Review Pioneer Plasma ?!

[Jeepers]

Gene, Clint, Tom...

Any idea when you will be reviewing the new (8th gen) Pioneer Plasma's ?

 

[Kolia]

I was at BestBuy last Friday, firmly intent on finding a 1080p LCD/Plasma so I could "rest" for a few years...

I met there a lady from Pioneer that was testing their new 50" 720p screen (PDP-5080HD). She had a test DVD and a gizmo to connect to both the Pioneer and another display. I stayed around while it ran and we chatted. She explained what to look for. My first impression was to wonder why they were comparing a 1080p panel vs a pair of 720p... I was wrong. The 50" 720p of the Pioneer seemed to be running on a much higher resolution than the 42" 720p Sony and Panasonic.

We compared it to the latest 42 Panasonic screen and a 42"Sony (not the XBR thought) and the Pioneer completely eclipses both! It was ridiculous. The anti-aliasing on the Pioneer was impressive. A demo with rotating forks on a black velvet background was very telling of the "steps effect" on other displays,

Then an other demo with some camera panning in a lobby showed how smooths the transitions where compared to the Sony and Panasonic "jumping" to catch up on the frame.

There was also a test showing a RC plane vied by the side with it's prop spinning. That showed the deinterlacing capabilities of the display. There the Sony didn't fare to well.

Also the Pioneer had the darkest black I had ever seen on a flat panel. With the store lightning, it was hard to tell where the screen ended and the frame started.

In short, I'm screwed and now have no idea what flat panel to get.

The 1080p panels should be out on August 28th...

 

[Jeepers]

any buzz sound ?

Kolia, thanks for your input. Apart from the impressive black (KURO) and most likely the impressive price as well; did you hear any disturbing buzz sound on the rear ? A few months ago, I checked several 7th generation Pioneer units and couldn't hear anything but on the net you find a lot of people complaining about it.

 

[Kolia]

I didn't notice any sound but didn't "look" for it either.
I'll try to go back tonight and check it out. That's something I didn't thnik of as my current esa EDTV doesn't have any fan. Very little humming noise from that guy.

I found out they make a 42" version that would suit my needs better and want to check it out.

50" MSRP = 3500$ BB pirce = 3200$
42" MSRP = 2700$ BB Price = ?

 

[Jeepers]

I will first wait for a possible review by Gene & co but most likely I'll buy the 50" in September after I have sold my current 42" Sony plasma.

 

[nomanifaraz]

Pioneer 42" 720p (PDP4280) versus Panasonic 42" 1080p (TH-42PZ700)

Hi everyone,

I am challenged with a difficult choice between the Pioneer and Panasonic 42" Plasmas

My viewing distance is about 7feet and thats why I am opting for a 42". I think the Pioneer is excellent but with the new Panasonic 1080p and higher resolution 1920 x 1090 I am confused whether I should still pursue the Pioneer?

Any suggestions or ideas?

 

[avaserfi]

Hi everyone,

I am challenged with a difficult choice between the Pioneer and Panasonic 42" Plasmas

My viewing distance is about 7feet and thats why I am opting for a 42". I think the Pioneer is excellent but with the new Panasonic 1080p and higher resolution 1920 x 1090 I am confused whether I should still pursue the Pioneer?

Any suggestions or ideas?

This article might help you out. It explains the differences between 1080p and 720p in respect to viewing distance and relates it to human vision. This basically tells you if you will see a difference between the two and explains why.