MojoLists

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.