We heard rumours earlier in the week, but now Pioneer gave the floor official: the company is pulling out of the production of plasma panels. It is not all bad news, though, as Pioneer will always produce televisions, just with panels outsourced rather than those made in-house.

From the way the press release reads, the indication is that Pioneer will outsource the production of its own committee of the technology, rather than purchased from other manufacturers. That should mean that the impressive quality of the range KURO should not be reduced - even if the details are still being finalized so fingers crossed!

The information also specifies that Pioneer plans to work with Sharp to break into the production of LCD TV, the abandonment of the only current plasma line-up. The plan is to extend the legacy KURO directed to the LCD, an ambitious considering the comparison of levels of black LCD terrible compared to plasma TVs. Pioneers first LCD TVs are planned for Europe to fall, so that we will see whether the promises hold true then.

The two companies will also be teaming up with respect to Blu-ray, production, although no further information is given on this company other than the promise that this will further help in strengthening the profitability of Pioneer. It can help to reassure holders from Pioneer, but there was no promise, it will lead to better products - though the company hopes powers should be high.