Samsung to cease plasma TV production later this year

[Shawn Knight]

If you're like me and love the many benefits that a plasma television affords (great viewing angles, superb contrast, excellent motion tracking, etc.), you've probably noticed that such sets are getting harder and harder to find.

Panasonic halted its plasma television production late last year and today we've learned that Samsung is doing the same. According to a report from Reuters, Samsung said it will be shutting down its plasma panel production business by November 30.

The Korean tech giant cited a decline in overall demand for plasma televisions as the contributing factor to the decision.

The fact that Samsung is winding down its plasma panel production isn't a huge surprise. As CNET points out, Samsung Visual Diplay R&D Vice President John Ryu hinted at the move back in January. At the time, he told the publication that he didn't think plasma televisions had a future beyond 2014 for a couple of different reasons.

For one, plasma panels are more expensive to manufacture than LED LCD panels. But perhaps more importantly - and the reason that Panasonic pulled out last year - is the difficulty involved in making a cost-effective 4K plasma panel.

With Panasonic and Samsung out, LG is left as the only major supplier of plasma panels. According to a separate report from Yonhap News Agency, however, South Korea's second largest technology company is also planning to phase out plasma panel production in the near future.

Permalink to story.

https://www.techspot.com/news/57301-samsung-to-cease-plasma-tv-production-later-this-year.html

 

[VitalyT]

That's because Panasonic was making better plasmas. They are still in shops, offering the best price-to-quality ratio out there.

The incredibly over-priced OLED is the only thing that beats picture quality of Panasonic plasmas, but their lifespan is worse.

So who cares if those plasmas do not have Netflix in them or some other needless stuff, they are still the best 1080P deals, although the latest generation of Smart Plasmas from Samsung do have all kinds of extras in them, and overly nice, so it would be a close call between them and Panasonic.

 

[St1ckM4n]

It's a shame plasmas are dying. Nothing else currently can compete on an IQ front.

 

[MilwaukeeMike]

But perhaps more importantly - and the reason that Panasonic pulled out last year - is the difficulty involved in making a cost-effective 4K plasma panel.

They also are over 100 lbs and double as a space heater. The weight isn't a big deal, but having a heater in my family room in the summer isn't cool. They suck so much power they almost made them illegal in California. Granted, they look great, but I'm not surprised they're on the way out.

 

[risc32]

I must be old. I remember when plasma monitors came out. they were neat but their IQ was junk compared to the other tech of the day. it's weird, I think those other devices are all gone, and here was are lamenting the demise plasma and it's great IQ.

 

[Steve]

Happy to see them go, heavy inefficient heaters. The difference in quality between a good Plasma and LED is so small its not worth having a Plasma given the disadvantages. Clearly Samsung feel the same way.

 

[captaincranky]

Who needs a plasma TV to heat the room. I have a 40" "Proscan" , with standard fluorescent back light which pulls 200 watts from the line. Spectacular brightness and great color though.

It's too expense to fire up, so I bought an LED TV. I like to sit in front of the Proscan though, from time to time, and stare at my own reflection.

 

[Lionvibez]

That's because Panasonic was making better plasmas. They are still in shops, offering the best price-to-quality ratio out there.

The incredibly over-priced OLED is the only thing that beats picture quality of Panasonic plasmas, but their lifespan is worse.

So who cares if those plasmas do not have Netflix in them or some other needless stuff, they are still the best 1080P deals, although the latest generation of Smart Plasmas from Samsung do have all kinds of extras in them, and overly nice, so it would be a close call between them and Panasonic.

Well knew this was coming based on earlier reports.

And Glad I picked up my Samsung plasma when I did.

Weight is about 75lbs and its wall mounted so not really a concern and it only comes down if I move. As for being a space heater maybe for older gen models anything in the newer gen of plasma models (2011+)are more efficient. Still uses more power than a LCD but you are getting a better picture also so decent trade off if you ask me.

I watch alot of sports on my tv and that fits right into the strengths of plasma.

totally agreed VitalyT .

I own the Samsung PNE8000 which was the highend model for 2012 and most of the smart features I've turned off since I don't use them including the netflix app. I have a HTPC hooked up below so no need.

I've had a few friends recently pickup some 2013-14 LCD sets and they still don't compare to the picture I get when playing back Blu rays or anything high quality.

I really hope they fix the OLED lifespan issues because thats next step up.

 

[captaincranky]

...[ ]....They suck so much power they almost made them illegal in California....[ ].....

Dude, get with the program. Everything's illegal in California, with the exception of Bitcoin. And that's only been legal since Monday.

 

[cliffordcooley]

with the exception of Bitcoin. And that's only been legal since Monday.

Why wouldn't it be legal? It is after all a form of gambling.

