FRED MANTEGHIAN BLOG

Here's the thing about a sagging world economy, it puts a damper on the number of yachts being sold. Or in this case, the yachts of the plasma TV world. Pioneer, recognized by all as manufacturing the best plasma TV, at a price that naturally reflects its quality, is throwing in the towel, if this report is to be believed. The Kuro line of plasma TVs is just a production run away from coming to a close and the planned switch to Panasonic glass to reduce cost is now also falling by the wayside.

Am I bumming you out? I certainly hope so.

Meanwhile, the LudCDites of the world, sitting a head-in-vice-grip away from their flat panels may claim victory for their inferior format (thank you Michael J. Nelson for that visual). Of course, Panasonic is still number one in plasma production, and seemingly making a decent living off it. It's always been my 2nd recommendation. I hope they keep trying as hard as Avis now that Hertz is gone.

Also in the car as it careened off the road were Pioneer's DVD production which will now become something more akin to a rebadged Sharp created by a spin-off company. Old prejudices die hard, so forgive me if I don't get excited at the thought of a Sharp DVD player. Not that there's anything wrong with that, just that Pioneer players have always been special. Another end of an era.

Those looking for a bargain, can pick up the 50" non-elite version for under $2K at Amazon. I just wouldn't wait too long. Production may be slated to end sometime in March.