Magnolia Suprise...

[Chopin_Guy]

This week I sold the Samsung LN-40A550 LCD I put in the bedroom because I really was not at all happy with the picture and never really watched it (after having plasma you can never really go back to LCD). My intention was to go to Best Buy to see the new Panasonic line of plasmas to that would replace the TH-50PX80U in the living which was going to move to the bedroom...

So, the intention was to look at the 50" and 54" G10 and V10 Plasma to disern the differences and justifiable $$ difference....that was until I wandered into the Magnolia section (I should know better :rolleyes:) just to look at which Pioneer models they had. At this point to much suprise, I am looking at the GORGEOUS Elite Pro-111FD and noticed the price of $2,400....:eek:

I figured this had to be for the display model but wanted to confirm with a sales rep...to which he informed me they actually had one in back new and sealed. Needless to say with the cash I had on hand from the Samsung I said I would take it. So I got the Kuro for $1,700...

I can't believe it still...the picture on this thing is just phenominal and cannot wait for the girlfriend to get home with her truck to go pick up. This long speil aside...there are some GREAT deals to be had right now with the models changes....especially on some plasma models....

[Adam]

Which model did you get?

[Chopin_Guy]

I got the Kuro Elite Pro-111FD...

[Adam]

I got the Kuro Elite Pro-111FD...

Ahh, I was confused because you said the price was $2400...but I guess you got it for $1700? That's awesome!

[bandphan]

Thats an absolute steal for the 111. Let the tweaking begin:D

[Chopin_Guy]

Oh yeah sorry...I should keep it simple....because I had $700 in cash with from selling the old TV...

[Chopin_Guy]

Thats an absolute steal for the 111. Let the tweaking begin:D

Exactly...supposedly the picture mode 'Pure' is a really good place to start. The default settings in that mode are very accurate from what I have read thus far...

[bandphan]

Exactly...supposedly the picture mode 'Pure' is a really good place to start. The default settings in that mode are very accurate from what I have read thus far...

the nice thing is you can start with anothers isf settings(if your not affraid of the sm), as there is almost zero variance from set to set. Id set it up for day and night veiwing first. Do you have any calibration software?

[bandphan]

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1034208

is a good place to start

[Chopin_Guy]

I don't have any calibration software, and of course they offered to do calibration but I highly doubt they do a full or acceptable job given how much they charge for the service...

[bandphan]

I don't have any calibration software, and of course they offered to do calibration but I highly doubt they do a full or acceptable job given how much they charge for the service...

Accutally the geek sqaud is listed on the ISF website for Houston. If you inquire make sure it is for a full ISF with cal equipment

[Chopin_Guy]

You probably know more about this than me Bandphan, but the Pro-111fd has an optical sensor that automatically adjusts display settings based on room light---does this negate the need for day and night viewing settings???

[bandphan]

You probably know more about this than me Bandphan, but the Pro-111fd has on optical sensor that automatically adjusts display settings based on room light---doe this negate the need for day and night viewing settings???


i gave you the wrong link sorry....http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1053444

As for the room sensor, it would be set to off when calibrated. Its a nice feature but you do not want the display altering settings;)

[WmAx]

This week I sold the Samsung LN-40A550 LCD I put in the bedroom because I really was not at all happy with the picture and never really watched it (after having plasma you can never really go back to LCD). My intention was to go to Best Buy to see the new Panasonic line of plasmas to that would replace the TH-50PX80U in the living which was going to move to the bedroom...

So, the intention was to look at the 50" and 54" G10 and V10 Plasma to disern the differences and justifiable $$ difference....that was until I wandered into the Magnolia section (I should know better :rolleyes:) just to look at which Pioneer models they had. At this point to much suprise, I am looking at the GORGEOUS Elite Pro-111FD and noticed the price of $2,400....:eek:

I figured this had to be for the display model but wanted to confirm with a sales rep...to which he informed me they actually had one in back new and sealed. Needless to say with the cash I had on hand from the Samsung I said I would take it. So I got the Kuro for $1,700...

I can't believe it still...the picture on this thing is just phenominal and cannot wait for the girlfriend to get home with her truck to go pick up. This long speil aside...there are some GREAT deals to be had right now with the models changes....especially on some plasma models....

Well... technically you still got a Panasonic.... right? :D This is one of the late model Pioneers (made by Matsushita for Pioneer), right? Or is this a model from their last self-made units from 2008?

