Call the plasma TV yet another victim of the recession. Last week, electronics retailer Pioneer announced that it would cease production on its flashiest plasma model, the “Ultimate Black” Kuro, and phase out its critically acclaimed television division by March 2010.

Pioneer’s move looks like a final nail in the coffin for the struggling plasma TV industry. The popularity of plasma steadily declined in the last few years, mainly from competition from LCD TV and tightening family budgets. At the beginning of this year, LCDs were outselling plasmas by a ratio of 8-to-1 globally.

Plasma’s popularity peaked from 2004-2006 when they largely replaced big-screen, rear-projecting televisions. But even in good times, plasma didn’t necessarily excel. Competition from LCD models led many consumers to hold off on making a purchase, during which time LCD technology started to catch up with plasma. By 2008, LCD was cheaper, the screen quality comparable to plasma, and sizes and features formerly available only in plasma were now offered in LCD.

With Pioneer out of the (ahem!) picture, Panasonic, LG, and Samsung are the last plasma makers on the playing field. Panasonic in particular may benefit from Pioneer’s demise. They plan to offer plasma TVs as a premium, niche item for devoted customers. This also buys Panasonic time to get their LCD line up to speed when the imminent death of plasma hits once and for all.

Although it’s sad to see a technological superstar like Kuro fall by the wayside, tough times mean that the best-of-the-best isn’t always what’s best for consumers. And in case you were curious, InventHelp’s Invention Girl is LCD all the way!

Related InventHelp posts:

1. InventHelp Applauds the TakeBack Coalition’s Recycling Plan
2. Invention Girl Is a Big Wii-ner at InventHelp
3. Blu-Ray 2.0: The Answer InventHelp’s Invention Girl Has Been Waiting For
4. InventHelp Asks: Do You Jitterbug?
5. InventHelp’s Invention Girl Uncovers Great Deals through Bad Grammar