Simply Stunning

We started looking at widescreen alternatives to CRT based televisions late in 2004. We had a standard (4:3 format) 32" Sony CRT that was HD capable. The HD content (displayed in letterbox format) was wonderful on the set - but the screen size was too small. We were confused by the different technologies DLP, LCD, and Plasma. We looked at the pro's and con's of each technology, viewed the different technologies in various settings, and settled on Plasma. It just looked the best to us - a smoother, brighter, more detailed image.

We then went out looking at Plasma panels - and quickly focused on Pioneer and Panasonic. In addition to being two of the industry leaders in plasma's - they just looked the best to us. We ultimately selected Pioneer and purchased a 43" PRO920 Elite series plasma from a local AV Specialty store. We had the unit delivered and set up in February 2005. HD material viewed on this panel is simply stunning. Yep - plasma is expensive and there is great debate over the added cost of the elite models. But we have never a second thought on our purchase.

THE ENVIRONMENT:
Our viewing environment is a typical family room, with viewing distances that vary between 9' and 11' from the panel. Viewing distances are a little different with plasma as compared with CRT's. We could have gone with a 50" model, but settled on the 43" based on the primary seating being at about 9'5".

THE UNIT:
At delivery, the unit was delivered in a HUGE box that contained 4 smaller boxes - one for the panel, the media receiver, the swivel stand, and the speakers. We have a separate surround sound system and never unpacked the speakers which attach to the sides of the panel. All of the Elite components are a high gloss black finish. You will need help to install the unit. Panel size when set up is 44-1/8 x 25-11/16 x 3-7/8. Media Receiver is 16-9/16 x 3-9/16 x 11-11/16


MEDIA RECEIVER:
The media receiver is connection central - contains a host of gold plated AV, antenna (2),component (3), digital audio, S-video (2), ilink (2), cable card, and HDMI (2) inputs and outputs. In addition it contains connections for the (2) proprietary cables that connect to the panel. One benefit of the media receiver is that only the (2) 10 ft cables run to the Panel. This makes wall mounting easier if you are running cables through the wall, as the spagetti-bowl of wires run only to the receiver. One negative is that if you need cables longer than 10 ft going to the panel - they are proprietary and very expensive. The receiver does have a small fan which you can faintly hear when the unit is off (actually in standby mode).

We have a Motorola HD Cable Box connected via Component video, a Pioneer 59Avi DVD player connected via HDMI, and an Xbox connected via Component video.

THE PANEL:
The panel is a high gloss black beauty. Mounted on the matching black Elite stand or wall mounted - it is gorgeous. The panel is drilled and has handles on the back that allow for easy mounting on the wall or on the stand. There is an on / standby button on the front of the panel that you will not use (as the remote will turn it on).

OPERATION:
It has an easy to use Remote that allows you to select various settings and menus - channel, volume, input modes (we use cable box, antenna, DVD, Xbox), picture modes, color adjustments, and screen sizing options. That said - all of these panels are more complicated than your average just turn it on CRT television. To avoid the possibility of burn-in it is suggested that you vary the source and avoid prolonged display of static images on the screen. It is also suggested that you turn contrast down during the first hundred hours of viewing. I would avoid the vivid mode. After the break-in period, I would recommend using a calibration disc to make some basic adjustments to the panel's contrast, sharpness, and color - Avia and Digital video essentials (DVE) are good home use DVD's that are quite inexpensive and relatively easy to use.

THE PICTURE:
Connected with an HD Feed - this panel looks stunning out of the box. I mean it looks like the people on the screen are sitting across the room from you. Colors are brilliant and the image quality is excellent. We had a group of people over to watch the Masters - the picture quality was breathtaking. For you football / NBA fans - HD on this panel is spot on perfect. You can see every blade of grass - beads of sweat on the players. DVD and Xbox picture quality is also excellent.

THE NEGATIVES:
1) The set cost $5700 - more than a lot for a television. Prices continue to drop on these panels - but they are still very expensive.
2) Standard definition programs are not as clear as on your old CRT - don't let anybody tell you different. Make sure you ask to see SD programming before you buy - many places tell you they are not set up to demo SD. Go somewhere else. On the other hand - we get ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, HBO, TNT, PBS, Discovery, ESPN (and a few others) - so we do not watch much SD.
3) Black levels - Plasma's are noted to have trouble with black levels in a really dark scene in a really dark viewing environment. Blacks can appear to be more of a very dark grey - not something that we have really noted in our viewing, but a common complaint among videophiles. Panasonic's generally have a better black level reputation in this environment, while Pioneer's color reproduction in a well lit environment is held to be better.

THE BOTTOM LINE:
A flat panel widescreen purchase can be confusing and full of compromises. Let your eyes do the shopping and compare / compare / compare. We have had the Pioneer PRO920 for just over six months and are just as amazed by the picture quality as the day it was set up. We have not had any problems with burn-in or the electronic components. The panel comes with a 2 year warranty - twice as long as most panels. Be careful where you purchase the unit, as Pioneer will only provide warranty coverage if purchased from an authorized dealer.