Panasonic, the former plasma king, will no longer make its own TVs
Ars Technica
by
Scharon Harding
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Panasonic, once a leader in plasma TV technology, has announced it will cease manufacturing its own TVs. The company revealed that Chinese brand Skyworth will take over the production, marketing, and distribution of Panasonic-branded TVs. This move marks a significant shift for the Japanese electronics giant, which had been one of the last remaining companies still producing TVs.
Skyworth, headquartered in Shenzhen, is positioning itself as a key player in the Android TV platform market. While it has shown growth, such as ranking among the top-five TV brands by sales revenue in Q1 2025 according to Omdia, maintaining this position has been challenging. Panasonic’s decision came during a launch event reported by FlatpanelsHD, where a company representative highlighted the strategic benefits of partnering with Skyworth.
This partnership reflects broader trends in the tech industry, where established brands are increasingly outsourcing manufacturing to focus on innovation and brand management. For Panasonic, this move aligns with its strategy to streamline operations and shift resources toward other areas of its business. Meanwhile, Skyworth gains access to Panasonic’s legacy and reputation, which could help bolster its global presence.
The deal also signals a potential reshaping of the TV market格局. As traditional manufacturers like Panasonic reduce their production efforts, companies like Skyworth are stepping in to fill the void. This shift could impact consumer choices and competition in the TV industry, particularly as demand for advanced technologies like 4K, 8K resolution, and AI-driven features continues to grow.
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Originally published on Ars Technica on 2/23/2026