Fujitsu Ltd plans to start volume production of 42 plasma flat panels next year, primarily for use in flat-screen television sets that can be hung on the wall. It aims to begin marketing them to Japanese makers of high-definition television sets before Japan starts full broadcasting of the high definition service in 1997. Fujitsu currently makes 20,000 21 plasma panels a year at its plant in Akashi city, but the things don’t come cheap or light – they weigh 10 lbs 9 oz and they cost $11,750. Fujitsu has not yet completed production of prototype 42 panels, so does not know how much they will cost or weigh.
