HDTVs are becoming a commodity again, much like the
lackluster sets of the 90s, when prices fell to a level that CRT sets above 30
inches became the norm. Like then, it signals an end of an era where the
quality of the picture, features and innovation stood still.
Pioneer announced last week that it will be discontinuing
its line of plasma and LCD televisions and this saddens me greatly. While I was
never in a position to afford one of Pioneer’s Kuro sets, they were the
standard in the industry, a high standard that guaranteed the best of the best.
Television prices have fallen to the point that no company
can create a great product and make money. Once again, the market has spoken
and dictated that price is the only consideration. I agree that budget minded
televisions are needed but companies need to set realistic prices that allow
them to build quality while maintaining a reasonable profit. Yes the market has
spoken loudly and it has simply repeated exactly what the electronics companies
have trained us to believe, price is the end all, be all.