Len Wallis from Len Wallis Audio says he wishes it doesn't happen, but if it does, that the technology isn't lost. "I hope they don't go," he said. "However, it would be good if they sell the technology onto Panasonic if they do. I think [their plasma is] a stunning product. It is still the best I've seen and is the best thing going."
Adam Merlino from Audio Connections agrees. "If Pioneer gets out of plasmas it will be a great loss to the industry," he says. "Their [plasmas] have the best picture on the market."
Another retailer hoping that Pioneer management won't wield the axe is Mark Hales, store manager for Audio Trends. "We were very sad when Fujisti pulled out.," he said. "We'll feel the same way if Pioneer leave. They have a very high standard of panel, the only rival they've got is Panasonic. Not that Panasonic are that bad, but Pioneer are a better manufacturer than Panasonic."
Pioneer's General Manager – HGE, Tim O'Leary, isn't making any promises on the rumour. "At this stage there are no announcements," he said. "There is an official announcement on Friday but you have to realise we are a publically listed company and we have to wait and see what our parent company says."
