May 15, 2008

Pioneer 46-Inch LCD TV's Coming This Year

A couple of days back when Pioneer announced their plasma biz restructuring plans, the company stated that they would be manufacturing LCD TV's in partnership with Sharp. We have a few more details now. The company plans to release 40-inch class LCD TV's within 2008, most likely in 46-inch variety, with fiscal 2008 with the help of parts from Sharp. Sharp's most efficient production happens to occur with 46-inch LCD TV manufacturing, likely contributing to the choice of size by Pioneer.

Pioneer still hasn't decided what the future of its 40-inch class of plasma sets is, but judging by the financial hit the company took on account of plasma production in the past year, the future doesn't look particularly bright. The first Pioneer/Sharp LCD TV's will be released August 2008 with forecasting to have 60000 sets shipped by March 2009, then next year Pioneer plans to acquire LCD panels from Sharp and develop a new LCD TV line with their own proprietary technologies. Hopefully that means some kind of KURO LCD hybrid, definitely something to look forward to.

Via Tech-On