Pioneer Intros Last Plasma

Pioneer more formally bowed out of TVs today by launching four final Kuro models in Japan and setting out formal plans for its exit strategy. The external-tuner-equipped KRP-500A and KRP-600A as well as their all-in-one equivalents, the KRP-500M and KRP-600M, all produce 1080p images at 50 and 60 inches respectively. Although their contrast ratios aren't mentioned, they all have four HDMI inputs with support for deep color, support media from a USB port and have input over D4 (component) as well as VGA.

All four should be available on April 1st at open prices on the Japanese market. It's unlikely that the sets will be available elsewhere as they are expected to ship in relatively small numbers.

Following the launch, Pioneer now says it intends to halt all TV production in May and will clear TVs out of the market shortly afterward. It will continue to provide repairs on sets for the next 8 years and hopes to still offer replacement parts as long as supplies last after that period.

The company had revealed that it would quit the TV business last month after existing losses in the division were compounded by the world economic crisis, which forced the move as Pioneer sought to cut costs and protect its core home theater and audio lines. [via Impress]

Kuro KRP-600M

By Electronista Staff