Pioneer announces its withdrawal from global television market

The Pioneer Corporation yesterday announced its intention to shut down any further development of its KURO plasma television line after the models currently available on the market, citing a lack of prospects for improving profitability in the current market conditions. This move signals an end to the prestigious Kuro television series, which was lauded for its class-leading picture quality, colour and high contrast ratio.

This move is another blow to fans of the company's televisions after the March 2008 announcement that Pioneer would outsource its plasma panel production to Panasonic.

"It is sad news," said Michael Broadhurst Pioneer Australia's Marketing Manager in relation to the decision. "In many ways it is a tough decision that the company needed to make in order to free up resources and to focus on other key areas of the business."

Pioneer is restructuring its entertainment technology line-up, with a focus on traditional audio products, DJ equipment and cable television set-top boxes. The majority of the expertise and resources in the television display panel sector will be shifted into the company's automotive electronics field, with plans to release Blu-ray Disc-compatible and network-ready car stereo products as well as more in-car navigation systems in the near future.

Pioneer Australia says it will continue to provide after-sales support and service for its past KURO plasma television models.

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