Panasonic ceases plasma TV production

Panasonic has confirmed that it is to cease all production of plasma TVs. It's not the only plasma manufacturer; Samsung and LG still produce this type of TV, but it has always been a key proponent of the technology, and has won awards from us on a yearly basis - most recently for the Panasonic TX-P42GT60B .

With Panasonic admitting that Plasma has no future in a world that is moving onto OLED and 4K, the writing is on the wall for the technology. Fans will point to higher refresh rates, darker blacks and better contrast ratios than rival LCD displays. But LCD is a more flexible technology, able to be used in a huge number of devices, and the research that has gone into its advancement has been correspondingly massive.

The sheer scale of LCD production, along with a race to the bottom when it comes to pricing, has meant that high-quality plasma TVs have been left unprofitable next to the mass market of LCD competitors. Ironically, the only plasma TVS left in production could soon be low-cost, big screen 720p models at the bottom end of the market.

"Until now, due to the superiority of the picture, Panasonic’s PDPs have received high appraisal and there has been firm demand from customers worldwide" the company said in a statement on the matter. "However, due to rapid, drastic changes in the business environment and a declining demand for PDP in the flat panel display market, it was judged that continuing the business would be difficult and a decision was made to stop production."

Sales of Panasonic plasma TVs are due to end on March 31st 2014. We feel it's a sad day, and that Plasma had so much more to give, but it's understandable given that Panasonic was unable to make a profit on this part of its business.