To Pioneer Elite or not Elite??

[Frzdrdhppy]

Hi All,
I just purchased a new condo that is all set up for a 50" Plasma over the gas fp mantle. I like the Pioneers I've seen, and would like some input on whether to spring the bucks for the Elite Pro1120 or Just go with the 5050HD model. Light reflection is minimal where it will hang. Anyone have any thoughts on the diffs between the two, and if the Elite is worth the extra bucks? (Either one will be professionally installed by local HT pros)
TIA,
Frz

 

[Mort Corey]

It's my understanding that the electronics and screen are the same. The major difference is the frame and warranty (two years on the Elite vs one on the 5050) IIRC, the Elite has a separate media receiver unit which may or may not be an advantage in your setup.

Mort

 

[Tallcane]

I believe the 5050 also has a seperate media receiver and was told on another forum that the receivers are virtually identical. I am in this same exact situation and I still have not been able to get anyone to explain to me what you get for spending more money on the Elite other than the 2 year warranty, gold connections, frame and an earlier generation glass. 5050 actually has a fifth generation screen while the elite is based off of the 4th.

Bottom line, I dont think you can go wrong here. If you find out more please post it here. Thanks.

 

[sts9fan]

off topic but relevent

Putting a tv above a fireplace is a terrible move. looks good when you have dinner guests but sucks to watch.

 

[Frzdrdhppy]

I believe the 5050 also has a seperate media receiver and was told on another forum that the receivers are virtually identical. I am in this same exact situation and I still have not been able to get anyone to explain to me what you get for spending more money on the Elite other than the 2 year warranty, gold connections, frame and an earlier generation glass. 5050 actually has a fifth generation screen while the elite is based off of the 4th.

Bottom line, I dont think you can go wrong here. If you find out more please post it here. Thanks.

Thats good to know about the screen, thanks! So far I can't see the justification for the extra price just to get the "Elite" badge. If all I hear is true, the internal scaler is the same and will up/down to 72. One other diff I found on the Elite is that each color is capable of being adjusted separately, but thats probably over my head anyway, haha!

 

[Frzdrdhppy]

Putting a tv above a fireplace is a terrible move. looks good when you have dinner guests but sucks to watch.

I was worried about that too, but luckily they must have designed this condo with above the FP mounting in mind. The FP is a small gas log type, and the surround and mantle are much lower than normal. In fact, I checked the viewing angle from my Stresslounger and it is almost straight-on when in my favorite position. Maybe thats why I miss most of the shows I watch and guests turn up the sound to drown out my snoring!

 

[richardp]

I install Plasma TVs and we install at least half over fireplaces. I is almost always to high.

 

[Privateer]

There is only a $1500US price difference between both 50" TVs. I think most of the upgrades in the elite model will be in the processing. You will have to view both TVs and decide if the extra money is worth it.

50" Elite
50"