Pioneer PRO-1150HD 50″ Plasma HDTV

A new totally redesigned plasma HDTV from Pioneer has been released in the market. The called it KURO. The Pioneer PRO-1150HD 50″ Plasma HDTV with a native resolution of 1365 x 768, which translates to 720p. It accepts 1080p signals, even the 24 Hz variety that is common with DVD movies. Instead of performing a 3:2 pulldown to convert to 60 Hz playback, the TV smooths out motion judder by applying a 3:3 conversion for 72 Hz playback.

The TV measures about four and a half inch wide and comes out with its very own non-swivel stand attached. Along with it are a pair of 17W two way stereo speakers, which screw on to either side of the TV. When assembled, the whole kit weighs a shade under 89 pounds.

Aesthetically, this plasma sports an almost two inch bezel at the top and bottom of the screen and an even wider one on the sides. When the speakers are attached, the profile becomes elongated, which makes it more distinctive.

Connection-wise, the panel at the back provides four HDMI 1.3 compatible inputs, (two have matching stereo Audio Ins), one Component (YPbPr) with matching stereo Audio Ins, one Composite (with Audio), one VGA (15 pin D-Sub for PC input) with a stereo Audio In mini-plug, an S-Video, an RS-232C Service port, an IR Repeater Out, and the Ethernet cable port.

In addition, an SPDIF (optical) digital Audio Out is provided alongside a Subwoofer Out and the terminals to connect wires from the stereo speakers.

Also back there is a CableCARD slot and two RF connectors. One can take either an antenna or a cable signal. The other is specifically for an antenna. Both link to the internal NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuners. Since the tuner system is Clear QAM compatible, you can attach your cable TV signal directly into the RF connector and tune in unscrambled cable stations.

First and foremost, the most striking feature you will notice with the PRO-1150HD is its blackness. Colors however were too rich, but with slight tweaks to its rich choices of settings, it all comes out great. Standard definition programs also fared better on this HDTV than on many others. Pioneer seems to have made an extra effort to produce the best looking picture possible from SD content.

The PRO-1150HD is not a 1080p model, but for most people, they will never be able to tell the difference. So, it is a great choice for a home theater system. Furthermore, with its networking capabilities, the PRO-1150HD also could act as the display hub of a modern home entertainment system. All you need to do is plug it into your network through its Ethernet port. The integrated Home Media Gallery software will search for the available networks and through the on-screen menu, you can pick one to attach to.

With a deep black base as a canvas, the PRO-1150HD paints a rich, colorful image that impressively represents Pioneer’s KURO series of HDTVs. This black beauty delivers the features and the quality that you would expect in an HDTV in this price range.

Sources:
http://www.retrevo.com
http://www.nextag.com
http://www.tvsreview.com