Down the line: 2008 Pioneer Kuro plasma HDTVs

Pioneer PDP-5020FD

(Credit: Pioneer)

Pioneer's long-awaited announcement regarding its 2008 Kuro-branded plasmas, the successors to our favorite TV of 2007, the PDP-5080HD, includes a total of six new models. The company is claiming that the 2008 HDTVs produce "five times deeper" black levels than the 2007s, and during a side-by-side demo that included both 2007 and 2008 models, the new display certainly appeared a bit darker in the blackest areas--although it couldn't muster the essentially absolute black we saw demonstrated at CES and during our review of Sony's OLED TV. We have recently reviewed the 50-inch model, and while it did impress us with its extremely deep black levels, find out why it still didn't make the cut for our editor's choice award this year. Here's a rundown of the company's new line.

In case you're keeping track, this is the final generation of Kuro panels that Pioneer will manufacture itself. In 2009 and beyond, Panasonic will manufacture the actual panels. There's no way to determine how this change in panel manufacturing will affect the actual picture quality of those future Kuro models, but we suspect that by the time those 2009 Panasonic-sourced Kuro HDTVs are rolled out, they will perform just as well, if not better, than the current Pioneer-sourced ones. Pioneer, for what it's worth, naturally claims its future Kuro HDTVs will still lead the industry in performance. Only time will tell.

Pioneer Kuro PDP-20FD series

Pioneer's entry-level 2008 plasmas are still priced higher than comparable models from Panasonic and Samsung, but that's normal for the company. These two non-Elite sets--"Elite" is Pioneer's designation for its step-up models, detailed below--also cost significantly more than their 2007 counterparts, so if you're looking for a "bargain" on a Kuro, it's probably time to snap up a 2007 model before they sell out.

The 2008 line includes 1080p resolution on both the 50- and 60-inch models, which helps contribute to their higher prices, although as we've said repeatedly, the extra detail afforded by 1080p is all-but-invisible at 50 inches. Other differences include a slimmer chassis (3.7 inches deep as opposed to 4.5), a new remote and menu graphics, a new "optimum" picture mode that changes the picture automatically according to room and content conditions (we generally prefer to leave these kinds of modes turned off for critical viewing), and a "Home Media Gallery for playback of digital assets such as HD movie, music, and photos from a PC or via USB," according to the press release. Both the 50-inch and the 60-inch versions will ship in June.

Models (suggested retail prices)

• Pioneer Kuro PDP-5020FD ($4,000)
• Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD ($5,000)

Key features of the Pioneer Kuro PDP-20FD series

• 1080p native resolution
• Home media gallery digital media playback
• Optimum picture mode
• 3.7-inch depth

Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-1FD series

Pioneer Elite PRO-151FD

(Credit: Pioneer)

Simultaneous with the release of the basic Kuro panels, Pioneer will ship its two Elite models, again in both 50- and 60-inch versions. The main differences between non-Elite and Elite panels have to do with picture calibration options--according to the company, all of the lines share the same black-level performance. On these Elite models, however, professional calibrators and other knowledgeable adjusters can access color temperature and other controls from the user menu, making it easier to dial in the best picture. Whether that's worth an extra $1,000 or $1,500 depends on your point of view.

Models (suggested retail prices)

• Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-111FD ($5,000)
• Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-151FD ($6,500)

Step-up features of the Elite Kuro PRO-1FD series

• User-menu calibration controls

Pioneer Elite Kuro Signature Series Monitor PRO-1FD series

Pioneer Elite PRO-141FD

(Credit: Pioneer)

New for 2008 Pioneer is adding an even more expensive pair of models to the Kuro lineup, a sort of Elite Elite dubbed the "Signature Series Monitors." Your extra cash--just how much extra is TBD--over the standard Elite models loses you a tuner but nets you an even thinner chassis (2.5 inches, still a far cry from the model demoed at CES) and even more custom-installer-friendly calibration options, including the ability to somehow calibrate the TV remotely (that's right--without being able to see the picture). The 50- and 60-inch Sig Series TVs will ship in October and August, respectively (for some reason, the 50 comes out later than the 60).

Models (suggested retail prices)

• Pioneer Elite PRO-101FD ($TBD)
• Pioneer Elite PRO-141FD ($TBD)

Step-up features of the Elite Kuro Signature Series Monitors

• 2.5-inch thick chassis
• Custom-installer calibration controls

[swiggins]

Well, this will be our last chance to get a true Pioneer, not a Pioneer/Panasonic, so I think I'm gonna hold my breath and dive in for an Elite.

[joshdeboer]

I don't agree, I think the Pioneer/Panasonic partnership will produce some awesome panels.

[alexacker]

Geez. At 4,000+, you could get two top of line Sony XBR flat panels. At one point, you just won't be able to see the difference in black contrast with the naked eye. Sure sounds like a good feature to market to consumers to make cough up all that money. Good luck, I'll stick with Sony. Plasma is dead anyway.

[jbcrazy]

I disagree. There is plenty and plenty of room for improvement w/ black levels and contrast. Pioneer's Kuro can be improved on tremendously.

[eastwest54]

David,

Are you sure you have the right photo here for the Signature series? This picture appears to be the PDP series panel with the bottom-mounted speaker. I thought the Signature series would be monitor only without speaker(s) (or tuner).

[pcole55]

I heard that Pioneer is stopping their plasma production in 2009. Is that true and what will that mean for the great Kuro HDTVs?

