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Pioneer List of Categories
Submit your own review of a Pioneer Plasma Television
- Pioneer 42" PDP-42A3HD
- Pioneer 50" PDP-5040HD
- Pioneer 43" PRO910HD
- Pioneer 43" PDP4340HD - 2 Customer Reviews
- Pioneer 50" PDP503CMX
- Pioneer 43" PDP433CMX
- Pioneer 43" PDP4340HD
- Pioneer 50" PDP5040HD - 4 Customer Reviews
- Pioneer 42" PDP-42A3HD
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Diana Ali
Location: Costco
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP 42A3HD
PICTURE:
I haven't yet found this model, online or in any discussion, but I am concerned about this Plasma HDTV...Although it get an amazing picture, I get a 'faded' outline as if it was a residule from the wide screen pictures shown on the TV before. I am so concerned that I may return it to COSTCO and Purchase another brand, such as Phillips...
INSTALLATION:
I intend to install it on my wall in the Master Bedroom, but will wait until I'm confortable with the performace of the TV. The appearance of this TV is beautiful, the black 'lacker' look gives it a quality 'framed picture' look.
PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
The remote is easy to use, I like the confort of it...The menu isn't hard to work with...
I'm giving this a value rating of 4.5 only because of the 'faded' lines on the west/east sides of the screen...
QUALITY RATING: 4.5
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- Pioneer 50" PDP-5040HD
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Theresa Dobbs
Location: Dallas, TX
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP-5040HD
PICTURE:
1) Off-Air DTV is impressive and sharp when received in 720P format but otherwise the 480P broadcasts are not HD quality. (Some people who see this format are still impressed.)
2) Progressive Scan DVD (Kenwood DV-5900M) looks really good but depends on the encoding of the media DVD. Some are in fact, superior over others. Superbit vs. standard encoding becomes marginally better. Some transfers are poor and shows up on this caliber of equipment.
3) Standard 480i DVD (Sony DVP-CX870D) gave the Kenwood DV-5900M a run for it's money. The two are very comparable in performance and picture quality. I don't know why but the Sony performed much like a progressive DVD.
4) Cable (Comcast Basic) was good and for the most part better than I had expected. Pixalation and artifacting was minimal. Overall, not a bad feed to show off the Pioneer's size.
5) Satellite (DirecTV with a Sony HD100 receiver) was marginally better than cable. The Off-Air DTV tuner output seemed to be a little bit better over the Pioneer media unit's tuner, but only a slight bit.
6) S-VHS (Sony SLV-1000) shows grain and analog artifacts but remain viewable. There is a significant picture quality difference as one can expect between this source and the previously mentioned sources.
INSTALLATION:
The flat panel with speakers mounted on the sides was mounted on a wall 10' from the viewing area at a height of 48" from the center of the screen to the floor. The fit and finish of the panel is everything I have come to expect from Pioneer. The unit is well built and quality is apparent in the construction. The media unit is just as comparable. Solid and well designed.
PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
The first thing I did was to consolidate the remote functions and features into my Philips ProntoPro remote. Programmed all the elements of the Pioneer remote into organized pages of my ProntoPro. The functions perform seamlessly and flawlessly. The menus on the Pioneer are very easy to use and control. Adjustments are meaningful and setup requires very little fiddling. Installation was smooth and effortless for the most part. Planning is the single most important thing I can recommend before installation. The input section is good. I just wish I had one more component input. The unit comes has two on the back and one in front of the media unit. After having owned this unit for 3 months, I can honestly say I have made the right decision in purchasing this model. I continue to double check my decision and have not regretted it. This unit still outperforms the competition in so many areas.
QUALITY RATING: 9.5
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- Pioneer 43" PRO910HD
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: David Amiot
Location: Nashville, TN USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PRO910HD
Desribe-Input-Signals:
Picture is best with composite video input from HDTV cable box and HDMI feed from DVD player. Closest thing to being there. Great color, stunning detail. Signal from analog source is "so so" - larger size can actually detract from the picture vs a CRT depending on the program. Dark colors are the worst.
Desribe-Plasma-Installation:
Installed with HDMI and Tivo directly into Media Receiver. HDTV, DVD and VHS are through a receiver into Media Receiver. Media Receiver feeds the display.
