, we don't have to worry about pausing things for extended periods. I constantly have to get after my folks for leaving the tv on a motionless frame.

Star Trek TNG High Definition is only possible while theyre receiving return for their efforts. Pirate Star Trek, and their efforts will have no choice but to cease :(

12.10.2013 13:04 #4

pufff

Originally posted by omegaman7: As much as I love our plasma, I can't say this surprises me. Plasma is a risk. Burn-in. At least with LED/LCD, we don't have to worry about pausing things for extended periods. I constantly have to get after my folks for leaving the tv on a motionless frame. The whole "burn in" thing was only really an issue with early generations of plasma's. It scared a lot of people but a lot has advanced since then. I've personally never had any issues with burn in and I own a Pioneer plasma going on 7 yrs now and also a panasonic for 4yrs. They've both been flawless. I've had these things paused and have played hours and hours of video games on these tv's and am still amazed at the picture quality they produce this many years on. Especially my pioneer.

13.10.2013 01:33 #5

omegaman7

Ours has been pretty impressive in that regard as well. But just knowing the possibility is there, it makes me nervous LOL! I believe ours is roughly 6 yrs old.

Star Trek TNG High Definition is only possible while theyre receiving return for their efforts. Pirate Star Trek, and their efforts will have no choice but to cease :(

13.10.2013 02:00 #6

Interestx

I'm not convinced I need 4K, I would rather put my money into an excellent 1080p screen given the size I am likely to buy (probably no more than the current 50" but if I go mad maybe as much as 65").
I'm very happy with my current Panny G20 plasma & I did think another later Panny was most likely (in about 2yrs).
Looks like I'll be going OLED (assuming prices get sensible in that time).

Shame the plasma's dying, I can't see myself going for LCD/LED with much enthusiasm.

13.10.2013 08:33 #7

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