The Pioneer PDP-5020FD 50-Inch 1080p KURO Plasma HDTV is this year’s entry in the 50-inch 1080p category, and also happens to be their cheapest TV. Make no mistake though; the 5020 is not cheap in price, nor in performance. A 60-inch model flanks the PDP-5020FD, and beyond that, there are Pioneer Elite & Signature models.
Pioneer brought the first plasma TV to market about twelve years ago, and has been at the forefront of plasma development since. The eight-generation units, dubbed Kuro (Japanese for black, absence of light) really shook up the industry and set a new benchmark for HDTVs. They were the first HDTVs that many videophiles considered worthy of replacing their beloved direct-view sets by virtue of the Kuro’s phenomenal black level and contrast. These ninth-generation units, also known as second-generation Kuros improve things further, but sadly, will be the last panels produced by Pioneer themselves. For their tenth generation, Pioneer is outsourcing their panels to Panasonic, and afterwards may switch to LCDs only.
Topics: General |
