Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080 Plasma TV

After having been in this business for a while, I’ve learned a lot of things specifically in the topics that I write about - that is high-definition televisions. I know for a fact that black-level performance is one of the basis and the most important aspect of picture quality. When a set produces a deep shade of black, it generally improves the realism of the scenes and makes colors stand out. Richer and more saturated colors are what most television users are looking for.

Plasma televisions generally hold the title of producing the deepest blacks in any television in the market. The Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080, which is the feature of today’s article, is no different. The 50-inch plasma produces a deep and dark shade of black and offers smooth video-processing mode that works relatively well. It also has a superior antireflective screen and numerous picture controls.

But the display is not perfect. Users do have some complaints about this set. For example, its color accuracy and incomplete color temperature controls is an issue which will be discussed later on. Another thing that could probably detract users from choosing this set is the high price even when compared to similar resolution plasmas on the market.

First, let’s take a look at the display’s design. Overall, the Pioneer Kuro PDP-5080 has a sleek, no-nonsense look. It is encased in a 50-inch glossy black screen with a minimum of adornments aside from the Pioneer logo. From the front only black is visible. The set includes a matching stand, and it allows the speaker bar below the panel to be completely removed for those opting to use their own audio system.

With speaker and stand attached, the panel measures about 48.2 inches wide by 31.8 inches high by 9.3 inches deep and weighs 88 pounds. Remove the stand and speakers and the panel measures 48.2 by 28.2 by 4.5 inches and weighs 76.7 pounds.

Now let’s take a look at what this baby can do. The Pioneer PDP-5080HD has a native resolution of 1,366×768 pixels. This is similar to most 50-inch plasma TVs in the market. As always, all sources, be they HDTV, DVD, standard-def, or computer, are scaled to fit the native resolution.

Its picture settings include a number of memory slots that are independent from each other. You have the standard User mode, but then you also have four additional picture memories that apply to every input and can be adjusted independently. Other settings worth mentioning is the Enhancer that controls edge enhancement, DRE picture, black level, CTI, and ACL.

As for the set’s connection options, the PDP-5080HD is packed. The back panel also offers a PC input (1,366×768 maximum resolution); a component-video input; an AV input with composite and S-Video; a pair of RF inputs for cable and/or antenna; an optical digital audio output; a subwoofer audio and analog audio output; and an RS-232 port for use by custom installers to interface with whole-house control systems.

The side-panel is also well appointed, offering another AV input with component- or composite-video, a headphone jack, and a USB port that can take thumbdrives and display digital photos or play MP3 files via the TV.

Now we go to its performance. Simply put, the picture quality of the Pioneer PDP-5080HD is among the best out there. As mentioned, that is probably due to the excellent levels of black the display can produce. This in turn impacts a lot of areas in picture quality.

Moving on to color, the PDP-5080HD was once again helped by its deep blacks in delivering very impressive saturation. The Pioneer is also equipped with an antireflective screen that did a very good job of attenuating glare in a room.

Sources:
http://hidefproducts.com
http://products.howstuffworks.com
http://technology.sympatico.msn.ca