[swiggins]

If you guys don't think that the Panels that Pioneer makes themselves has anything to do with the picture, your sadly mistaken. . be my guest and wait for a Panny/Pioneer Pioneer.....but that new Elite 60" is mine. . . I just saw a NEW Panasonic 800 series with THX, and I wasn't that blown away, . . I was upset too because it's priced much less than the Pioneer and it looks great, but the Pioneer next to it just had more "pop" to the picture, . . it almost looked three dimensional, and it was the same feed (so they say) . I'm starting to wonder if that's true about how they clean up the feed on the sets they want to push, cause sometimes I go into Best Buy and the Samsung plasmas are pissin all over the Pioneer and the Panasonic's

[sabian16]

I work at Magnolia Home Theater inside a best buy store (I've been at 3 different locations) and trust me - we can't just "clean up" the feed for some TVs...unless we plug in a blu-ray player to them, or we have the ISF guys calibrate a TV but then we tag it as calibrated so people can see the difference. Most TVs you see at a store like that have straight out of the box settings, especially the samsungs because when you select "store use" on the TV it changes the picture to it's out-of-the-box Dynamic setting every 30 minutes or so. some customers mess with the settings of some TVs so we can't keep track of who does what always, but for the most part all displayed tvs get the exact same signal. Oh and the new 60" Elite looks amazing out of the box. it comes with a "color sensor" that you attach to the TV and it calibrates itself depending on the light conditions in the room. we tested it with a calibration dvd and it looks pretty damn accurate.

[swiggins]

So when do we get a review of these NEW Pioneers????

[Farjamed]

pioneer stopped making their own glass after the 60 series. For the 70 and 80 series they started using NEC glass, and the picture got better.. much better. Now they are switching to panasonic glass. we will see what happens, but im expecting to see the picture quality continue to improve.

[whatugotman]

Hello Everyone! First off, I want to say, I am not the best writer, but I know a lot about audio and video. I have been receiving magazines from Widescreen Review, and Home Theatre Magazine, Stereophile and The Absolute Sound for at least 10-20 years (depends on which publication). It is safe to say, I am crazy when it comes to quality, perhaps because my ears and eyes are sensitive to even the slightest changes. I have 20:10 eye sight (which is better than 20:20), and perfect hearing from 20hz-20khz. I follow trends, and make purchases slowly, doing lots of research before buying anything. And here we go,

On July 3rd, I just received my Kuro PDP-6020 today for personal use and got it for $4k including taxes and shipping to my home from DirectBuy of Boston South (www.directbuybostonsouth.com). I searched around, they are the lowest price with a warranty and delivery from Authorized dealer. I am extremely happy with the unit, it performs better than expected. The picture is by far the best I have seen. I use blu-ray (PS3) and the Toshiba HD up converting HD-DVD player, along with HD Cable (HDMI-3) and HD-Pics from 10mp camera, and HDVD camcorder by Canon (HV-30). This TV is outstanding with regular and HD material. The two DVD players I use HDMI-3 wire and both make regular standard DVD's look clearer than I could have dreamed of from any display-they up covert and seem clearer than the other sets I own and have seen in my own home. I consider my self an audiophile first and then maybe a videophile, searching constantly for the best of the best when it comes to audio and video gear. I use a Theta Dreadnaught 7 channel amp, Lexicon MC12b (will replace soon with Marantz AV8003), and Vandersteen Speakers. This is not the best most expensive gear money can buy, but like the regular PD-6020 Kuro, it is the best money can buy for a reasonable price. yes, they do make the Elite series, but for an extra $700-1500, I can not justify the cost difference."The main differences between non-Elite and Elite panels have to do with picture calibration options--according to the company, all of the lines share the same black-level performance."

The only improvement I can see is offering a backlit remote (it is included on the Elite Kuro), this one only glows if put near a light source and if only for a while. The other comment is, the piano black surrounding the glass is highly reflective, and rather thick in size (maybe 2" around), I much prefer the XBR4 floating glass look, or flat black. It can be distracting if any glare occurs from in front from lights or windows. The glass screen itself is not that reflective, but still does reflect a little more than the XBR or the Diamond TVs I own (lcd vs Plasma). I would say you should have good curtains to close and turn off lights completely for true heavenly movie experience. You forget you are at home, rather loose yourself in the picture, which I never could say for the other sets. I am extremely happy with the size-very thin compared to others, and the weight is great, and easy to manage for 60inches with two people. The stand is extremely capable and sturdy. There are plenty of inputs, including side inputs for camera, usb, hdmi, regular RCA,S-video, etc inputs for easy access.
Overall, a sweet package for cpomputer users too, as a server tv or even a computer screen for home video converted to hard drive. Anyway, bottom line, it is the clearest, best picture I have seen to date. No tube, no monitor, no DLP, Projector or LCD can come close. I am extremely happy with the purchase.

I am into finding the best deals for the money and not having to do things twice and not worrying if the dealer is selling grey market DOA equipment. I will have this TV for as long as it will last, never thinking of upgrading. It's like my other gear, a great amp will last forever. Same with great speakers. This set will be state of the art for a long long time. My other set is a 46 inch Diamond Mitsubishi-which is on par with the XBR4, which I also own. This PDP-6020 is like having beach front property with lush sandy beaches, and the other sets are like having water views in winter. The sound from the speakers is the clearest I have heard to date, surpassing the other sets at my home as well as in stores I have tried.

If you are thinking of getting a 50 or 60", I recommend this set if you are looking to buy once and never look back. Yes, $6500 is a lot, but my membership at DB allowed me to buy direct, so $4K is better, and makes it easier to explain to my wife. My wife also knows I will not settle. I have been waiting for this moment, when the TV price came down to realistic prices (it's a lot less than last years PDP-6010), and performance levels are considered better than the last Kuros by a large margin. This is it, the last screen by Pioneer as we know it. Next year, Panasonic will be making the glass, and Pioneer will be selling last years technology to others. But this set, will be regarded as setting new bench marks for years to come.