In order to focus solely on LCD, Vizio is dropping plasma high definition televisions from its product line.
Vizio's reasoning has little to do with how the pros and cons of plasma stack up against LCD. It's actually just a matter of how they look on the showroom floor, company co-founder Laynie Newsome told New York Times' Gadgetwise. The florescent and halogen lights of big box stores reflect poorly off the plasma displays, leading customers to think LCDs have a more vibrant picture. Not surprisingly, Vizio wants to stick with the models that are moving faster off store shelves.
The company is still selling plasma TVs on its website, but the inventory is dwindling fast, and Vizio has no plans to introduce new models. Instead, the company will focus on LCD HDTVs, like the LED-backlit model that will arrive in July. A Blu-ray player that includes BD Live and 7.1 surround sound is on the way as well. Once known for providing good quality HDTVs at a lower cost, Vizio is trying not to get too comfortable as other companies lower their prices.
While LCD screens are slightly more energy-efficient and generally less reflective than plasma, they aren't better in all aspects. Plasmas tend to display blacks better than all but the best LCDs. They also provide better off-angle viewing. Still, both types have caught up to each other in their pros and cons over the years. The departure of one manufacturer's plasmas isn't tragic, but it is sort of silly that fickle impulse buyers are to blame rather than any inherent problem with the displays.
Vizio's decision leaves only LG, Panasonic and Samsung as the major players in the U.S. plasma market if Pioneer indeed drops out of the HDTV business, as reported.
