VIZIO kicks plasma to the curb, will focus on LCD TVs

Lee Stewart · 02-11-2009, 04:43 PM

VIZIO kicks plasma to the curb, will focus on LCD TVs

Quote:

We've certainly seen mixed reviews for VIZIO plasmas, but it seems that those very reviews will be the last of their breed. According to the New York Times, VIZIO co-founder Laynie Newsome has confirmed that its existing PDPs will be the last the company sells. Looking back, you'll notice that only LCDs were introduced by the outfit at CES, and while Pioneer may or may not completely abandon its TV initiatives, Americans can now definitively count on just three major players to provide for their plasma desires: LG, Samsung and Panasonic. Newsome stated that the decision was made for a number of reasons. First, PDP sets simply "don't show as well in big box stores," and VIZIO wanted to "devote all of its available shelf space to the technology that moves off the shelves fastest." We're a tad torn as to whether we should weep here, but regardless, a fond farewell is in order.

http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/11/v...us-on-lcd-tvs/

newtodef · 02-11-2009, 11:17 PM

I have seen many threads about bad IR and burn in with their plasmas, I have never seen it first hand but im sure its hard to build a low tier plasma that performs at a high standard that will compete with the big guys. To bad though, the fewer players that are in the game will lower the competition ratio and the consumer may suffer because of it. Hopefully prices still stay affordable for nice display's.

**PFC5** · 02-11-2009, 11:43 PM

From what I have read, Vizio uses LG plasma panels in their 32" plasma displays. For the newer models they were just starting (in about the last month) to use the Panasonic plasma panels for the high end models but I do not know who is supplying the panels for the lower end models that just came out.

Less competition is almost always bad for consumers, but better for the mfg because there is less downward pressure on price. I would think this is going to hurt Panasonic either way since they were contracting to make some of the panels for Vizio & all of them for Pioneer. I would assume they have already spent a lot of time setting up factory lines for these two companies so them jumping out of the plasma market is likely leaving Panasonic with setup costs they will not likely recover unless that is covered in the contract with those companies to pay even if they do what they did.

scp400 · 02-12-2009, 12:01 AM

Why does everyone jump on with LCDs? I can understand sizes smaller than 42 of course but with sizes 42 and above why do people choose LCDs so much? I would not trade my plasma for any LCD. Maybe the rumors about IR and Burn In?

Chris Gerhard · 02-12-2009, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scp400

Why does everyone jump on with LCDs? I can understand sizes smaller than 42 of course but with sizes 42 and above why do people choose LCDs so much? I would not trade my plasma for any LCD. Maybe the rumors about IR and Burn In?

That is a good question and I am not sure of the answer but I did just purchase my first 1080p display, a Vizio 42" LCD. I was not comfortable with plasma and accept that so many manufacturers are dropping out of the plasma business for good reason. My history of ownership of HD displays had been 720p LCD front projector and CRT. I like the plasma picture but I believe the technology is doomed at this point. Plasma prices are so low and margins so slim, the decisions by the companies are probably mostly due to business considerations, meaning profit potential is minimal. I do read about energy usage and burn in concerns with plasma and without getting a good feel for whether or not the issues are real, I summarily rejected plasma from consideration.

I also noticed that Vizio will soon have a Blu-ray player, so the company is making good business decisions and I trust this one is correct as well.

Chris

Chris Gerhard · 02-12-2009, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PFC5

From what I have read, Vizio uses LG plasma panels in their 32" plasma displays. For the newer models they were just starting (in about the last month) to use the Panasonic plasma panels for the high end models but I do not know who is supplying the panels for the lower end models that just came out.

Less competition is almost always bad for consumers, but better for the mfg because there is less downward pressure on price. I would think this is going to hurt Panasonic either way since they were contracting to make some of the panels for Vizio & all of them for Pioneer. I would assume they have already spent a lot of time setting up factory lines for these two companies so them jumping out of the plasma market is likely leaving Panasonic with setup costs they will not likely recover unless that is covered in the contract with those companies to pay even if they do what they did.