 

[St1ckM4n]

Happy to see them go, heavy inefficient heaters. The difference in quality between a good Plasma and LED is so small its not worth having a Plasma given the disadvantages. Clearly Samsung feel the same way.

I can provide you with as good of proof as you'll get, that the LCD manufacturing line is not mature and/or manufacturers are heavily cutting costs to push out stock. I went through three LCD's before kicking them out for good for a Pana plasma.

It'd actually make a really good article, but I believe that it'll be highly 'controversial' since it will expose LCD TVs for the trash they (currently) are.

 

[Guest]

Thank goodness. Soon, all the Plasma fanbois will only be able to brag about their 'out of date' tech that you could toast a marshmallow over.

 

[cliffordcooley]

Thank goodness. Soon, all the Plasma fanbois will only be able to brag about their 'out of date' tech that you could toast a marshmallow over.

I guess they will have to go back to watching, the even further out of date fireplace!

 

[captaincranky]

Dude, get with the program. Everything's illegal in California, with the exception of Bitcoin. And that's only been legal since Monday.

Why wouldn't it be legal? It is after all a form of gambling.

Um, because California is not Nevada? Just a stray thought....

 

[cliffordcooley]

Um, because California is not Nevada? Just a stray thought....

Damn, I always forget that fact.

 

[Steve]

I can provide you with as good of proof as you'll get, that the LCD manufacturing line is not mature and/or manufacturers are heavily cutting costs to push out stock. I went through three LCD's before kicking them out for good for a Pana plasma.

It'd actually make a really good article, but I believe that it'll be highly 'controversial' since it will expose LCD TVs for the trash they (currently) are.

I have an original 26" Samsung LCD and I still have a pair of 55" LED models that are quite a few years old now still going strong.

 

[VitalyT]

Happy to see them go, heavy inefficient heaters. The difference in quality between a good Plasma and LED is so small its not worth having a Plasma given the disadvantages. Clearly Samsung feel the same way.

They slimmed down a lot and consume much less in the latest generations, while offering visibly better screens. Both Samsung and Panasonic stopped manufacturing them because plasmas have no future, compared to OLED-s, which offer a far better margin right now. In the meantime, the latest plasmas for consumers is the best spent money for a TV right now.

 

[Lionvibez]

They slimmed down a lot and consume much less in the latest generations, while offering visibly better screens. Both Samsung and Panasonic stopped manufacturing them because plasmas have no future, compared to OLED-s, which offer a far better margin right now. In the meantime, the latest plasmas for consumers is the best spent money for a TV right now.

They could't get the cost down for a 4k plasma screen. If they could then production wouldn't stop. And I totally agree with you if you care about image quality grab a 2012/13 plasma set and sit on it until OLED get affordable. And since there is still no content for 4k doesn't seem like a bad idea.

Anyone that still thinks plasma's are space heaters haven't used any of the last gen plasma's so their opinon is outdated.

When it comes to picture quality OLED > Plasma > LED/LCD

 

[cmbjive]

About damn time.

 

[captaincranky]

I guess they will have to go back to watching, the even further out of date fireplace!

Actually, there's a Christmas show called "Yule Log", where the picture on the TV IS a fireplace!

So, you crank up the ol' plasma TV / heater, and turn that on.

After which you can proudly proclaim, "no actual logs were harmed in the heating of this den".

 

[cliffordcooley]

They don't heat my room with a LED LCD monitor. Damn I have upgraded to the point of loosing my heating capabilities.

 

[captaincranky]

Go ye forth, and do what you must then. But I beseech thee, grant the tree a swift, merciful, and honorable death.

Still only $198.00 and American made! http://shop.modernfarmer.com/shop/kaufmann-mercantile/american-made-felling-axe/

 

[Lionvibez]

Lol you guys are killing me in this thread

 

[cliffordcooley]

Lol you guys are killing me in this thread

@captaincranky, Lionvibez was no substitute for a tree!

 

[St1ckM4n]

I have an original 26" Samsung LCD and I still have a pair of 55" LED models that are quite a few years old now still going strong.

Oh, I don't doubt that! My 'evidence' is more to do about anything 50 inch and above being a risky buy. Why? They just can't get the backlight to be anywhere close to perfect. Backlight bleed, flashlighting, uneven backlighting - all of these are issues on the big TVs and manufacturers either dont' want to or cannot fix these problems.

Samsung 8000 series (newest at the time) have massive problems too, people just don't see it until it's pointed out to them.

I went through 3x LCDs that had severe issues, even issues with the LCD panel itself. I lodged warranty claim and manufacturer said there was no problem (from engineer). The photo/video evidence I have shows everything clear as water.

 

[Steve]

I am not sure what constitutes as 'severe issues' but I really like mine, great value and great picture as far as I am concerned. I mostly use them with HTPC's and Windows looks as nice on the 55" screens as it does on my Dell 30" IPS panels. I might be partially blind though.