Pioneer unveils its 2007 plasma HDTV lineup

Pioneer's new plasma TVs boast the technology's best-ever black levels

(Credit: Pioneer)

Gizmodo's got the early scoop on the new Pioneer plasmas. Early prototypes of these eighth-generation panels turned heads when they were originally on display at January's Consumer Electronics Show, and the company has finally supplied the pricing and availability details for the entire line:

Pioneer PDP-4280HD (42-inch, $2,700, June)
Pioneer PDP-5080HD (50-inch, $3,500, June)
Pioneer Elite PRO-950HD (42-inch, $3,200, July)
Pioneer Elite PRO-1150HD (50-inch, $4,500, July)

1080p models:
Pioneer PDP-5010FD (50-inch, $5,000, September)
Pioneer PDP-6010FD (60-inch, $6,500, September)
Pioneer Elite PRO-110FD (50-inch, $6,000, September)
Pioneer Elite PRO-150FD (60-inch, $7,500, September)

The big selling point that Pioneer is talking up on these models is the contrast ratio, which is said to be as high as 20,000:1 on some models. With flat-panel LCDs offering larger screen sizes, lower prices, and ever-better black levels (check out the Samsung LN-T4665F, for example), these new Pioneers are looking to raise the bar for plasma yet again. Senior Editor David Katzmaier--who's not easily impressed--suggested that the CES technology demons of the new plasma technology "evinced some of the deepest blacks" he'd seen yet in a flat-panel TV. And there's no denying that Pioneer has an impressive pedigree when it comes to plasma technology--its recent PRO-FHD1 and PDP-5070HD models are two of the three top-rated HDTVs on CNET Reviews. In other words, if you're a critical viewer who's in the market for a flat-panel TV, it's worth waiting a few weeks to see if the shipping versions of the new Pioneers deliver. (CNET will have full hands-on reviews as soon as samples are available.)

Read pricing and details of Pioneer's new plasmas (Gizmodo).

Additional resources:

• Read the CNET review: Pioneer PDP-5070HD
• Read the CNET review: Pioneer PRO-FHD1
• CNET editors' top TVs
• HDTV World

[Short Shot]

Kuro as Night

I recently purchased the Pioneer Elite Kuro Pro 150FD plasma and love it. Before my decision to buy the Pioneer, I looked at Panasonic, Sharp, LG, Samsung, and a few others. While shopping around, I was able to compare side by side the Panasonic, LG, Samsung, and Pioneer. All were the 60" models. Bar none, the Pioneer had the clearest and sharpest picture with the best contract and detail. The colors were not only rich but warm and life like. This is not to say anything bad about the other brands. The Panasonic, LG, and Samsung all had great to good pictures, but my preference went to Pioneer. The only problem with the Pioneer Plasma is the tendency not to leave the couch.