Pioneer intros sexy KURO plasma lineup

Shortly after Samsung and Hitachi unveiled their swank HDTV lineups, along comes Pioneer with a sexy plasma lineup of its own to shake things up. The KURO displays are segmented into two divisions, one which includes the 42- and 50-inch standard KUROs, and the other packing "Elite" KUROs of the same sizes. The 42-inch versions sport a 1,024 x 768 resolution panel, four independent HDMI 1.3 inputs, a built-in CableCARD slot, advanced PureCinema with 3:3 pulldown, and more tweakable settings than you can shake a stick at. The 50-inch flavors up the ante with a 1,365 x 768 resolution, and the Elite versions add the Home Media Gallery, come ready for ISFccc calibration, and include a few more choices throughout the display setting menus. Pricing and availability information doesn't look to be available just yet, but judging solely by the specifications on these beauties, we'd say you better bring the purse (as in, the whole thing) if looking seriously at one of these.

[Thanks, J]

[Daniel Smith @ Jul 17th 2007 11:53PM]

Umm... isn't 1024x768 a 4:3 aspect ratio. I don't think Pioneer is making a 4:3 plasma TV!!

[Greg @ Jul 18th 2007 1:30AM]

all 40" plasmas are 4:3. They are wide pixel though, so they cut out pixels and stretch others to give the appearance of widescreen (or at least claim it on the box). Thats why I prefer LCDs at 40" and plasmas at 50".

[SimbaDogg @ Jul 18th 2007 3:05AM]

@greg
i'm sure that @ 40" you prefer lcd over plasma...actually, you better. especially since there is no such thing as a 40" plasma

[Greg @ Jul 18th 2007 3:17AM]

@simba.

Im obviously referring to 40s and 50s. If you don't understand, its 40-49 and 50-59.

[bob cobb @ Jul 18th 2007 12:06AM]

rectangular pixels, like most other plasmas.
IB people trash it for not being 1080p. Picture quality>resolution

[CaptSaltyJack @ Jul 18th 2007 1:32AM]

Sexy lineup? Not without the hot Korean models it ain't!

[Doug @ Jul 18th 2007 9:29AM]

AGREED! *** STOP *** using the word sexy to describe electronics and other inanimate objects PLEASE. There is NOTHING sexy about a TV, unless an *old* Jenna Jameson video is playing on it! And even then, I think I'll still refrain from sticking my weenie in it!!

[John Neff @ Jul 18th 2007 2:10AM]

Are these the same mind-blowing Plasmas that Pioneer introduced at CES? I've been waiting for those, but can seem to figure out whether these are it or their precursors.

[Rytard @ Jul 18th 2007 2:56AM]

Yeah, I've been waiting for those too, but have no idea if these are it. Anyone?

[rath @ Jul 18th 2007 10:29AM]

Yes they are and I have one in my living room.. I got the 5080HD and its amazing. The non elite's have been out for over a month and the elite's are now out. Their 1080p models coming in september.

[Jimmie @ Jul 18th 2007 7:28AM]

Pretty fish..... I mean -- TV.

[Stez @ Jul 18th 2007 7:42AM]

Yeah, its one of the ones unvieled at CES. We've just had the PDP4280XD come in in our store (pictured) retailing at £1800. The blacks are more impressive and realistic in this new model touting a 16:000 contrast ratio but picture quality hasnt improved much since the previous model but that takes some beating, i've got the 427 myself and even standard def looks good

[Duane Dsa @ Jul 18th 2007 8:04AM]

Pioneer 50" Widescreen Plasma HDTV** (PDP-5080HD) CAD$4000 @ Future Shop

[Scott @ Jul 18th 2007 12:05PM]

http://www.plasmaconcepts.com/plasma-tv-store/Pioneer-PDP-5080HD/PD790.html I have had one from there for over a month. Engadget is behind the times.

[AL @ Jul 19th 2007 5:12AM]

Got one in london 10 days ago. 42" Kuro, cost around £1800 ($3600) but thats London advanced pricing! Is definately a great TV. DVDs are awesome, digitial terrestial looks decent enough (better than LCD) and Xbox/Wii are both great, though sometimes a bit too dark! You need to sit a good 3m away and the picture is awesome. Until they really film in 1080p, have 1080p terrestial, and its widely released on some format or other, its plasma all the way for me above 40".