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Plasma TV Back From the Dead

Finds niche in developing countries, but boom may not last

By Jane Yager, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 11, 2008 6:58 PM CST

(Newser) – Plasma TV's rollercoaster ride continues as the technology given up for dead more than a year ago has made a booming sales comeback, Reuters reports. Demand in the developing world, especially in China, is driving the upswing. LCD technology seemed until recently to have trampled plasma, but it turns out many consumers prefer plasma's crisper image quality.

Still, plasma has yet to find its niche, warn critics. Profits now concentrate in small TVs sold at competitive prices in developing countries, but plasma is looking to reposition itself as a high-end niche product. Amidst all the identity confusion—and a coming onslaught of cheaper mass-produced 50-inch LCD TVs—plasma could face another slump in 2009.

Sharp Corp. President Mikio Katayama smiles as he shows a 65-inch prototype liquid crystal display panel just 29 millimeter (1.1 inches) thick that consumes less energy than today's LCD or plasma display... (Associated Press)

A Panasonic Plasma HDTV is shown at a press preview Thursday, March 29, 2007 in New York. Panasonic has ten new plasma TV's for 2007, including 42, 50, 58 and 103-inch models. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (Associated Press)

Panasonic Plasma HDTV's are shown at a press preview, Thursday, March 29, 2007, in New York. Panasonic has ten new plasma TV's for 2007, including 42, 50, 58 and 103-inch models. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan) (Associated Press)

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Plasma TV Back From the Dead

Finds niche in developing countries, but boom may not last

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Manufacturers Drop Plasma TVs as LCD Takes Over

Pioneer, Vizio axe plasma production lines; retailers slash prices

Safest Place to Give Birth? Italy

Afghanistan is worst, but deaths during childbirth plummet 40% globally

3-D Glasses Here for the Long Haul

High-tech viewing will require low-tech eyewear for at least another decade

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

West Eases Off Carbon Demands for China, India

Copenhagen deal closer, but 2050 goal less likely

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Finds niche in developing countries, but boom may not last

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

China • Samsung • developing countries • Panasonic • LCD TV • Plasma TV

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

Manufacturers Drop Plasma TVs as LCD Takes Over

Pioneer, Vizio axe plasma production lines; retailers slash prices

Safest Place to Give Birth? Italy

Afghanistan is worst, but deaths during childbirth plummet 40% globally

3-D Glasses Here for the Long Haul

High-tech viewing will require low-tech eyewear for at least another decade

Developing Nations Were In on 'Danish Text'

China, India helped draft leaked agreement they railed against

West Eases Off Carbon Demands for China, India

Copenhagen deal closer, but 2050 goal less likely

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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More News

What is Newser?