Does the death of KURO signal the end of the plasma?

It's kind of amazing, really. Not even a year ago, Pioneer was busy pimping its second-gen KURO, and by and large, everyone that witnessed one in person came away impressed. So, if Pioneer's plasmas were so spectacular, how on Earth did we find ourselves asking if PDPs even have a future beyond 2010? Not long after the economy began to soften, LCDs began to catch up. Sure, a side-by-side test would likely show that an Elite KURO has deeper blacks than the average LCD, but as GigaOM points out, the average consumer was beyond the point of caring. Since the beginning of this year, we've already seen two plasma players drop out completely, and one must wonder how long those other guys will keep holding on. Is the death of the KURO the tipping point for plasma? We'd love to think otherwise, but our gut is leaning to "yes." What say you, dear readers?

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 1st 2009 12:27AM]

I would be incredibly disappointed, but not too surprised at the demise of plasma. On the spec side it is obviously superior, but perception = reality with consumers. The only good thing to come from plasma being eliminated is that it would be one less thing to confuse the consumer. Still to this day I have to battle all of the stupid myths regarding plasma life, burn-in, recharging (yeah, people still ask about it), and just the general concern that "plasma isn't as good". I think that if plasma manufacturers would have marketed plasma as the reliable, better picture, it would be a much more prevalent and accepted technology. manufacturers allowed the rumors to escalate to a point that could not be overcome. As another poster mentioned, it is now the "cool" thing to have an LCD and not so much for a plasma.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 1st 2009 7:45PM]

I have worked Best Buy HT for 5 years now. The things we hear on a daily basis from customers about plasmas would amaze all of you. I have had customers ask me what I would buy then call me an idiot and leave the store because I advise plasma. Why Panasonic doesnt do advertising on TV explaining 100,000 hr life, burn in protection, etc. I will never know. If they could just kill the myths. We all know the numbers game these companies play is BS but if it can keep plasmas alive then so be it, they could go into 1,000,000.1 + contrast, 480/600hz, etc. I just dont want to see us end up with only LCD to chose from. You couldnt convince me of LCD if I lived in a greenhouse.
alex

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 3rd 2009 5:23AM]

i just got mine pro151fd i love it i am thinking about getting another one this set is that good yes it is costly i was on the fence but when i found out they was not going to be made anymore it pushed me over. i think the picture it worth it My other 2 hitachi's Directors Serie's looked great but this set is on another level when you set it up right everyone who see the picture is amazed as i am i was like a little kid at christmas Yes it is costly but the best doesnt come cheap i got what i paid for I will mourn the passing of the Kuro But will be happy that i have one I looked at the panasonics but one you seen the kuro for me it was the only tv i wanted

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 15th 2009 9:05AM]

"the average consumer was beyond the point of caring"

KURO TVs are not for the average consumer, just like Rotel and Vincent audio equipment aren't for the average consumer. There will always be a market for high end A/V equipment. The question is, who's going to come replace Pioneer?

[(Unverified) Posted Apr 13th 2009 2:28PM]

I would like to Thank Pioneer for producing the finest and best TV's available to man. Working in the custom Audio and Video industry for 21 years has allowed me to appriciate the build and picture quality second to none plasma sence it's existance. My passion not only lies with owning a PRO111FD, but the Japanese engineers I have met that has worked with all of their hearts to design and produce the "Farrari" of video products. With the economy taking a downfall and the public wanting cheaper products made it hard for Pioneer to produce the same level of performance at a cheaper price. Hopefully we will see Pioneer jump back into the Flat Panel market when the economy stables and the mind set of people longs for something better. Thank you again. -Eman