If all plasma makers drop out and efficiencies for LCD improve because of greater demand for that technology, plasma makers dropping out to focus on LCD only doesn't hurt competition. Remember, just as with Blu-ray and HD DVD, competition is not primarily about competing with different technology, it is about more manufacturers competing for a bigger market. When most Beta VCR manufacturers dropped out of the market, that sure didn't hurt VCR competition, those manufacturers all competed in the VHS market. Now that HD DVD is gone, Blu-ray is 3 or 4 times as large as both combined were, even Vizio is planning on entering the Blu-ray market.

I think lower LCD panel costs as a result of plasma becoming extinct will be beneficial to the consumer personally and I think Vizio knows LCD price competition is going to be fierce. If you believe that Plasma is great and LCD not as good, then of course you might be disappointed to see plasma displays disappear from the market but the market hasn't indicated a belief that plasma is the superior technology to own, just the opposite, LCD outsells plasma by a huge margin. My personal opinion is plasma can rest in peace at this point and won't be missed. I love my Sony KV-30XBR910 CRT but shortly after purchase, I knew CRT displays were soon going to be a thing of the past.

Chris

4Cowboys4Life · 02-12-2009, 05:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

I was not comfortable with plasma and accept that so many manufacturers are dropping out of the plasma business for good reason.

And a big part of that reason is because LCD displays so much better than plasma in the stores and consequently move off the shelf faster. It has nothing to do with a deficiency in plasma technology. If people would educate themselves before making an HDTV purchase it wouldn't be an issue.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

I think lower LCD panel costs as a result of plasma becoming extinct

Extinct? Did you see the increase in Plasma lineup Panasonic is introducing for 2009?

Chris Gerhard · 02-12-2009, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 4Cowboys4Life

And a big part of that reason is because LCD displays so much better than plasma in the stores and consequently move off the shelf faster. It has nothing to do with a deficiency in plasma technology. If people would educate themselves before making an HDTV purchase it wouldn't be an issue.

Extinct? Did you see the increase in Plasma lineup Panasonic is introducing for 2009?

No, I didn't but it doesn't matter, one company can't save a technology. I believe plasma will be done by 2010.

Chris

Lee Stewart · 02-12-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris Gerhard

No, I didn't but it doesn't matter, one company can't save a technology. I believe plasma will be done by 2010.

Chris

Not if Panasonic has their way with 3D on BD. Their display is based on a Plasma not an LCD.

Still have 3 (?) other CEM's making PDP's.

omeletpants · 02-12-2009, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lee Stewart

Not if Panasonic has their way with 3D on BD. Their display is based on a Plasma not an LCD.

Still have 3 (?) other CEM's making PDP's.

I'm predicting Panasonic will be out of the HDTV business in 2 years.

scp400 · 02-12-2009, 09:50 AM

Where are these predictions coming from? What proof? What facts are you looking at? When I went to the stores, all of the plasma displays looked bad because they were all set to horrible settings. I went ahead and tweaked one of them, a Panasonic, and it blew away all the others.

omeletpants · 02-12-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scp400

Where are these predictions coming from? What proof? What facts are you looking at? When I went to the stores, all of the plasma displays looked bad because they were all set to horrible settings. I went ahead and tweaked one of them, a Panasonic, and it blew away all the others.

The are called predictions because they are personal estimates. I have explained numerous time on this board why I am making certain predictions. BTW, I predicted 2 years ago that Pioneer would be out of the plasma business in 2 years and it happened. If you don't believe what I'm saying then fine don't believe it.

omeletpants · 02-12-2009, 10:52 AM

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Panasonic Corp, the world's No.1 plasma TV maker, warned it would post an annual loss of $4.2 billion and said it would cut 15,000 jobs as it grapples with a stronger yen and slowing demand.

scp400 · 02-12-2009, 11:25 AM

Thank you for that. I wasnt coming off as a jerk. I was legitimately asking. I keep seeing more and more LCDs flying off the shelves but I just wish people would research first. But to each their own I guess. I will continue to stick by plasma.

