Posted Mon Nov 11, 2013 at 11:00 AM PST by Steven Cohen
The electronics company is partnering with Dixons Retail to develop LCD displays.
After leaving the TV market behind for several years, Pioneer has announced plans to once again manufacturer consumer televisions. In an exclusive partnership with European retailer Dixons, the Japanese electronics company will produce new LCD displays.
"We are very excited to be working with Pioneer, a legendary brand in the world of technology, on its return to the European TV market. Today's partnership reflects our reputation for excellence which we have worked hard to build during the last 40 years we have been operating in Hong Kong. This exclusive partnership is fantastic news, allowing us to offer the newest and latest TV technologies to our customers," said Sebastian James, Dixons Retail Group Chief Executive.
Pioneer is expected to develop 1080p LCD LED backlit displays in 40-inch, 46-inch and 55-inch models. The new sets will also include smart TV features, 3D capabilities, wireless support, HDMI inputs, and USB connectivity. Sales will launch in the Nordic Region through Dixons Retail stores in December 2013, with hopes to later expand to the UK market.
Unfortunately, while it's nice to see the company return to television manufacturing, Pioneer has no plans to restart its award winning Kuro plasma line. Though they offer many benefits over LCD panels, PDP displays have failed to capture enough of the market, and with rival company Panasonic's recent termination of its plasma business, it's very unlikely that Pioneer will want to re-enter such a disappointingly dwindling market.
Sources: Dixons Retail, ERT Online via Engadget
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