-Chris

[Biggiesized]

Pioneer is not entering into a partnership with Panasonic until March 2010. All of the 9G plasmas are Pioneer made.

[Chopin_Guy]

Well... technically you still got a Panasonic.... right? :D This is one of the late model Pioneers (made by Matsushita for Pioneer), right? Or is this a model from their last self-made units from 2008?

-Chris

You raise and interesting question, as I had read several places that Panasonic was building the plasma panels for Pioneer towards the end there...the PRO-111FD is the Elite 2008 model....which has carried into 2009. If the 111-FD indeed has a Pansonic built plasma unit, then I wonder what Pioneer does in terms of processing / technology that gives the elite models such noticably better performance than the vast majority of the plasma field. While at the Magnolia, I was down to choosing between the 111-FD and the new Panasonic TC-P54V10 -- of the two I thought the Pioneer was without a doubt the better display (granted calibration and proper set-up must be negated from consideration while looking at displays in a major retail store like a Magnolia -- nonetheless the question still stands)....

[bandphan]

You raise and interesting question, as I had read several places that Panasonic was building the plasma panels for Pioneer towards the end there...the PRO-111FD is the Elite 2008 model....which has carried into 2009. If the 111-FD indeed has a Pansonic built plasma unit, then I wonder what Pioneer does in terms of processing / technology that gives the elite models such noticably better performance than the vast majority of the plasma field. While at the Magnolia, I was down to choosing between the 111-FD and the new Panasonic TC-P54V10 -- of the two I thought the Pioneer was without a doubt the better display (granted calibration and proper set-up must be negated from consideration while looking at displays in a major retail store like a Magnolia -- nonetheless the question still stands)....

Pioneer was going to be specing and buying the panel from panasonic. The processing was to be all Pioneer.

[Davemcc]

Sweet deal. This link ought to make you feel pretty good about scoring a deal like that.

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010106344&catid=

Or how about this one?

http://www.bestbuy.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0926HDS0010125978&catid=28399

[valvesnvinylfan]

So, the intention was to look at the 50" and 54" G10 and V10 Plasma to disern the differences and justifiable $$ difference....that was until I wandered into the Magnolia section (I should know better :rolleyes:) just to look at which Pioneer models they had. At this point to much suprise, I am looking at the GORGEOUS Elite Pro-111FD and noticed the price of $2,400....:eek:

I can't believe it still...the picture on this thing is just phenominal and cannot wait for the girlfriend to get home with her truck to go pick up. This long speil aside...there are some GREAT deals to be had right now with the models changes....especially on some plasma models....

Wow--you got a super deal on a Pioneer panel, AND you have a truck-owning GF? My friend, you are the luckiest man on earth :)

[Chopin_Guy]

Thanks man...I could not be happier with both the display and the GF as well...Still some super deals to be had on plasmas as the new models move in. I was in my local high-end store listening to speakers and when I told the salesman about the Pioneer he said that the last one Pioneer they were able to get was about 6 months ago...

[DaleAV]

Excellent price!
Follow the earlier recommendations and get an experienced calibrator out there to tweak it to it's full potential, you will not be sorry!
Some think because Kuros are top of the line, they really don't need to be calibrated.
Ironically, it is the control set that makes them a dream to tweak! Great performance out of the box, with even more to come!

I can not say enough good things about having a professional cal done.

You are in TX..this guy will take very good care of you!

http://www.accucal.org/

Personally, I would take experience and a nice list of referrals any day over a pod squad ;)

[Chopin_Guy]

Having a calibration performed is on my list for sure...I know very little in this arena and would love to see what this display could deliver when properly calibrated. For the moment, the best the pictures looks to me is when the set is in 'Optimum' mode and it uses the lights/data analyzer dictate picture settings. 'Pure" mode is supposed to be quite good as well but that looked dull to my eyes...

[jostenmeat]

You are in TX..this guy will take very good care of you!

http://www.accucal.org/

Personally, I would take experience and a nice list of referrals any day over a pod squad ;)

Well said, Dale. Chopin, that guy is a regular at AVS I'm pretty sure. (talking about accucal).

Having a calibration performed is on my list for sure...I know very little in this arena and would love to see what this display could deliver when properly calibrated. For the moment, the best the pictures looks to me is when the set is in 'Optimum' mode and it uses the lights/data analyzer dictate picture settings. 'Pure" mode is supposed to be quite good as well but that looked dull to my eyes...

