Pioneer's next-gen plasma: 20,000:1 contrast ratio

Not one to let LCD (10,000:1) and SED (50,000:1) HDTVs steal the spotlight, Pioneer has fired back at CEATEC with a 60-inch plasma featuring a 20,000:1 contrast ratio (on the left). Compare that to the 3,000:1 contrast ratio of the current (on the right) 1080p PRO-FHD1 / PDP-5000EX ,and you can see how that is kind of a big deal. Despite the distinct lack of pricing or other information, Pioneer hopes to have its next big thing in PDP on shelves in time for the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2006 11:43AM]

Maybe it's just me, or that the photo is poor, but is it really better to have 20,000:1 contrast as opposed to SHADOW DETAIL? I mean, just look at that comparison... the amount of detail in the right hand "brighter" shot that doesn't show in the left hand shot is simply staggering.

[adholmes Posted Oct 6th 2006 12:02PM]

I have to agree. The only shot where the compairson is favorable is the one with the fireworks. The true black background is a lot better than the grey sky.

[RiversideGuy Posted Oct 6th 2006 12:36PM]

Indeed it sure looks like they starred with 2 identical shots, then the right hand image had it's contrast control turned all the way down. The one on the left looks way better, black crush and all. While makers put a control they call "contrast" on their sets, it does not do what seems to have been done to the right hand image. What would be ideal is a control like the Highlight/Shadow control in Photoshop!

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 6th 2006 1:22PM]

I am suprised too (not only at other people feeling the same way I do but the two picture differences)

It seems you can see more detail on the right, compare the girls lips, the one is almost black and you can't see them and the other you can at least see the detail and colors.

Obviously with the higher contrast you need more of a light source.

[JoshMilewski Posted Oct 6th 2006 7:38PM]

The picture on the right looks better. I'd rather be able to actually SEE what I'm watching...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 8th 2006 9:35AM]

You can't realistically judge any display from simply posting up digi-pics on the internet.