Andre Yoskowitz
8 Jul 2008 12:02
Pioneer has announced that they will begin offering Blu-ray disc recorders to its home country of Japan beginning in the Q1 2009.
Pioneer spokeswoman Kayoko Tanaka added that there were no plans for Europe or North America launches and that the decision to enter the market "anticipated burgeoning Japanese demand for products in the next-generation video format."
The company will develop the recorders with its partner Sharp but will sell the "high-end" recorders under the Pioneer brand.
According to The Nikkei, Sony, Panasonic and Sharp completely dominate the Blu-ray market in Japan with a combined 98 percent market share.
Late last year Pioneer and Sharp began teaming up in the LCD business and have also been teaming up for Blu-ray players.