Panasonic confirms it will no longer develop plasma panels
It's no longer just a rumour: Panasonic is leaving the plasma TV development market, although plasma sales will continue to 2014.
It's no longer just a rumour: Panasonic is leaving the plasma TV development market, although plasma sales will continue to 2014.
It's been rumoured for a while that Panasonic will shift away from the plasma TV market, reflecting the decline in sales for the panel technology.
Now, Panasonic Display vice president Kiyoshi Okamoto has confirmed to The Verge that the ZT60 will be the last plasma panel from the company's research and development division.
Okamoto did stress the distinction between panel development and the production of TVs. While Panasonic will no longer put R&D resources into plasma technology, the company will continue to produce and sell plasma TVs until, at least, 2014.
According the report, at least some of the plasma development team will now be working across Panasonic OLED TV development areas.
Sadly, the ZT60 — regarded by some as one of Panasonic's best plasma TVs — was not amongst the new TVs listed for Australian release. Locally, the flagship plasma TV will be the VT60, which has some small spec differences.