Pioneer Stops TV Production
Pioneer developed the very first DVD player in 1996, but announced recently that it will halt development of TVs from here forward, and will also shift production of DVD players to a joint venture with Sharp Corp. Pioneer is expected to report a net loss for the past fiscal year of $1.1 billion, due in part to a change in currency exchange rates that makes Japanese imports less competitive in American markets and in part due to a decline in demand.
DVD players, by contrast, can be manufactured and sold at a lower price point and are still in demand as consumers switch to digital HT installations and explore Blu-ray technology and new streaming video options. HT components have been changing so rapidly in recent years that by the time a component comes to market another newer version is already being announced that makes it less desirable.
February 11th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
It’s unfortunate that it has come to this, but it was time for this “GOLIATH” to fall. I am a Pioneer Elite dealer in southern California and have observed Pioneers cocky attitude for some time. No change No sale. This company has not adapted well to current economy and the executives at Pioneer are fat dumb and happy in Long Beach CA. OOPS! I didn’t just say that, but this may be the problem. The real victims here are the working class trying to pay bills and survive. Pioneer will be missed but let’s face it folks. It’s over.
A real dealer in SO CAL.
February 11th, 2009 at 8:01 pm
this is a massive shock to me ever since i was a kid i can rember pioneer making tvs, how the mighty have fallen.
February 12th, 2009 at 12:37 am
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