With the recent exit of Pioneer from the plasma display industry, doubt has been cast upon the future of plasma display technology. Some people consider LCD to be superior than plasma. I, however, would disagree. HD Guru has interviewed executives from the remaining plasma manufacturers, Panasonic, LG and Samsung.

Bob Perry, Executive Vice President for Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company explicitly states that both LCD and PDP (Plasma Display Panel) technologies are equally growing and have their own merits.

Perry also stated that PDP’s are becoming increasingly cost effective compared to LCD’s and that consumers tend to shift to PDP’s once the 50″+ screen size realm is entered. In fact, Panasonic will also be opening a dedicated PDP factory sometime this year. Perry has indicated that the big three plasma manufacturers have no intention of reducing production output of PDP’s.

Tim Alessi, Director of Product Development for LG Electronics USA states that plasma is still the choice of display for videophiles and most discerning consumers who demand only the best viewing experience. Better black levels, rich color reproduction, smooth motion and wide viewing angles are the things that mainly differentiate PDP’s from LCD displays.

Alessi also states that over 60 models of plasmas will be introducted to the market this year. LG, according to Alessi, is reportedly incorporating a vast array of features into their PDP’s which includes THX certification and access to internet-based content. He also estimates that plasmas will account for a big chunk of the display market especially for screen sizes larger than 50″.

John Revie, Senior Vice President of Visual Display Marketing for Samsung Electronics America states that plasma is an important part of the flat panel industry. He also reiterates Tim Alessi’s outlook that plasmas will maintain a big percentage of the display market especially at sizes above 50″.

Similar to LG, Samsung will be releasing improved PDP’s in order to entice consumers. Revie confirms that Samsung will be releasing six models of plasma TV’s that will not only feature better picture quality, but also advanced connectivity options.

I definitely agree with these guys, plasmas are not on the way out. People should realize this somehow so that plasma will have leverage over LCD’s. I hate it when some sales representatives take the side of LCD’s without presenting both flat panel technologies to a customer. Why not just simply let a customer sit in front both and decide for himself? Tim Alessi of LG stated, that the best way to let people know that plasmas are still alive and kicking is through the continuous presentation of new and improved PDP technology.

A vast majority of consumers are definitely misinformed about the flat panel industry. Sure, LCD’s do have those 120Hz, 200Hz motionflow things to smoothen movements, but haven’t they noticed that no plasma panels have this? If you’re one of those who can stand the unnatural movement with these fluid-motion LCD’s then lucky you. I sure hope Panasonic, LG and Samsung will be able to keep the plasma train chugging along until the next big display technology comes along. OLED, anyone?

[via HD Guru]