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Posts with tag Elite

The HD Guru puts Pioneer's Pro-111FD plasma to the test

by Steven Kim, posted Jul 9th 2008 at 12:42AM

Pioneer Pro-Elite plasma
You've got to respect the effort that Gary Merson, a.k.a. the HD Guru, puts into his TV reviews. Thorough and technically savvy, he relentlessly exposes the weaknesses of displays passing through his lab. His latest review is a showdown between two 50-inch plasmas vying for the top, the new Pioneer Pro-111FD and the Panasonic TH-50PZ850U. We've long heard about these 9th generation Pioneer plasmas, the last to come off of Pioneer production lines, so our eyes perked up at the comparison. We won't spoil the outcome of the "two plasmas enter, one plasma leaves" showdown (and that pesky $1500 price difference between the two units is significant), but we will say that the Pioneer lived up to the Kuro name by displaying blacks too dark for the Guru to reliably measure with his test gear. Oh, and the 10th generation promises to be darker still.

Pioneer intros 60-inch KRP-600M KURO plasma in Japan

by Darren Murph, posted Jun 11th 2008 at 4:45PM


Here in North America, we already saw Pioneer get official with its second-generation of KURO plasmas, but today is all about Japan. Said outfit has just revealed the dazzling KRP-600M, which checks in at 60-inches diagonally and 64-millimeters in depth. Pioneer is being its typical self when it comes to specs by simply tossing the 1,920 x 1,080 resolution out there and insisting that it pretty much looks better than any other TV on the entire planet. Not that we really dig that Bose approach™, but at least we're told that there are component, VGA, DVI, HDMI, Ethernet, RS-232C, IR repeater and audio in / out jacks. The set should hit Japanese shelves later this month for around ¥850,000 ($7,970), while the optional table stand, wall mount and speaker system will run you quite a bit less.

[Via Tech-On]

Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM Breaking News

BDP-51FD
While most consumer electronics companies choose to unveil new products at CES, Pioneer prefers to buck the trend and pick a day that it can keep all to itself. The other trend Pioneer isn't following with these new players is BD-Live, as neither the new Elite Blu-ray player nor the outfit's first non-Elite player features the latest interactive features. Instead, it's choosing to focus on picture and sound quality, as both Summer-bound decks will internally decode every next-gen multi-channel lossless codec (DTS-HD with firmware update) or bitstream any of them to your AVR. The other new focus is speed, as Pioneer seems confident that both players will be some of the fastest in the industry, boasting 15-second eject from off times and 22-second disc load times. The BDP-51FD will set you back $599 -- almost half as much as Pioneer's previous model -- while the Elite BDP-05FD will demand $799. The latter will net you a longer warranty, gold connectors, a superior video decoder, nicer fit / finish and an upgraded front face plate complete with capacitance touch keys. If you're the type that prefers quality and could care less about interactive features, either unit will likely satisfy -- otherwise, we'd keep hunting. Full release after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer introduces Elite BDP-05FD / BDP-51FD Blu-ray players

Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM Breaking News


You do know it's quite rude to stare, don't you? No worries -- we're pretty sure Pioneer fully expected its 2008 line of Elite AV receivers to catch a few eyes, much like its succulent Elite SC-09TX did last fall. The luxurious new crew consists of the Elite SC-07, SC-05, VSX-03TXH and VSX-01TXH, all of which were designed specifically to complement the second-gen KUROs and fresh new BD players. As expected, the whole lot handles internal decoding of DTS-HD Master Audio, DTS-HD High Resolution, Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Digital Plus, not to mention support for 12-bit Deep Color and a Faroudja video scaler. If you're curious about dollars and ship dates, you can look for the SC-05 / SC-07 to land in August for $1,800 / $2,200, while the VSX-01TXH and VSX-03TXH will hit next month for $750 / $1,000. Then again, those obsessed with instant gratification could snag the VSX-94TXH right now for $1,600. Check the full release waiting after the break.

Continue reading Pioneer reveals 2008 Elite AV receiver family

Pioneer gets really official with $9,000 Elite KURO projector

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM Breaking News


Sure, those flashy new KURO plasmas or that new array of receivers may have taken you by surprise, but don't pretend you didn't know this one was coming. Known simply as the PRO-FPJ1, this 1080p beamer incorporates LCoS technology, dual HDMI 1.3 ports, wide lens shift capacity, a trio of viewing modes (standard, dynamic and movie) and a real semblance to JVC's DLA-HD100. According to the firm, it's designed for "high-end cinematic installations and supports advanced calibration," and of course, you can't escape a KURO release without a little bragging about black levels. We're still waiting on a finalized specifications list, but 'til then, you can chew on that $9,000 price tag and wait for these to hit dealers next month.

