Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV Review
July 28, 2007
Overview
Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV comes after the previous version of PDP-5060 in PDP-70HD series. These 50” plasma TVs, despite for their a bit high price tags, offer excellent black levels, superior over-all picture quality and numerous connections. Colour reproduction is the area in which the latest version of PDP-70HD series seems to outperform the previous version.
The outward features like design, black frame and a slender remote control are quite appealing. This 720p screen shows all kinds of video materials with amazing sharpness and clarity while its in-built Picture-in-Picture feature and 3:2 pull down are some of the convenient features one can really enjoy. Connections that are available with this TV offer numerous options to the viewers to enjoy HDTV, DVD and standard video materials from home videos or computer.
Display features:
Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV has a native resolution of 1365 x 768 pixels and can show all kinds of video signals in 16:9 aspect mode with great crispness, clarity and sharpness. Its colour reproduction is really outstanding as it could be seen from the colour accuracy and excellent colour saturation and colour gradations in the picture.
One of the outstanding qualities of the picture which really impress us is the ability of this TV to achieve superb black levels. Its viewing angles are 160 degrees, quite sufficient for such larger plasma screens, as you need to sit far away from the screen.
Picture-in-Picture or split screen offers two simultaneous images on the screen. Another convenient feature is the 3:2 pull down which is included in the advanced menu. You may also use various colour temperature settings and different picture modes to enhance the picture.
Performance-wise this TV impresses us by its capacity to show deeper black levels, colour accuracy, superb colour saturation and more-detailed, sharp pictures. We really liked the way the pull down menu and PIP feature work in this TV and we really enjoyed viewing DVD and HDTV broadcast which were so clear, vivid and sharp.
Audio Quality
Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV features two powerful speakers with an out put of 26 Watt. To produce various sound effects, this TV uses SRS Trusurround sound system.
Connectivity options
Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV can accept numerous video formats and scale them to fit them on its screen. The inputs and sockets are available on rear and side panels. There are two HDMI ports, two S-video inputs and four composite AV inputs. In addition, you can connect this plasma TV with your PC using VGA PC input. You also have an USB port to connect USB devices with this plasma TV.
Key Specifications
- 50” Screen size
- Native resolution 1365 x 768 pixels
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- Viewing angle 160 degrees
- Integrated NTSC tuner
- Picture-in-Picture
- Two HDMI inputs
- Three component inputs
- Four composite AV inputs
- Two S-video inputs
- Two AV inputs
- One VGA PC input
- Two speakers with 26 Watts output
- SRS WOW TruBass sound system
Bottomline
Pioneer PDP-5070HD Plasma TV is an excellent choice if you prefer a larger Plasma screen with superior picture quality, convenient features and a plenty of connections. Although Pioneer 50” inch Plasma TV series tend to be more expensive, they do not fail to deliver what they promise. This TV is certainly one among them. In final tally, the high price tag of this plasma TV does not attract as much our attention as the excellent features of this Plasma TV.
Compare Plasma TVs:Panasonic TH-42PX77U and Panasonic TH-50PX77U
July 22, 2007
Panasonic TH-PX77U series offers two plasma TV sets – Panasonic TH-42PX77U and Panasonic TH-50PX77U - notable for their superior picture quality and anti-burn screens. Both have come with superb design and plenty of features like SD memory card, TV tuners and similar set of connections. Both had similar strengths and weaknesses as far as we examined them. It is disappointing to find that both TVs had no PC input option. As far as black levels and over-all picture quality are concerned, they are definitely unbeatable and even their prices are quite competitive.
Where do Panasonic TH-42PX77U and Panasonic TH-50PX77U differ?
- Screen size
- Resolution
- Weight
- Power consumption
Panasonic TH-42PX77U is a 42” plasma TV screen while Panasonic TH-50PX77U is a 50” plasma screen. While both TVs support 720p resolution, the resolution of Panasonic TH-50PX77U is slightly better (1366 x 768 pixels) when compared with 1024 x 768 pixels of Panasonic TH-42PX77U.
Since Panasonic TH-50PX77U which is the bigger version of the two, should definitely weigh heavier - 88.2 lbs, nearly 16 lbs heavier than its smaller counterpart.
When power consumption of the two TVs is considered, Panasonic TH-50PX77U consumes nearly 120 Watts more than Panasonic TH-42PX77U (499 Watts Vs 387 Watts).
