Pioneer to discontinue KURO plasmas in May

The recession is catching up with all sectors of the market and the cost of producing plasma TVs has made them vulnerable in the current climate.

It didn’t, therefore, come as too much of a surprise when Pioneer announced that it was pulling out of the plasma business.

The company has now announced the schedule for the release of its final plasma models.

Four more Kuro plasma HDTVs will be launched from April 1st, but only 3,000 units will be made, after which production will cease.

Pioneer is releasing two 50-inch sets, the Kuro KRP-500A and KRP-500M, and two 60-inch sets, the Kuro KRP-600A and KRP-600M.

Pioneer has promised to provide aftercare and service of Kuro HDTVs until 2017, at least in Japan.

Hitachi and Panasonic are also scaling down their plasma businesses, while LG has denied rumours that it is withdrawing from the plasma market.