Pioneer intros 2008 Signature Series Elite KURO monitors

by Darren Murph, posted May 7th 2008 at 9:00AM Breaking News


Not content with just busting out a new pair of Elite KURO plasmas, Pioneer has separately introduced four 1080p Pro models for those with (even more) exquisite tastes and deep wallets to back it up. The whole lot enjoys the firm's highly touted Optimum Mode, which "simultaneously monitors video and room light conditions" and then makes the most appropriate adjustments based on what it senses, and "industry leading" calibration features. As for the 50-inch PRO-111FD ($5,000) and PRO-151FD ($6,500), you can expect a bolstered two year warranty and a ship date to be determined, while the Signature Series PRO-101FD (50-inch) / PRO-141FD (60-inch) units will arrive in October and August (respectively) with prices not yet disclosed.

Pioneer releases Elite HTIB, HTS-LX70

by Steven Kim, posted Apr 30th 2008 at 9:55AM

Pioneer HTS-LX70 HTIB
Most all HTIB systems are a play on the same theme: bundle speakers, a receiver and optionally a disc spinner together and put a bow on top. Pioneer has put a spin on things with its HTS-LX70 (seen earlier at CEDIA), though. Taking a cue from desktop speaker systems, the HTS-LX70 packs the requisite audio amp, decoders (including Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD MA) and 3 HDMI inputs into the subwoofer unit. The four multi-directional speakers get billing as Dodec technology, and are treated to automated MCACC tweaking. System info is spelled out on a separate display, and all control of the knob- and button-free rig is handled by remote; so keep a fresh set of batteries handy. Streamlining is the name of the game here; missing from the package contents are a center channel speaker (we assume handled by Front Stage Surround tech) and the Blu-ray player that snuck into the photo shoot. It's in the Elite lineup, so the $1800 price isn't shocking; what will be interesting is how many Elite buyers are interested in HTIB elegance over separates performance.

[Via AudioJunkies]

Read - [Warning: PDF link]

Pioneer discontinuing BDP-LX70A Blu-ray player in UK?

by Darren Murph, posted Apr 11th 2008 at 1:02PM


You've got permission to file this one in the rumor folder for the time being, but we've received word from across the pond that Pioneer may be nixing the über-pricey BDP-LX70A Blu-ray player in the UK. For those unfamiliar, it's the Euro version of the prestigious BDP-95FD that we reviewed just last month. There's no word on exactly when the product will be discontinued (nor if the US version will follow suit), but we are hearing that numerous back-orders have been canceled and that a replacement model won't be around until August. Taking a step back, ditching such a high-end player that had a fairly decent following doesn't seem to make sense, but then again, who thought Pioneer would ever let anyone else get their panels inside the almighty Kuro?

Pioneer BDP-95FD review

by Ben Drawbaugh, posted Mar 19th 2008 at 2:00PM Featured Story

BDP-95FD Review
There are Blu-ray players, and then there are Blu-ray players, and when it comes to the best of the best, the Pioneer BDP-95FD is at the top. If you're the type that believes in love at first sight, then this might be the player for you, because one thing's for sure, you get a good looking player for $1k. But since looks aren't everything, we spent the past few weeks putting Pioneer's Elite player through the paces. As much as we love it, it's not all good, so read on for the good, the bad, and the ugly.

Gallery: Pioneer BDP-95FD Review

Continue reading Pioneer BDP-95FD review

Pioneer Elite BDP-94HD Blu-ray player gets reviewed

by Darren Murph, posted Aug 5th 2007 at 11:01PM


Got a cool grand set aside for a Blu-ray player? Even if not, it's hard to ignore Pioneer's svelte BDP-94HD, and while it was found to lack HDMI 1.3, the folks at Home Theater Blog were able to give it some time and decide if it was worth the coin. Beyond "exhibiting some anomalies with certain tests on both the SD and HD HQV test discs," the player was said to "perform just fine in real-world applications," and while the upconverting technology worked as advertised, it was the Blu-ray performance that truly shined. Among the praises were a "more natural color palette," a unique home media server, the ability to enable viewers to simply "get lost" in the film, and eventually, they couldn't help but state that it was "the best looking Blu-ray playback device" it has had the pleasure of witnessing thus far. Granted, it was a tad sluggish when dealing with BD-J material, and as with most machines, a few small quirks were inevitably found, but if you've been holding out for something that undoubtedly puts the competition to shame, you owe it to yourself to hit the read link and give it a read.