Desribe-Plasma-Functions:
Eight or nine inputs. Two can accept composite or HDMI video. HMDI includes audio which, unfortunately, cannot be passed out the optical port to a receiver - Pioneer claims it is a "copy protect" thing, but I think they just forgot it. Have to mute audio on plasma and take audio feed from source to receiver. Still wind up with a digital audio at the receiver, so "where's the copy protect?" Remote and menus complete, relatively straight forward.
Desribe-Buying-Experience:
From DTVCity. I was a bit early in the game. Actually took two more weeks than initially estimated to arrive. Calls about status required a call back (which I always got). Shipping advice didn't work as advertised, I had to follow up by phone to get my info - never received the promised e-mail. Unpacking clear-cut, no damage, everything worked. Given the savings vs. local retail, I'd do it again.
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- Pioneer 43" PDP4340HD - 2 Customer Reviews
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Tony Scotto
Location: Boston MA USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP4340HD
Desribe-Input-Signals:
Picture is awesome - we have a Progressive Scan Sony DVD player connected to the Pioneer Media Box (comes with the 4340 - all inputs go through the media box)which produces incredible depth, contrast, brightness and clarity. For TV programming we subscribe to Comcast digital cable with the High Definition option. Hi-def is far better than standard TV and even digital broadcasts. The differences between regular TV, digital TV and then Hi-def are very obvious. Smooth edges on picture / image transitions are obvious to the average person watching anything in HDTV. People could not believe the broader perspective one gets when watching a sporting event like the Super Bowl.
Desribe-Plasma-Installation:
The 4340 comes with a pedestal stand that enables the display to swivel - very handy for different seating arrangements in the room. We have the pedestal on a Bello 2-shelf contemporary stand. We have the speakers mounted along the bottom of the display, rather than the side (another option of the 4340 is speaker placement). The clean lines of the display and the black border makes for an attractive room addition, even when the display is off.
Desribe-Plasma-Functions:
The remote control is easy to use and easy to place in "learn" mode to elimiante the myriad of other remote controls. Walking through the menus to set-up the 4340 to one's liking was straightforward. The manual came in handy and was easy to follow.
Desribe-Buying-Experience:
Outstanding experience with DTVcity.com - extremely knowledgable and friendly. I went into the shopping experience having looked at a lot of displays first hand, and was biased to the Pioneer before even talking to them. When they listened to how we were going to use the display (movies & sports mainly, not as a computer monitor)they steered me to the Pioneer as well because of its unbelievable picture. Within 72 hours of ordering, I had the unit in my living room. Delivery took place during a snowstorm, but the delivery guy was very friendly and had obviously handled quite a few plasma tv deliveries. When I tell people I made the purchase on the web and saved over $3,000.00 compared to buying the same exact tv at an electronics store, they wonder why they didn't do this.
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Joe B
Location: San Francisco, CA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP4340HD
Desribe-Input-Signals:
The Pioneer PDP4340HD gave excellent picture color, contrast, and motion effects for multiple signal inputs. These included VHS tapes, DVD, X-box games, and SVGA computer monitor output. The standard analog signals from my house antenna produced excellent picture quality even in the zoom mode; the digital/HD broadcast signal from my house antenna produced the best that I've seen for a plasma TV.
Desribe-Plasma-Installation:
I easily mounted my plasma TV on the wall with the optional mounting bracket, although it did take two people to handle the set. The glossy black enclosure gives the appearance of fine quality workmanship. The detachable silver speakers, although delivering very good audio, detract from the overall image quality of the set.
Desribe-Plasma-Functions:
With some reading of the instruction manual, the remote control basic functions are easily mastered. What could be improved with the manual are descriptions for each of the display modes, screen sizes, and input selections. It would be helpful to have some examples of what display mode to use with what input. The media center is nicely laid out to accept multiple inputs in a variety of formats, including DVI.
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- Pioneer 50" PDP503CMX
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Gordon Wotherspoon,
Location: Seatle, WA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP503CMX
Q: Describe the picture of the plasma TV/LCD monitor in terms of clarity, color reproduction, contrast and brightness.
A: Color, Contrast & Brightness are excellent
Q: What are your general comments on your Plasma TVs/LCD Monitors? How do you like it?
A: So far, I have cable TV & DVD hooked up. I have a new Pioneer Tuner/amp to run the audio. I am surprised that a mini jack is the audio output for the TV. The unit is a little more complicated to run than a regular TV, but I will get used to it. Also, I did not understand the green color problem until I was told the machine was in"PC" mode and should read the manual. Problem finally solved, but only after a few frustrating hours. It would have helped me if I had had a heads up on this factory setting.
