Pioneer Kuro Plamsa HDTVs

[rex]

Even if Pioneer really does withdraw from the plasma market altogether, their Kuro technology is valuable, so most likely another manufacturer will take it over either by buying it or thru some kind of licensing agreement.

[MoosePond]

Originally Posted by rex

Even if Pioneer really does withdraw from the plasma market altogether, their Kuro technology is valuable, so most likely another manufacturer will take it over either by buying it or thru some kind of licensing agreement.

Perhaps Planar can buy it for their Runco division! Now that would be exciting news!

[TheMoose]

Originally Posted by rex

Even if Pioneer really does withdraw from the plasma market altogether, their Kuro technology is valuable, so most likely another manufacturer will take it over either by buying it or thru some kind of licensing agreement.

Kuro Tech to Panasonic?

From Gizmodo

According to a new Nikkei report, Pioneer is going to cease plasma production, as we suspected, but will not just become a passive buyer of Panasonic's plasma technology. Instead, it will combine forces with Panasonic (aka Matsu****a) to make sure that the hot Kuro line doesn't fall in quality. At the same time, Panasonic benefits even more, getting all that sexy intellectual property to make ultra-black panels.

The two firms are expected to combine their strengths to develop low-cost, high-quality panels. Plasma TVs based on a jointly developed panel will likely be added to their individual product lineups as early as 2009. Some Pioneer engineers may be transferred to Matsu****a in the process.

[TheMoose]

Here's the latest word from Engadget

If you're all broken up about Pioneer's seeming exit of the plasma business, take heart. Pioneer Executive Vice President Russ Johnston claims Pioneer's plans aren't to abandon Kuro-quality plasma displays in any way. The move to an outside manufacturer (Matsu****a, parent company of Panasonic) is designed to cut cost in plasma production, but Pioneer still plans to maintain its premium edge over competitors. "The number-one goal is to make sure we can maintain our differentiation," said Russ, "and specifically our Kuro difference in the marketplace." Apparently Pioneer will be still be responsible for the video circuit and processing, the color filter strategy and other such secret sauce, and the company is confident Matsu****a can step up to the Pioneer level of panel production -- even if it might involve sharing a few trade secrets along the way. Apparently Matsu****a is slated to start providing the modules by 2009.

[gedalneil]

Originally Posted by kennyt

My best friend just put the 50" Elite Kuro into his bedroom, burned it and and got it calibrated the other day, it is quite simply the best picture I have ever seen on a plasma. Excellent detail, black level, fast motion, you name it this set does it right.

Interesting piece by Kevin Miller from TweakTV. http://www.tweaktv.com/the-kevin-mil...uro-elite.html