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At a seminar in Japan this week, Matsushita plasma group manager Susumu Tsujihara didn't say a word about subsidiary Panasonic's plans to manufacture plasma panels for Pioneer's high-end Kuro line.

But everything he did say sounded like very good news to any plasma-fanatic worried about Panasonic's ability to keep Kuros looking fine. Tsujihara ushered in the arrival of Matsushita's "Fifth Wave" of plasma production. This likely has something to do with the company's fifth plasma plant, which will open in May 2009. 

Matsushita's forthcoming consumer plasma models will come equipped with features previously relegated to professional-grade models, and they will also shed pounds - not just inches around the middle. A new "Dynamic Black Layer" technology will make Matsushita's plasmas cheaper because they'll create light faster while burning less energy.

At least Pioneer picked a manufacturer for its products that still has its eye on the plasma ball. Panasonic continues to innovate its plasma production process, unlike many manufactures who have de-emphasized the technology, so Pioneer could've picked a much worse-off surrogate mother for its baby. -Rachel Rosmarin

Tech-On