Hitachi/Panasonic sign next-gen plasma TV deal

Hitachi and Matsushita (commonly known for its Panasonic branded products) have announced a broad-ranging partnership to develop next-generation plasma TV technology.

The two companies will collaborate on a broad range of activities, including R&D, production, marketing and intellectual property.

The firms believe that self-luminous plasma display panel (PDP) technology is the most suitable for next-generation slim, large-screen, high-definition TVs.

Under the terms of the agreement the companies will establish standards for PDP module components, and jointly explore whether and how they can work with component manufacturers.

Standardisation of next-generation production facilities and mutual benchmarking of production processes will be explored with an eye to boosting PDP production capacity and efficiency, the firms promised.

In addition, Hitachi will consider setting up a company to manage its PDP patents. Panasonic said it will consider investment in this company in a bid to provide a continuing and stable cross-licensing relationship.