Who really makes that Plasma TV?!

There are now maybe as many as 18 brands of plasma tv available. The big trade secret is that very few of these brands actually MAKE their own plasma products! 

Most use a system called "Re-badging". Basically they buy from an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and claim to have extra features that make it different from the original manufacturer. 

What does this really mean for you, the would-be owner?
Should you avoid clones and stick with original manufacturers only?

Not necessarily. One of the advantages of knowing this trade information is that if you know that two different brands basically carry the same box, then you can compare prices and potentially save cash by buying the clone! The most recent example of this was when a certain not-to-be named Japanese manufacturer (sounds like "boney"!) rebadged another Japanese manufacturer's product, but sold it at a loss to kill off the release of the original. Result - Very happy consumers, very upset OEM!!

There are some (ahem!) "secondary" manufacturers around that we have chosen not to carry. If you're desperate for a sub-standard video image, then we can of course source these for you!

Essentially, we at Plasma4U have access to all the major and secondary brands, so please call us to get our up to date advice on what plasma might best suit your needs and budget. Now, without further ado :

THE MAJOR MANUFACTURERS

Panasonic - Makes the complete units. Supplies Toshiba, JVC, Fujitsu and others.

Pioneer - Makes all its own equipment and now has NEC expertise behind its belt. 

Sony - Makes their own boards and video chips which clean up video in particular, but the panels are manufactured by joint venture with Samsung.

LG - Makes all its own glass and components in its Korean factory. Now have joint venture with Philips.

NEC - NEC makes all its own glass and components. Very much geared towards the 'professional' market, NEC also though licenses its technology to companies like Marantz and other smaller brands. Now taken over by Pioneer.

Fujitsu - Limited production facilities, only currently produces the XGA 42" glass panel, in conjunction with Hitachi. Their 50-inch and 61-inch products are basically rebadged versions of Panasonic. 

Hitachi - As above, co-owns a factory producing the 42" panels with Fujitsu. Makes own internal components.

Samsung - Makes all its own components in Korea. 

Sharp - Rebadges product from Pioneer (for 50" and 42") though they make some internal component changes. But Sharp are already a major player in the LCD market, and watch out for Sharp to emerge as a more important player over the next year as large 30"+ LCD screens grow in size and picture quality.

THE SECONDARY MANUFACTURERS

JVC - 50 inch is Panasonic, 42 is NEC

Philips - Manufactures glass screen and most internal components as well at LG Philips Plant in Korea.

Toshiba - OEM from Panasonic.

Marantz - OEM 42" plasma monitor from NEC.

RCA/ Thompson - Partners with NEC to OEM its product. Just a NEC with a new bezel.

(Information Correct as of July 23 2005)