Hey there, jostenmeat
The KRP-600
M is a North American model. The KRP-600
A was the original European version.
For all intents and purposes, they were both the "Pro AV" version of the Kuro Signature Elite PRO-141FD.
Things are a little confusing, but basically, after Pioneer halted all production of Kuro displays, they started selling off all of their inventory and not worrying so much about limiting certain models to certain distribution channels. The KRP models were basically aimed at the commercial industry - like the displays you'd see on newscasts or sports recap shows...that sort of thing. As such, they came without any of the consumer "frills" such as tuners, speakers, stands or a large number of inputs.
But the actual plasma display panels themselves are exactly the same as the Signature Elite models, which were aimed at high-end consumer installers.
So...here's the break down:
The PDP-xx20FD models were the "low end" consumer models that you could buy at regular "big box" stores. They had a slightly different (cheaper) colour filter, they didn't have very many calibration controls and they didn't have 100% accurate colour reproduction. But they came with a stand, tuners and speakers and they could use their ethernet connection to stream content over your home network (pictures and music from your PC).
The PRO-111FD/151FD were the Elite consumer models - mostly offered through "high end" stores to begin with. They had the better colour filter, lots of calibration controls (including ISFccc), very accurate colour reproduction. And just like the PDP-xx20FD models, they came with a stand, speakers, tuners and network content streaming via ethernet.
The PRO-101FD/141FD were the Signature Elite models - pretty much aimed exclusively at custom installers. They had hand-picked panels and filters, a physically thinner cabinet, lots of calibration controls (ISFccc again), very accurate colour. But unlike the PDP and Elite models, the Signature Elites were monitors only. They came with no stand, no speakers and no tuners. But they still included the network content streaming via ethernet.
So all of those were aimed at consumers. They all had 4 HDMI inputs. And as you went from the PDP models to the Elite models to the Signature Elite models, the suggested retail prices went up and up.
But the commercial market just wants good displays with no frills or extras. Enter the KRP models!
The KRP-500M/600M are the same basic design as the Signature Elite monitors. But they are stripped to just the basics.
So no hand-picked panels and filters (although they are the exact same design and it is debatable whether there is any difference what-so-ever). There are no ISFccc calibration controls (although there is an unauthorized "patch" out there, which activates the ISFccc, but voids your warranty). The ethernet connection is strictly for monitoring the panels performance with a web app. So there is no network content streaming with the KRP models. And they only have 2 HDMI inputs - although they add a DVI input.
The European KRP-500A/600A models were a little bit different in that they had the ISFccc available right out of the box and are intended for the European 220V electrical standard that your friend is worried about
So! Long story short, the KRP-600
M is Pioneer's best plasma display - equal to the PRO-141FD, but just without a few extra frills that the commercial market didn't need or want. And for giving up 2 HDMI inputs, ISFccc, network content over ethernet and the fancy "Signature Elite" badge, you get a much lower price tag!
Magnolia is basically still trying to sell the Kuro displays at the full MSRP. The prices you listed are full MSRP and even for those very same models, you can find significantly lower prices from online vendors. But even the lowest
legitimate prices are not as low as the price for the KRP-600M.
Now, the best choice for your friend depends upon
his room and viewing conditions. If his room is well-lit, I would say that, once again, a Kuro plasma is the better choice because of the better anti-reflective screen surface and the better black level retention. But if his room is dim or dark, I have zero problem in recommending the Panasonic V10. The slightly more reflective screen surface and the lack of black level retention in a well-lit room are really my only two knocks against the V10 plasmas! In all other aspects, they are equal or very nearly equal to the Elite, Signature Elite and KRP Kuro plasmas. And depending on the distance from your friend's eyes to the screen, those extra 5 diagonal inches could make a considerable difference!
I pushed hard for musta9 to get the Kuro because his particular viewing conditions made a Kuro the absolute best choice. But that isn't necessarily the case for everyone. I think extremely highly of the Panasonic V10 plasmas. It's just that in a well-lit or bright room, they don't look as good as a Kuro
So first and foremost, figure out the lighting conditions in your friend's room. If it is well-lit or bright, I would push for a Kuro. And strictly due to price, the KRP-600M becomes a top choice. But if your friend can afford a PRO-141FD or PRO-151FD, there's certainly no down side to either of those!
If the room is dim or dark, I've zero problem with recommending the V10.
Hope that's helpful!
