Pioneer is boasting that its new plasma technology gives a better contrast ratio than the upcoming SED displays from Toshiba and Canon. Remember that SED gives CRT-like image quality because the technology is so similar.

The new [plasma] technology premieres a completely re-engineered display infrastructure, including a new panel, filter and application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

IGN got a chance to look at one such Pioneer plasma at the CES show, and they liked what they saw. “In comparison to what is generally though of as best-of-breed image quality, Pioneer’s new plasma display was astounding. The demo began with both screens in idle-black. That is, the new plasma display looked black; Pioneer’s current plasma looked shockingly gray and over-lit.”

I hope that this kind of technology trickles down to their whole plasma line. I’ve never been a big fan of flat panels because of the cost and burn-in (for plasma), and this new tech won’t help matters. But it’s good for companies like Pioneer to push the envelope and force other manufacturers to do one better. Great stuff.

CES 2007: Impressions of Pioneer’s “SED Killing” Plasma
Pioneer Launches Breakthrough Display Technology