Pioneer will show the future of flat panel TVs at the CES 2008 show floor. Under the code name “Project KURO” Pioneer shows a 9mm thin Plasma TV concept and a new level of contrast ratio that is supposed to challenge that quality measure of flat panel TVs. Pioneer says to be able to display absolute black with no measurable amounts of light emitting.

For more than a year, Project KURO has been a brand mantra within Pioneer that represents our commitment to deliver the most passionate and emotional entertainment experience possible,” said Russ Johnston, executive vice president of marketing and product planning for the Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. “The KURO technology concepts demonstrate how we are continuing to challenge the industry and stay above the commoditized flat panel television market – by literally ending the conversation about contrast ratio, a debate that has been in existence since television was first introduced, and creating a flat panel display so thin it becomes a canvas for entertainment.”
Black encompasses the entire color spectrum and is produced in the absence of light. By nature, televisions produce luminance (light) and this dilutes black and color. That is why it is so important that Pioneer can achieve absolute black in the Project KURO extreme contrast concept. The display is so black that even when it is on with no image displayed, the television is invisible when you walk into a completely dark room. It has a contrast ratio that is literally beyond measurement, rendering the debate of contrast ratio irrelevant and providing the consumer a rich picture filled with vibrant penetrating color.

Pioneer’s concept for the world’s thinnest 50-inch flat panel display (I assume it is Plasma, Pioneer is not going specific on this one) is also part of Pioneer’s engineering passion. At only nine millimeters (mm) thin, this groundbreaking Project KURO technology results in a picture that appears to be floating on a wall, creating an experience for consumers where the television becomes simply a canvas for great entertainment. In addition, its extremely light weight (18.6kg/ 41lbs) allows the television to be easily wall mounted, contributing handsomely to interior décor without distracting—providing a spectacular setting for watching films.

These Pioneer Project KURO TVs are just concepts and not ready for production in 2008.
Via this Pioneer press-release.

CES 2008 will start officially on January 7th, but the first event is already on Saturday. We are in Las Vegas and will be covering the CES 2008 first hand.
Do not miss the latest CES 2008 News.