Q: How would you best describe the design and looks of the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor?
A: Looks great. We are building a new home, and will place the TV recessed above the fireplace in the family room. For now it is in our living room. The design is exactly what we want. Simple & thin.
Q: Plasma TV Inputs used?
A: 1 Component using RCA - BNC Cables
Q: Please explain how the Plasma TV/LCD Monitor was installed.
A: Table stand. Next spring it will be wall mounted.
Q: Where did you purchase your Plasma TV/LCD Monitor? How was your buying experience?
A: PlasmaDepot.com All components arrived when promised in good order. I was nervous about spending so much money over the internet, however my confidence level has gone up and I am glad I made the purchase. I was not knowledgeable of all the differences in the various models and might have chosen a different model Pioneer if it would have made a significant difference in how it operates. I may never know, and my philosophy is to quit shopping after I buy, and I am happy with the Pioneer display.
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- Pioneer 43" PDP433CMX
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: BARRY HYMOWECH
Location: NEW YORK
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: PIONEER
Model: PDP 433CMX
PICTURE:
The picture is bright and life-like with virtually no distortion. The HDTV is fantastic (especially on CBS, NBC and PBS)and the clarity of the broadcast from the olympics has been amazing. The picture from my DVD player is almost as good as HDTV and displays an amazing quantity of colors. The stretch function is terrific (many people have commented that they couldn't discern any "stretch" characteristics in the picture). I've had the TV for over 1 1/2 years with virtually no problems. I've heard some early reviewers say the picture has a "green" hue... I've found that to be completely untrue (setting the picture properly eliminates any "hue" problems). In short, broadcast, HDTV and DVD are all superior on this model (I haven't hooked-up a computer to the monitor input, so I can't comment on that).
INSTALLATION:
I used the stand (2 "feet") that came with the unit. The look is kind of "low-key" and unobtrusive. It has a charcoal gray bezel that blends in with any furniture you may have. I put it in an entertaiment unit next to my stereo. It looks terrific in my living room without dominating the area. I installed it myself without too much difficulty (however, the unit is heavy so everytime you need to change or make a new connection you'll need somewone to help you place the unit "face down" so you can get to the connection area. The only complaint I have is that there is no DVI connection provided. I'm hoping that later editions of the media card will allow for this level of connectivity. In addition, there could be more sound inputs provided.
PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
The menu is easy to follow and the operability of the set with my cable box is great! I have a pioneer cable box and it automatically changes the input when I go from broadcast to HDTV and back again. The color settings are easy to apply.
QUALITY RATING: 9.5
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- Pioneer 43" PDP4340HD
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: John Sutton
Location: Seattle, Wa. USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP4340
-----ONLINE VENDOR INFORMATION-----
Vendor: DTVCity.com
Order Number: 814707
CONSIDERATIONS:
I researched on the internet and local electronics stores (Best Buy, Compusa, Circuit City, Good Guys and some local outlets}. I was looking for the best price that I could be comfortable with on a purchase of over $5000.00. The internet prices were 25% or more lower. But, this is a lot on money to let some unknown company withdraw from your credit card. I read reviews on all the major internet sellers and stayed away from NYC sellers. I checked the BBB website and found their listed sellers. I checked Pioneers website for any cautions and finnaly ended up on DTVCity site where I found that they were a Pioneer authorized seller. That got them a phone call. I liked what they said on the phone.......but I need too think it over on the weekend.
BUYING EXPERIENCE:
I called DTVCity on monday morning comfortable with my decision to buy. I ordered the Pioneer PDP4340 at the quoted price and the salesman said "will there be anythine else" I said no. That concluded the transaction. If he had tryed to sell me anything else I would have cancelled the order. I am real touchy about being pressured into buying anything. So far this transaction has been great buy listen to this. The order was on Monday on Wednesday morning I got on the internet to check on the order when the phone rang, a local shipper wanted to know when they could deliver my Pioneer shipment. Whoooooow. For delivery I was prepared as the salesman at DTVCity had warned to thoughly inspect the package. Well it came on a pallet skid with all the accessory boxes surrounding the individully packageed plasma screen. It could not have been damaged it they tryed.
