You may remember that Sony recently announced a partnership with TCL to produce its Bravia TV lineup. Now Panasonic has got in the act, teaming up with Chinese brand Skyworth to produce its next-gen TVs as part of a trend towards fewer companies making all our TVs.
It’s been rumored for a while that Panasonic was looking for an alternative arrangement for its TVs.
This announcement applies to Panasonic TVs made in Europe – it’s not yet clear what is happening with Panasonic TVs produced elsewhere, though there is certainly the potential for it to roll out elsewhere. Panasonic’s press information said “the partnership will be executed on a region-by-region basis”.
Paul Darch, who is leading the new joint venture said that Panasonic TVs would continue in Europe “with even stronger products, a clear strategy and a highly committed team”.
Darch said that the tie-up with Skyworth would mean “new scale and resources” for the future with the aim of “building best-in-class TVs” it sounds like Skyworth will have a larger say in cheaper models, since Darch was clear to say “Panasonic will collaborate on technical development [and there will be] full joint development on high-end models with Panasonic.”
“Will these TVs still be Panasonic TVs? The answer is yes. Because the DNA that defines Panasonic TVs is unchanged. The same reference standards will guide every decision. Picture, sound, usability and finish.”
Panasonic has already detailed some new sets for this year, including Mini LED models, but it also showed off a few prototypes that are presumably coming as part of the new company with RGB Mini LED sets, portable TVs and an ‘ultra slim art’ OLED. There’s no information on when these models could appear.
Panasonic itself will continue to provide after-sales support for all Panasonic TVs sold this year and before.
Skyworth also recently took over making Philips TVs in the US from Funai.