Pioneer Elite BDP-94HD Blu-ray player gets official

by Darren Murph, posted May 16th 2007 at 8:39PM


The Pioneer Elite BDP-94HD, which is America's version of the BDP-LX70, has finally gone official. This second-generation Blu-ray player sports silky smooth 1080p output via HDMI, and supports Dolby TrueHD, Dolby Digital Plus, 7.1 surround sound, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA), and "seamless home theater integration via HDMI Consumer Electronics Control (CEC) technology." Additionally, this device features an "enhanced version of Pioneer's Home Media Gallery home networking feature," which includes IP networking and a new user interface to access media files stored on their computer. The BDP-94HD should hit US shelves this month and will purportedly include two mystery BD films for a nice round $1,000. Click on through for another angle.

Continue reading Pioneer Elite BDP-94HD Blu-ray player gets official

Xbox Live adds HDTV content from Paramount, Warner and more

by Richard Lawler, posted Mar 28th 2007 at 12:49AM Breaking News

Microsoft officially announced the new "Elite" edition of its Xbox 360 console tonight, and also provided info on some new content coming to fill up those 120GB hard drives. Paramount Pictures will have its movies available for download in HD for the first time, and Warner Bros. has committed to releasing its direct-to-video movies exclusively in high definition on Xbox Live. The first two titles will be Sublime and Babylon 5: The Lost Tales. Just to show that they can keep up with the Jones' (and the Sony's) in numbers, Microsoft announced that the South Park HD episode was downloaded over 380,000 times, while HD clips from 300 were downloaded more than 477,000 times. New content partners hitting the marketplace are A&E, ADV Films, National Geographic, New Line Cinema. We're still not sure about the $179 price tag of the new larger hard drive, but there should be plenty to fill it with in the days to come, even a lot of movies that have yet to see HD DVD and Blu-ray releases like Snakes on a Plane and Braveheart. However we must say that the distinct lack of HD Battlestar Galactica episodes continues to grate the nerves. Check out Joystiq for more info on the content and pricing (480 MS points/$6 for new HD movies, 360 MS points/$4.50 for "classic" films, 240 MS points/$3 for TV shows).

Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 1080p plasma wins Product of the Year

by Darren Murph, posted Jan 16th 2007 at 4:18AM

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 @ CEDIA - New PureVision Elite plasmas on display

by Richard Lawler, posted Sep 14th 2006 at 12:06PM

Pioneer is showing three new Elite PureVision plasma HDTVs during CEDIA 2006, the 42-inch PRO-940HD, 50-inch PRO-1140HD and 60-inch PRO-1540HD models may not bring the 1080p of the PRO-FHD1 but they have a bevy of new features to make up for it. Their color filtering, color zone mapping and improved phosphor technology are all part of the package to help color and image quality, as well as the crystal emissive layer for better contrast. These plasmas are also the first to include Pioneer's Home Media Gallery support, with built-in Ethernet and USB ports to allow home users to stream music, videos and pictures directly from a DLNA compliant PC or other device in HD quality. They include Microsoft PlaysForSure DRM support, as well as the MPEG-1, WMV9 and MPEG-2 codecs. CableCard slot and NTSC/ATSC tuners are onboard, plus dual HDMI (1080p/24hz) inputs, two component inputs, PC input and RS-232C support. The 42-inch PRO-940HD has integrated bottom speakers while the 50- and 60-inch TVs feature detachable side speakers. The 42-inch is 1024x768 resolution with an MSRP of $4,000, while the PRO-1140HD (pictured above) and PRO-1540HD both have 1365x768 resolutions and are priced at $5,500 and $8,000 respectively. All are now available and shipping.

Continue reading Pioneer @ CEDIA - New PureVision Elite plasmas on display

Pioneer now shipping the Elite PureVision PRO-FHD1 1080p plasma

by Richard Lawler, posted Jul 13th 2006 at 6:26AM

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?




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