VENDOR RATING: 10
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- Pioneer 50" PDP5040HD - 4 Customer Reviews
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: John Morgan
Location: Sebastian, FL, USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP5040
PICTURE:
When looking at any other plasma it looks beautiful, but most that I have seen look almost painted. Which is great but when I saw that the pioneer looks like your there which is more important to me when buying a tv. Regular cable looks better than a few of the other brands i saw too. Which was a plus cause not all my channels are HDTV. DVD's are awesome, of course its no hdtv but it really is something else and I am looking forward to seeing more dvd players with dvi.
INSTALLATION:
It looks like I'm really there looking at the rocky mountains or looking at the snake right in the eyes. The other plasma's were beautiful but not quite like your right there in the picture. I have mine hanging from my wall. The bracket swivels, extends, and tilts. it looks great.
PLASMA FUNCTIONS:
The remote control is nice and real easy to use. The pip is nice especially in twin view. Menu is easy to use, and nice and big. I like all the contrast options, and it has plenty of inputs.
QUALITY RATING: 9.5
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Michael Schlosser
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP-5040HD
PICTURE:
Set up of this plasma is very easy. The external media receiver is ideal for anyone with a big media cabinet, since all the connections between the DVD, VCR, Cable box, Receiver etc can be within the cabinet and one one cord goes from the media receiver to the TV itself. Media receiver has tons of inputs (2 component video, Optical audio in a out, s-video etc etc). The picture is out of this world. One thing to know, if you hook it up to regular cable to start with, you will be disapointed, because a screen this size exagerates the poor quaility of regular TV. However, digital stations look outstanding and HDTV will blow your mind. DVD's also look amazing. Others have complained that the black levels are not good, but I have watched many very dark movies (T2, Martix reloaded, Pitch Black etc) and I am very happy with the performance. The preset video settings (Standard, Dyanmic, Movie, game) are great. Use "movie" for regular TV, as it tends to hide more of the flaws, standard for all HDTV as it has good sharpness. Overall, this is an outstanding HDTV plasma. However, to truely appreciate it, you need access to HDTV programming. If it is not available in your area yet, you are paying for a lot of TV that you are not getting to use.
QUALITY RATING: 9
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Kevin Floyd
Location: Charleston, SC
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP5040HD
Desribe-Input-Signals:
DVDs are unbelievably sharp, regular cable is very good, don't have HD capability with Knology, but should have capability soon. Very pleased with overall performance. Even with just regular cable picture, vast improvement over any TV I have every dad.
Desribe-Plasma-Installation:
The TV is mounted over our fireplace, unit is very attractive even when not turned on.
Desribe-Plasma-Functions:
I am using the remote from the surround sound system for day-to-day operation. However, the remote that came with the TV is all-emcompasing for the TV's features. Intuitive, easy to use.
Desribe-Buying-Experience:
I purchased my TV from DTVCity. Sales person was well-informed and not high pressure at all. I called several times before making my final decision and was always treated with respecrt, even when not purchasing on that call. They handled the shipment, and the unit arrived in perfect condition. I installed the unit myself.
-----CUSTOMER INFORMATION-----
Name: Michael Schlosser
Location: Baltimore, MD USA
-----PLASMA TV INFORMATION-----
Manufacturer: Pioneer
Model: PDP-5040HD
PICTURE:
Set up of this plasma is very easy. The external media receiver is ideal for anyone with a big media cabinet, since all the connections between the DVD, VCR, Cable box, Receiver etc can be within the cabinet and one one cord goes from the media receiver to the TV itself. Media receiver has tons of inputs (2 component video, Optical audio in a out, s-video etc etc). The picture is out of this world. One thing to know, if you hook it up to regular cable to start with, you will be disapointed, because a screen this size exagerates the poor quaility of regular TV. However, digital stations look outstanding and HDTV will blow your mind. DVD's also look amazing. Others have complained that the black levels are not good, but I have watched many very dark movies (T2, Martix reloaded, Pitch Black etc) and I am very happy with the performance. The preset video settings (Standard, Dyanmic, Movie, game) are great. Use "movie" for regular TV, as it tends to hide more of the flaws, standard for all HDTV as it has good sharpness. Overall, this is an outstanding HDTV plasma. However, to truely appreciate it, you need access to HDTV programming. If it is not available in your area yet, you are paying for a lot of TV that you are not getting to use.
QUALITY RATING: 9
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