Lee Stewart · 02-12-2009, 12:08 PM

DisplaySearch: Q4 TV Shipments (NA) Down 7%

NA = North America

02-11-2009, 11:43 PM	#3
PFC5 Super Moderator Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 28,385	From what I have read, Vizio uses LG plasma panels in their 32" plasma displays. For the newer models they were just starting (in about the last month) to use the Panasonic plasma panels for the high end models but I do not know who is supplying the panels for the lower end models that just came out. Less competition is almost always bad for consumers, but better for the mfg because there is less downward pressure on price. I would think this is going to hurt Panasonic either way since they were contracting to make some of the panels for Vizio & all of them for Pioneer. I would assume they have already spent a lot of time setting up factory lines for these two companies so them jumping out of the plasma market is likely leaving Panasonic with setup costs they will not likely recover unless that is covered in the contract with those companies to pay even if they do what they did. __________________ Denon AVR-887 Klipsch RP-5 Pwred Towers (mains) (525 watts peak each 12"Subs) All Klipsch RC-25(ctr),(2)SS1(surr),(2)SS1(rearSurr) Toshiba (2)HD-A20,PS3,BD35 For SACD/DVD-A Samsung HD-841 Panny 50pz80u plasma SETTINGS RCA HD50LPW162 50"DLP w/HD2+ SA 3250HD 47" LCD+Yamaha5790+HD-A1(bedroom) Harmony 680 + (2) 670s (amazing remote/support) Game room with Onkyo receiver & B&W Speakers The_Cable_Game Take the high ground and be happier

Similar Threads to VIZIO kicks plasma to the curb, will focus on LCD TVs
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Vizio VP322 (Plasma) vs. VW32L (LCD)	Reign x 777	Flat-Panel TVs	22	01-18-2009 01:50 PM
Debating... Pana 720p Plasma vs Vizio 1080p LCD	gafftaper	Flat-Panel TVs	7	12-03-2008 03:10 PM
The Beginner's Guide to HDTV	mswoods1	The High Definition Lounge	19	04-28-2008 03:03 PM
Black friday lcd and plasma prices	z28rod	Flat-Panel TVs	58	11-23-2007 09:00 AM
For Sale Brand New Nokia N95 and N93 at very cheap price	kola23	DirecTV Forum	0	10-04-2006 02:22 PM

02-11-2009, 11:17 PM	#2
newtodef High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 278	I have seen many threads about bad IR and burn in with their plasmas, I have never seen it first hand but im sure its hard to build a low tier plasma that performs at a high standard that will compete with the big guys. To bad though, the fewer players that are in the game will lower the competition ratio and the consumer may suffer because of it. Hopefully prices still stay affordable for nice display's.

02-12-2009, 12:01 AM	#4
scp400 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23	Why does everyone jump on with LCDs? I can understand sizes smaller than 42 of course but with sizes 42 and above why do people choose LCDs so much? I would not trade my plasma for any LCD. Maybe the rumors about IR and Burn In?

02-12-2009, 09:50 AM	#11
scp400 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23	Where are these predictions coming from? What proof? What facts are you looking at? When I went to the stores, all of the plasma displays looked bad because they were all set to horrible settings. I went ahead and tweaked one of them, a Panasonic, and it blew away all the others.

02-12-2009, 10:52 AM	#13
omeletpants High Definition is the definition of life. Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 613	TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Panasonic Corp, the world's No.1 plasma TV maker, warned it would post an annual loss of $4.2 billion and said it would cut 15,000 jobs as it grapples with a stronger yen and slowing demand.

02-12-2009, 11:25 AM	#14
scp400 How can anyone watch standard def? Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 23	Thank you for that. I wasnt coming off as a jerk. I was legitimately asking. I keep seeing more and more LCDs flying off the shelves but I just wish people would research first. But to each their own I guess. I will continue to stick by plasma.

02-12-2009, 12:08 PM	#15
Lee Stewart Behold - the future! Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Albuquerque, NM Age: 58 Posts: 25,193	DisplaySearch: Q4 TV Shipments (NA) Down 7% NA = North America