PRO-FHD1
Latest
CNET unveils its top-rated HDTVs
Yeah, we've already let you guys voice your opinion on the best HDTV out there, but now its time for CNET to dish out an updated version of the "top-rated HDTVs regardless of type, technology, brand, or size." Taking a respectable fourth is the Samsung LN-T4665F, which was praised for its excellent shadow detail and beautiful styling, while the Pioneer PDP-5070HD managed to squeeze into third thanks to its accurate color decoding and impressive array of inputs. The first loser (or runner-up, depending on perspective) was the Mitsubishi WD-65831, which was dubbed "as good as it gets" in the 65-inch range for those not savvy with high-end plasma pricetags. Unsprisingly, Pioneer's stunning PRO-FHD1 took top honors due to its excellent detail with 1080-resolution material, deep blacks, and all around excellent picture quality. Of course, this very set also took home the gold in an earlier showdown, so if you've been teetering on how to blow wisely spend $8,000 or so, the choice seems pretty clear at this stage.
Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 1080p plasma wins Product of the Year
We guess they don't call it "Elite" for nuthin', as Pioneer's Elite Pro-FHD1 has been crowned the "Product of the Year" according to Sound and Vision Magazine and Ultimate AV. The firm's 50-inch, 1080p plasma was deemed a "technological milestone, complete with images that burst off the display for a near 3D effect," which are pretty strong words considering the smorgasbord of fantastic PDPs alone that came out last year. Of course, Mr. Mossberg would probably still argue that his Pioneer Elite PRO-1140HD was the better choice, but hey, he also tried to convince us that 1080p wasn't an important factor when scouting our your next set. Nevertheless, our hats are off to the folks at Pioneer, and while we're sure this beauty deserved its tiara, the $7,999 pricetag will still keep it out of all but the most affluent homes -- and Pioneer, don't count on next year's award coming easy, as you've already got some seriously stiff competition just a fortnight into the new year.
Pioneer now shipping the Elite PureVision PRO-FHD1 1080p plasma
Pioneer's much anticipated 50-inch Elite PureVision PRO-FHD1 1080p plasma is now shipping to retailers, they announced yesterday. Complete with 2,073,600 .576 mm-sized pixels and a high quality scaler this is the first 50-inch 1080p plasma screen on the market. The MSRP of $10,000 (retail around $8,000) comes in at around twice the price of the merely 1080p-compatible PDP-5070HD 1366x768 HDTV. Also unlike its value-priced cousin, this doesn't come with any tuners, just the (beautiful) screen with 3000:1 contrast ratio, and 1000cd/m2 peak brightness as well as two HDMI rear inputs, one DVI and one component input. They're touting the effect of all that pixel density as creating a near-3D effect that you just can't get with other TVs, and even without one here to view, we're almost inclined to believe them.Do you think all those extra pixels and true-1080p display for your Blu-ray (or HD DVD) and other high definition content are worth the extra cost?
