Plasma TVs are alive and well

Q I've read online that the Pioneer KURO plasma televisions are among the best, with amazing accuracy and definition. Apparently, Pioneer won't be making them after 2009, and videophiles are saying to scoop one up before they're gone. Are they really that good? Is their exit a statement on the future of plasma TV?

KURT MILLER, MONTANA

A The Pioneer KURO sets were indeed the best out there. Snap one up while you can. Pioneer's exit from plasma manufacturing was driven by a new focus on mass-market opportunities, such as its excellent receivers, Blu-ray players and car audio.

Fortunately, Pioneer's plasma know-how isn't going to waste. Leading plasma manufacturer Panasonic purchased Pioneer's patents and hired many of the engineers who worked in Pioneer's plasma division. It bodes well for future high-end Panasonic plasmas, and there is bound to be a technology trickle-down to its consumer lines.

Plasma TV is doing extremely well, posting record sales. According to a recent study by Quixel Research, in the second quarter of this year, unit sales of 42-inch 720p plasma TVs were up 40 percent compared with the previous quarter, making it the fastest-growing segment of the TV marketplace and the only segment to show significant growth. This means people are catching on to the incredible value and performance of affordable plasma TVs.

Many LCD TVs look great and the picture is bright. But when I put an LCD TV next to a plasma TV, I find myself drawn to the natural colors, contrast, flesh tones and motion rendition of the plasma set.

At current prices, the performance-to-value proposition is stunning, allowing consumers to get a big, truly beautiful HDTV picture for a pittance. Recently, I've seen the 42-inch Panasonic TC-P42X1 sell for as little as $600, and the 50-inch version, the TC-P50X1, for $800. That's a mind-boggling value from a top-tier manufacturer. If you are in the market for a TV, jump on one of these before the industry comes to its senses.

Q I bought a new car that plays DVD-Audio discs, which sound amazing. I'm having a hard time finding new discs to purchase. Is this technology pretty much dead along with Super Audio CD? Is Blu-ray audio going to replace them?

GLENN KERNAN, PITTSBURGH

A DVD-A and SACD have better sound quality than CDs, but never caught on with consumers. Although CDs are lossless, uncompressed PCM recordings, they cannot match the potential sound quality of DVD-A, SACD or future Blu-ray audio formats, which can record at much higher resolution. If Blu-ray audio catches on, you will likely see DVD-A and SACD fade away.

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