Pioneer Confirms Panasonic Plasma Deal
April 24, 2008 — As previously reported here, Panasonic will be the manufacturing partner that takes over the making of Pioneer-branded plasmas.

The two have reached a basic agreement with finalization expected in May. Here are a few details from the press release:

The two companies believe the comprehensive alliance will bring about significant synergy effects by the integration of Pioneer's KURO technologies, renowned for high luminance efficiency, high contrast and super-slim design, with NeoPDP, Matsushita's own technologies for high efficiency that has been developed as evolutionary technologies of the next-generation "VIERA" plasma displays. By developing PDPs and modules that are eco-friendly and excel in performance and picture-quality, Pioneer and Matsushita will contribute to further growth of plasma TVs in the flat-panel TV market.

In collaboration with Pioneer, Matsushita will develop and manufacture PDPs and modules on which their technological strengths are concentrated. Matsushita plans to start supplying these newly-developed PDPs and modules in time for Pioneer's release of new PDP products which will be available in the autumn of 2009. By promoting the integration of their PDP technologies and sharing the same PDP, Pioneer and Matsushita intend to increase efficiency in panel development and production and boost their cost competitiveness in the flat-panel TV market.

Panel sizes covered by the deal remain to be determined. Both companies will continue to offer plasmas under their own brands. Pioneer will also offer LCDs based on Sharp panels.