Well, when you say "properly", that is pro by nature. Otherwise, you can try calibration discs to get half way there, roughly, ball-park-speculating.

With the pro cal, you ought to be able to have calibration for every single source you own, and for each, day and night calibrations. That's a lot of calibrations! of course, something like that costs, but you'd be assured that you pretty much have the finest pic available for anything that you are watching, at any time of the day.

[DaleAV]

My favorite analogy is a 300 hp rated sports car..that only puts out 270. And you are required to take it in to the dealer for an additional $300 tweak if you want that extra boost.
Some will do it, some wont. With my leadfoot, there is only one option! LOL

[mudrummer99]

Having a calibration performed is on my list for sure...I know very little in this arena and would love to see what this display could deliver when properly calibrated. For the moment, the best the pictures looks to me is when the set is in 'Optimum' mode and it uses the lights/data analyzer dictate picture settings. 'Pure" mode is supposed to be quite good as well but that looked dull to my eyes...

Just to put you at ease, every BB calibration tech should be ISF certified. They also use a Sencore calibration system to do the job with. All the calibrations done by my local guy always look great, especially the Pio Elites. Go with any ISF certified tech and I'm sure you will be very plesed with the results.

Mike

[DaleAV]

Just to put you at ease, every BB calibration tech should be ISF certified. They also use a Sencore calibration system to do the job with. All the calibrations done by my local guy always look great, especially the Pio Elites. Go with any ISF certified tech and I'm sure you will be very plesed with the results.

Mike

I don't think the credentials are at question, or even the training. And if you check into ISF training, it's only several hours.

Experience is everything in my book. Not to say there are not very competent BB techs out there...but how would you know?

With someone very experienced and a list of referrals, most all doubt is lifted. I am all for giving the other guy a chance, but when it comes to spending money especially in these times, I think it pays to be more discriminating.

Just my 2c...<probably worth less due to the recession...)

[jostenmeat]

Just to put you at ease, every BB calibration tech should be ISF certified. They also use a Sencore calibration system to do the job with. All the calibrations done by my local guy always look great, especially the Pio Elites. Go with any ISF certified tech and I'm sure you will be very plesed with the results.

Mike

Again, what Dale said. From my readings at other forums, it's not about whether someone is simply "certified" or not, it's about how good they are. So, word of mouth is key I think, and if that accucal guy has a reasonable rate, I would do that route over BB.

Some bonus links for whoever:
Display Calibration Subforum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=139)

ISF Calibrators, where are you located? Please post here! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586330)

Display Calibration: Root Fundamentals (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1021933)

[DaleAV]

Again, what Dale said. From my readings at other forums, it's not about whether someone is simply "certified" or not, it's about how good they are. So, word of mouth is key I think, and if that accucal guy has a reasonable rate, I would do that route over BB.

Some bonus links for whoever:
Display Calibration Subforum (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/forumdisplay.php?f=139)

ISF Calibrators, where are you located? Please post here! (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=586330)

Display Calibration: Root Fundamentals (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1021933)

There are many fine calibrators out there, "Jeff", the one I recommended worked on my display took out a small handheld audio spectrum analyzer..and showed me my sub had very little output below 30Hz. He recommended a few I might try out.
He is into audio big time, from HT to auditoriums.
He uses very expensive equipment, but more importantly, he understands how to use them to their full potential.
You can read the testimonials on his website but also at avsforum, in the flat display threads. Along with many other fine professionals. If you are going to do it, do it right, you will not be sorry.

[valvesnvinylfan]

Thanks man...I could not be happier with both the display and the GF as well...Still some super deals to be had on plasmas as the new models move in. I was in my local high-end store listening to speakers and when I told the salesman about the Pioneer he said that the last one Pioneer they were able to get was about 6 months ago...

Yeah, I think I waited too long to look for one; now that I'm ready to buy one, Kuro pickings seem slim around these parts :(

[valvesnvinylfan]

Having a calibration performed is on my list for sure...I know very little in this arena and would love to see what this display could deliver when properly calibrated. For the moment, the best the pictures looks to me is when the set is in 'Optimum' mode and it uses the lights/data analyzer dictate picture settings. 'Pure" mode is supposed to be quite good as well but that looked dull to my eyes...

Definitely, I used to see the differences between calibrated and non everyday when I worked A/V retail, and we got our set here calibrated. We got it pretty good with the cal discs and such; but those last few improvements with a pro calibration and proper equipment made all the difference.