Pioneer rebuffs reported rush to end plasma TV production

Will continue making sets until the end of the year

By James Sherwood • Get more from this author

25th March 2009 17:15 GMT

Exclusive Pioneer has denied reports that it will wrap up worldwide plasma TV production with a final run of sets next month.

The firm announced last month plans to exit the plasma TV business by March 2010. But a release on its Japanese website today prompted numerous online news sources to wrongly report that the 2500 50in and 500 60in Kuros set to go into production next month will be its last.

The 3000 TVs will be the last plasmas manufactured for sale in the firm’s native market, a Pioneer spokeswoman told Register Hardware. But production for US, European and other markets will continue, she added.

Global plasma production will probably come to an end by the close of 2009, she added.

Ending plasma production globally before January 2010 will ensure Pioneer meets its self-imposed March 2010 deadline. But why the firm’s chosen to close down plasma production for Japan but continue making plasmas to sell to the rest of the world remains a closely guarded secret. ®