[PeteG]

This has just been reported on the web "Pioneer to End TV Production"

If true it's a very sad day for videophiles.

I'll try and find a web link.

Look's like Vizio droped plasma TV too.
http://gadgetwise.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/another-manufacturer-drops-plasma/

[Bigfish]

This has just been reported on the web "Pioneer to End TV Production"

If true it's a very sad day for videophiles.

I'll try and find a web link.

I read sometime back in 2008 that Pioneer was going to have Panasonic build the Plasma Screens for their tvs.  I own a Pioneer Plasma and would hate to hear they are exiting the market.

Ken

[PeteG]

I picked up a Panasonic 58" plasma a few weeks back but if I had the money it would have been a Pioneer.

[Philistine]

Slightly off thread but the same happened with DLP as manufacturers backed out of the technology, now only Samsung and Mitsubishi remain in this market.

Based on a forum thread I bought a Mits DLP (teach me to stay away from forums) and a 5 year extended warranty, first time I ever bought a warranty for anything.  What a smart decision, a new lamp in the first year and now the entire light engine is being replaced  .

[Zero]

The initial plan was to have Panasonic supply the glass.  According the latest info I've read, those plans have now been scrapped.  Come the end of March, Pioneer will no longer be offering plasmas. Tis' a shame.

Looks like Panasonic will now take the reigns as the premier plasma brand (with Samsung trailing not too far behind).  

[Freo-1]

What about the "Elite" variant? 

It's difficult to see them stop supporting plasma altogether.  I've Got a 50" Pioneer plasma, and it is easily the best TV I've owned.

[mjosef]

Maybe my reading comprehension is different...that article merely cited a rumor on Pioneer, and placed the finger on Vizio, a 2nd tier brand.  aa

Whether the rumors that Pioneer plans to pull out of the plasma TV business prove true or not, one other maker of flat-panel TVs has left plasma behind: Vizio.

Reminds me of fixed news.

[PeteG]

Maybe my reading comprehension is different...that article merely cited a rumor on Pioneer, and placed the finger on Vizio, a 2nd tier brand.  aa

Whether the rumors that Pioneer plans to pull out of the plasma TV business prove true or not, one other maker of flat-panel TVs has left plasma behind: Vizio.

Reminds me of fixed news.

Pioneer Shares Plunge 20% on Restructuring and will cut 10,000 jobs.


http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123451375313382027.html

[TheChairGuy]

They're focusing on auto electronics?   The aftermarket business overall has been in a freefall for a few years as automakers make better and better stock soundsystems (and integrate steering wheel controls and such things as GPS into the mix).

Pioneer is in deep do-do I think with that strategy.

Maybe they'll have to hook up with the flailing remains of the JVC/Kenwood merger to save themselves from the Koreans, and soon enough, Chinese.  http://news.cnet.com/8301-10784_3-9941913-7.html

John

[mjosef]

Well...looks like it's truly Sad News for Pioneer. They appear to be on the brink of total collapse. TV production is the least of their problem.

Pioneer also warned on Thursday that it now expected to post a group net loss of 130 billion yen ($1.44 billion) for the year to March 31,

http://www.cnbc.com/id/29153828

http://pioneer.jp/press-e/2009/pdf/release_3q09e_02.pdf

[TheChairGuy]

That is indeed sad if they don't survive the great recession....truly a Pioneer in so many ways over the decades.

But, they were losing money for the past 5 years...so the recession wasn't their only issue apparently.

John

[PeteG]

Terrible news, Pioneer was the first Japanese hi-fi gear I liked from my late 70’s receiver to my beloved laserdisc.
I hope they can pull up on this crazy nose-dive.

[anthony a.]

they won't gp bankrupt, they'll be bought out if no other choice.  im sure they offer oem stuff to many companies that we aren't aware of.  aftermarket is probably only part of the equation.  the sad thing is that they probably would be doing just fine if they were a private company.  the stock market has indeed killed most companies even if they were doing okay.  i still think privatizing is the way to go, but thats another topic of discussion.

[PeteG]

I couldn't help myself today and picked up a 50" Kuro, a few price drops are going on already.

[zybar]

I couldn't help myself today and picked up a 50" Kuro, a few price drops are going on already.

Where did you grab one Pete?

George

[PeteG]

George,
I got BB to come down a little closer To Amazon's price, but BB sale price today isn't bad. Watching the Daytona 500 on it now .

Bestbuy
Amazon