Panasonic is set to exit the plasma TV business as soon as next year,
as part of a scaling back of its overall television operations.

Reports from Japan say the company is expected to announce next week
that it's starting a three-year plan to trim down its loss-making TV
business, and that the strategy could see it stopping plasma panel
production next year and also reducing the scale of its in-house LCD
panel manufacturing.

Full report here

Several years ago, the was a distinction between plasma and LCD Flat screen TV's that was noticeable but in today's market, LED's have taken the lead and prices continue to go down.

I recently purchased an LG 42" LCD TV for under B14,000.

Just a few years ago I would never have believed I would say this but nowadays I would only buy a Japanese TV ahead of Korean if it was cheaper. If the same price I would choose Korean.

What the difference ? jap or korean ? the panels and electronics are all made in the same factories now just with different cases and names on them. Higher end tv's your're just paying for better receivers i.e. better resolution.