Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

News

Panasonic Discontinues European TV Production

Despite its reputation for making excellent TVs, Panasonic has retreated from several TV markets over the past several years, including the U.S. Now it plans to outsource its TV manufacturing for the remaining markets.

Panasonic TX-65JZW1004 OLED TV Lifestyle

Panasonic has had a stellar TV reputation for decades, but that reputation hasn’t saved them from the impact of cutthroat competition. 

In 2016, they left the U.S. TV market. Recently they allowed limited offerings of select models of their highly coveted Hollywood Professional OLED Display TV models in the U.S. through high-end dealer Value Electronics, but supply has been intermittent. 

On a parallel track, Panasonic has decreased TV production in Japan, China, and Vietnam. Now comes word that it is discontinuing TV production in Europe. Panasonic has stated that going forward, all of its TV manufacturing will be outsourced

This type of arrangement is not new as Funai now manufactures Philips-branded TVs for distribution in several markets, including North America. There are other examples of TV brands outsourcing or licensing their name to others

Although Panasonic hasn’t formally announced who will be making Panasonic-branded TVs going forward, word is that TCL might pick up the load. This would mean that TCL (or someone else) would make TVs carrying the Panasonic brand name. It is also possible that depending on the market, more than one company may be involved.

This is important because TCL doesn’t have OLED TV manufacturing facilities, so another company may be called in unless Panasonic decides to retain that capacity.

This is especially important as even though Panasonic uses OLED panels made by LG Display Company (just as all other OLED TV brands currently do) they will continue to use their own video processing technology so manufacturing needs to stay under some type of Panasonic control. 

Panasonic has also indicated that even if TCL or another manufacturer produces Panasonic-branded TVs, Panasonic will still be controlling the needed R&D and design so that the TVs meet Panasonic’s specifications. Hopefully, they will also be in control of on-site quality control during the manufacturing process.  

It must also be pointed out that Panasonic has a significant presence in the professional video realm as they supply TV and Cinema Cameras, as well as monitors to major Hollywood, TV, and movie studios around the world. Whether production of those products will remain with Panasonic has not been indicated.

NOTE: This is a developing story, as more relevant details are revealed, especially if it affects the U.S. TV market, this article will be updated.  

Advertisement. Scroll to continue reading.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advertisement

New Products

New HiFiMan Headphones in 2025 are Ananda Unveiled, Edition XV and HE600

New Products

HiFiMAN launches three new planar magnetic open back headphones priced from $399 to $799, because why release just one?

REL Serie S Subwoofer Family 2025 REL Serie S Subwoofer Family 2025

New Products

Priced from $3,299 to $5,999, the REL Serie S 2025 subwoofers deliver deep, articulate bass, optional wireless, and Line Array towers because your neighbors...

Bang & Olufsen Beo Grace Wireless ANC Earbuds in hand at sunset Bang & Olufsen Beo Grace Wireless ANC Earbuds in hand at sunset

New Products

$1,500 Beo Grace earbuds from Bang & Olufsen push luxury, style, and audio performance but don’t forget the optional $400 leather pouch.

David Beckham wearing black Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 wireless headphones David Beckham wearing black Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 wireless headphones

New Products

Bowers & Wilkins Px8 S2 delivers flagship wireless sound, upgraded ANC, and aptX lossless at $799—lighter, smaller, and a strong value vs Focal and...

Campfire Audio Portable DAC Wallet with Relay Dongle and IEMs Campfire Audio Portable DAC Wallet with Relay Dongle and IEMs

Dongle DACs

This $59 portable DAC Wallet magnetically attaches to the back of iPhone to keep your dongle DAC and headphone cables in order.

Sennheiser HD 505 BAMM Inline Boom Mic Accessory Add-on Sennheiser HD 505 BAMM Inline Boom Mic Accessory Add-on

New Products

Sennheiser HD 500 BAM adds a pro mic to 500 series headphones. No support for other brands, but max compatibility with PCs, consoles and...

You May Also Like

Loudspeakers

CEDIA Expo 2025 featured many fine speakers, amps, processors and other audio-related gear. Here are our picks for Best in Show.

New Products

Skyworth debuts 100-inch Canvas Elite Art TV at CEDIA 2025, featuring 4K QD-MiniLED, matte screen, Google TV, and premium display tech.

News

The initial roll-out of this wireless tech is limited to TCL TVs and a new TCL speaker, but the plan is to expand to...

News

YouTuber Caleb Denison survives a legal attack from his former employer and re-launches his own independent YouTube tech channel and consulting firm.

News

Digital Trends claims ownership of Caleb Denison's new YouTube channel called CalebRated leading to all videos being removed from public view.

News

Dolby Labs has launched an alternative to DTS Play-Fi and WiSA with a new wireless home theater platform. Dolby Atmos FlexConnect is coming to...

New Products

Available in 65 to 98-inch screen sizes, the flagship 2025 TCL QM9K 4K TV offers more dimming zones and higher brightness.

New Products

TCL’s 2025 QM8K flagship TV offers near-OLED picture with CrystGlow WHVA Panel, Halo Control System, and Dolby Atmos—all starting at $2,299.99. A serious challenger...

Advertisement

ecoustics is a hi-fi and music magazine offering product reviews, podcasts, news and advice for aspiring audiophiles, home theater enthusiasts and headphone hipsters. Read more

Copyright © 1999-2024 ecoustics | Disclaimer: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.



SVS Bluesound PSB Speakers NAD Cambridge Audio Q Acoustics Denon Marantz Focal Naim Audio RSL Speakers