PLASMA TVs are on the verge of taking the next step towards joining the 8-track and Betamax in the failed technology pile.

Pioneer is reportedly getting ready to stop producing the expensive TV sets because it has been losing money on them for years, while a rival technology, LCD TV sets, are booming.

The manufacturer is expected to report a loss of more $96 million in the plasma TV division.

The company, which is among a handful of plasma TV manufacturers, is reportedly going to stop production of the TVs as early as this year.

Pioneer follows Fujitsu, which also threw in the towel on its own plasma display business late last fall.

A Pioneer spokesperson confirmed the company is reviewing its plasma display business due to sluggish sales, but said that no final decision had been reached.