Common features of Panasonic TH-42PX77U and Panasonic TH-50PX77U
- Similar design with black frame
- HDTV
- 720p resolution
- Anti-glare coating
- ATSC, NTSC, QAM TV tuners
- SD Memory card
- Sound system
- Number of connections
Both TVs are more or less similar in basic design. Black frame, side-mounted speakers, the arrangement of connections on side and rear panels and easy-to-use remote control are some of the common features you will find in both the TVs.
The highlight of Panasonic TH-PX77U series Plasma TVs is their anti-glare screen which provides better viewing experience even in bright rooms.
As far as connections are concerned the two TV sets come with two HDMI interfaces, two audio inputs, three composite video inputs, three S-Video inputs, three video audio inputs, two component video inputs, two component audio inputs, one composite video output and one set of audio output and digital audio output.
Enhanced features in Panasonic TH-50PX77U
- Screen resolution
- Aspect ratio
Both Panasonic TH-42PX77U and Panasonic TH-50PX77U are capable of supporting 720p screen resolution, however, Panasonic TH-50PX77U is better in terms of native pixels arranged in horizontal rows. Its native resolution is 1366 x 768 pixels as compared to 1024 x 768 pixels of Panasonic TH-42PX77U.
While Panasonic TH-42PX77U can show pictures in 16:9 aspect mode, Panasonic TH-50PX77U has come with additional 4:3 aspect mode along with its standard 16:9 aspect ratio.
Strengths of Panasonic TH-PX77U series Plasma TVs
Superior picture quality characterized by natural colours and deeper black levers is definitely the strength of both the models. Anti-glare screen is another noteworthy feature of Panasonic TH-PX77U series.
Weaknesses of Panasonic TH-PX77U series Plasma TVs
The only shortcoming of both the TVs is the absence of a PC input.
Things you need to consider before you buy a Plasma TV
July 20, 2007
Choose the size of your plasma screen and search the plasma TV that gives the best picture:
Making a choice between plasma TV and LCD TV always put many customers in a dilemma as these different technologies offer a wide range of features which are unique to them. Once you decide over the size of your TV you like to buy, you need to make a complete research into the TVs available in the market with an aim to find out the TV that can give best image quality.
Facts about HDTV resolutions available with your Plasma screens
Another major consideration should be whether you like your TV should support HDTV resolution or you will be content with EDTV resolution of the plasma TV.
Usually, some of the high end models of the larger Plasma TVs (50“or above) come with any of the two standard HDTV resolution – 720p and 1080i and you may not find smaller Plasma TVs with High Definition resolution.
Most of the Plasma TVs available in the Plasma TV market boast of HDTV features but you need to watch out for the difference between truly HDTV plasma TV and HDTV Ready. A true HDTV feature enables your TV to display 1080i resolution without any scaling of pixels. On the other hand, HDTV Ready, although it is capable of displaying all HDTV resolutions – 720p or 1080i, its native pixel resolution is just 720p and it usually converts other resolutions to fit into its native resolution.
To find out which Plasma TV maker offers the best Plasma TV
Today’s Plasma TV market is flooded with the broadest line of TV models from the major Plasma TV makers like Panasonic, Pioneer, Hitachi and Samsung. The latest advancements in Plasma technology combined with fast dropping of the prices attract many consumers as the market for standard television sets is slowly falling by this impact.
These major Plasma makers usually specialize in certain sizes of plasma TV. So, you will find Hitachi has some unique models in 55” plasma TVs while Samsung produces some of the best 63” Plasma TVs in the market. Pioneer Plasma TVs are quite popular in 42” section and they are quite unique for true black levels and enhanced brightness. All these makers offer numerous models with the same screen size but each one constantly updating its feature with every new model. Some of the high end Plasma TVs from these companies come with enhanced video processing and scaling features. They usually come with high price tags, but their superior picture quality and superb performance add value to your money.
Todays’s Plasma TVs come with better longevity and innovative technologies
Many consumers tend to have misconception that Plasma TVs do not long last and that they suffer from screen-related problems like screen burns. This view does not hold any truth as far as today’s Plasma TVs are concerned. Latest plasma TVs come with anti-burn protective layer on their plasma screens and rarely susceptible to burn ins.
Similarly, the half-life time of plasma TV varies between 30000 hours and 60000 hours. In other words, you can watch your TV eight hours a day for ten years. This is relatively better longevity when compared with standard CRT television. If you have any fears over leaking of gas in a plasma TV, it hardly happens or becomes a serious issue. It is true that Plasma TV develops some annoying problems related to high altitudes such as buzzing or over-heating. The happy news is you can go for Plasma TVs that come with in-built features that can handle this problem efficiently.
