Pioneer Kuro PDP-4280HD

October 3, 2007 08:57

4.5/5
I was hoping to get a 42" Panasonic (I've owned their plasma b4) but luckily found a new 4280 on Ebay, legit vendor, free shipping, warranty registered (dbl using AMEX) from Pioneer, delivered in perfect condition. Manufactured in the USA (Japan & USA parts) July '07, delivered Aug 25th from the supplier. Yes, I lucked out on the price, $999 total (no BS'n).

The picture is incredible, Pioneer claims the black level/contrast may be 80% improved over the 70 series. I have direcTV, the new HD channels looks awesome, especially sports, the live 3 dimensional action looks much better than any HD TV I've seen. Colors are so vibrant and rich. An improved anti glare screen helps, the set up and remote are simple to learn. I do not use the fixed speaker/audio or the pic in picture features. Viewing the HD pic source thru my Pioneer HDD DVR even looks terrific, many say Pioneer SD viewing is the finest for any HD TV. The 5080 version (same TV in a 50" screen) gets rave reviews, but 4280 reviews are few and far between.

3 review links of the 5080 version may be helpful -

http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/907piokuro/

http://plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvreviews/pioneer-pdp5080hd-review.html

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/pioneer-kuro-pdp-5080hd/4505-6482_7-32476901.html?tag=txt


many claim the extra cash for Pioneer plasma is worth it, arguably the best HDTV. (ps - I previously bought a Sony LCD 40" in May because of the perfect screen size I needed) ........ I can't understand why anyone would choose an LCD TV over a plasma, its no contest in my mind.

- almnine

November 30, 2007 07:16

4.5/5
I own 2 sharp lcd tv and this is by far the best picture quality I have seen. I will pick this over the SONY XBR's anytime.

- rfrancia

February 1, 2008 08:59

5.0/5
Im a 7 year vet at BBY that is the manager of the HT Dept, so I know my insight will show you why you should buy the Pioneer. This TV is the only 42" that can take a signal through HDMI and play it at 1080p. Don't believe me, go to your local BBY and ask them to hook up a Blu-Ray or a HD DVD player with a HDMI cable and watch the magic. Granted this might be upconverted for my Plasma hatters, but I bet you a free Monster Screen Cleaner that it will look better than any other 1080p plasma thats not named "Elite". This TV is the best 42" we have to offer, but it is priced high for a so called "720p", but with this info and with a good price on it you better take it, & thats for all of yall on this site.

- Dubb504

January 24, 2008 06:46

4.5/5
Hi,

I had three Sony xbr4's and I returned them all. As I owned them I learned about LCD Technology and I couldn't stand the blurs.

I was going to get the panasonic 700u or 77u but then the sales man showed me this set. I did happen to buy the Panasonic because it was 1080P but I wasn't crazy about the color. After I had the Panasonic in my hand I said let's exchange it for this pioneer 42 inch set.

I miss the 3d motion the 120hz set's have in LCD technology But the Color sharpness and even the smoothness (natural) is unbelievable in this set. I can' actually enjoy 24P film without getting irratated by choppiness.

As far as the 1080P is concerned well you really can't tell the difference when sitting 8 ft away to make this a blessing in diguise to be perfectly honest HD TV is broadcased in 720P or 1080I because of this you do get a better picture in the TV Signal on a 720p set. On standard defintion it's also very good. With the sony XBR4 I gave up on Standard DEF I started watching standard again with this set. It's is a good feeling that I am not missing much by watching standard Def. it's that good.

According to the websites they suggest turning all the settings down for the first 200 hours. Well I left my set on for 4 days . I'm a little short of the 200 hours but I also did some 8 hour shifts. This set does have a lot of protective features to guard against burn in. One nite I fell a sleep with the blue ray playing and the movie landed on the stationary portion of the screen. I was so nervous when I got up. I don't have any burn in.

This set is a great set. One little thing I found rolling text can use some improvment I like to keep the cinama settins on standard and text opimation off for the better picture. The sony had great rolling text with motion enhancer on But a picture that could use improvment in sharpness and clarity.

Get the pioneer set it's dam good!!!!!

- the computer genius

September 19, 2007 09:08

5.0/5
I bought this TV and was a bit nervous about spending the extra money on it. After having it for a little while I have no regrets. The TV has a sleek design and has much better picture quality than any other TV out there. Watching movies on a regular DVD that is not upconverted still look amazing. If you're considering buying a TV, buy a Pioneer. The extra cash you pay is worth it considering all the time you spend watching it and for how long you'll have it.

- manishe

December 12, 2007 09:40

4.5/5
You pay more for the Pioneer but the Kuro series is worth it.My only regret is I wish I had spent even more and bought the 50 inch instead of the 42. Even the built in speakers are fairly decent.

- dlslay

October 23, 2007 12:46

5.0/5
If you can't afford the Pioneer Elite models this will do nicely.

- jddesigned