Samsung PS42C91HD Plasma TV Review
July 18, 2007
Samsung PS42C91HD is a 42” plasma TV which produces crisp, bright images using the Ultra FilterBright technology. This feature takes away the extra external light as well as enhances the internal brightness simultaneously. This enables your TV to remove reflection that is quite common in bright rooms. Ultimately you get clear, crisp and sharp pictures over the screen. This unit comes with movie mode that recreates movie-like viewing experience by setting a colour temperature of 6500K which is ideal for viewing movies on a flat panel. For installing this unit, you get both regular swivel stand and an optional auto wall mount.
Main Features:
- Native Resolution 1024×768 pixels
- Brightness 1500 cd/m2
- Contrast ratio up to 15,000:1
- 18 bit video processor to produce true-to-life colours
- Ultra FilterBright anti-reflection filter
- Powerful anti-burn-in technology
- DNIe Technology
- NTSC/ATSC tuners to view HDTV sources
- Picture-in-Picture tuner
- Viewing angles 175 degrees
- 2 HDMI interfaces
- 3 component video inputs
- One PC input
- One S-Video input
- 2-way Speaker system with 10-watts output
- SRS TruSurround sound system
Samusung PS42C91HD plasma TV synthesizes many innovative technologies. For instance, the digital natural image engine (DNIe) and 18-bit video processor ensure the pictures show great black levels and the complete elimination noise while producing white on the screen. In addition the 18-bit video processor produces colours with superb gradation so the pictures look natural and breathtakingly beautiful
This unit comes with a contrast ratio of 15000:1 and the pictures show some true black levels which enable us to view dark scenes in DVD movies with so much clarity and extra details. Other specs like viewing angles and brightness are too impressive, especially a wider viewing angle of 175 degrees makes this TV suitable even in large rooms, where off axis viewing is much more essential.
Samsung PS42C91HD plasma TV does not lack in connectivity options that helps to connect this unit with both HDTV devices as well as non-HDTV video sources. There are two HDMI interfaces using which you can enjoy viewing DVD or such HDTV materials. To access standard home videos, this TV offers NTSC/ATSC tuners
In addition, you get two component inputs, a S-Video input and a PC input for accessing PC sources.
Useful tips to enhance picture quality of the Plasma Television
July 16, 2007
Newer Plasma TVs come with technologies which are constantly getting updated. To match with the performance of such plasma TVs and to get the optimum performance, you need to use upgraded video cables and upgraded video sources. As HDTV creates such hype in the present world, television broadcasts and home video devices are more and more adopting this new format for transmission of video to your plasma TVs. For example, HD DVDs like Blu-ray discs have taken the picture quality of home videos to their pinnacle.
Use high quality video cables
If your plasma TV comes with in-built features that can support HDTV format, that alone cannot assure of better picture quality unless you use compatible, high quality video cables. Your plasma TV, if it supports HDTV, usually will have a few inputs like component or Digital Video Interface (DVI), or High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI). The number of inputs that come with a Plasma TV varies from one model to another. A few plasma TVs offer two or three HDMI inputs depending on the make. Usually these inputs can be found both on rear and side panels so that you can connect more than a device without requiring extra hardware. It is always better to buy a plasma TV that provides as many convenient options for use of HDTV materials in your TV. It is also suggested that you use as much short cable as possible. This not only helps your TV from looking messy, also ensures better picture quality.
Use videos sources like DVDs and HDVDs
DVDs use progressive scan video images which look certainly better than standard pictures from your CD players. DVD players also come with 3:2 pulldown which offers movie-like experience when watched on plasma screens. It should be remembered the picture you see on your plasma screenlargely depends upon the video source. Higher the picture quality your external video device offers, better your TV viewing experience.
Latest blu-ray discs and other HD-DVD players are best options available that can enhance picture quality thereby providing superior visual experience.
Proper Installation of your TV and room light conditions
You cannot have better picture quality, if the room is flooded with external light like sunlight or some fluorescent facing your TV. This leads not only to annoying reflections on the screen, but it also dims the picture quality by taking away the colours and brightness of your TV.
It is highly recommended that you install your plasma TVs in a place where it does not face windows or doors. If your room has windows, use blinds to obstruct sunlight thereby making room little darker. For comfortable viewing in dark settings for a longer period, you may use some dim lamp behind the TV which may be soothing for your eyes.
Take care of the plasma screen
Plasma screens are made of glass which often gets fingerprints, dust, or dirt if you don’t clean it quite often. Cleaning the plasma screen does improve the picture quality to certain extent. There are some do’s and don’ts while you clean your plasma screen. Please follow them.
