I am thinking of purchasing a Pioneer Kuro with the new insane price drops that are going on, but can't decide what to do. Any help would be appreciated. I have had a Sammy LNS4095 1080p LCD since it came out 2 years ago. Obviously the Kuro would blow it out of the water in terms of PQ, but with all the price drops going on, I can't make a call. I probably am not one to get a set professionally calibrated, I am more inclined to use a DVD essentials or a spyder/colorometer equipment. So far I have thought about these sets:

1) Pioneer Kuro 5020fd
2) Pioneer Kuro Elite 111fd (is this worth the extra $700)
3) Sammy series 8 LCD
4) Sammy series 9 LED LCD
5) or Just wait for the new Kuros, Pannys, or Sammys?

Now I know that we aren't allowed to talk price, but I know that the most expensive of the lot is the Sammy LED LCD, but have been told that the PQ is supposed to be close to Kuros and that I would save a bundle on power consumption (while I am still not completely sold on that fact) and that the screen would last longer as plasmas would degrade over time. Its a tough call to make with these sets being in or just slightly exceeding my budget. I mean who is to know if these sets drop even further in price? Any comments or assistance would be appreciated. Thanks! :)

Get the Elite, there's a reason that every TV is compered to it.

The 9G Elite is -- in fact, not opinion -- the greatest HDTV ever made.

Does that make your decision easier? ;)

My LCD experience annoyed me enough that I'm about to upgrade from my 6 series Samsung (about equivalent to a 8 PQ-wise) to a Kuro after 6 months of ownership. It's a great TV for an LCD but the black levels fall just short enough to annoy the hell out of me. I don't need the extra knobs and dials of the Elites, because I'm not one to obsess over color accuracy being a hair off. So the non-Elite would be my choice.

Also, does anyone know where I can sell my current Sammy LCD HDTV? Is fleabay or craigslist my only options? I mean I still can't beleive I spent around $2k for it 2 years ago and if I decide to sell it to subsidize a Kuro purchase would MAYBE fetch 25-35%. ouch~!

I would spend $700 more and buy a 6020.

My first HDTV -- an XBR2 LCD -- on a blank (or black) screen would light up my room at night in the dark.

It was that point on that I despised LCD tech and vowed never to buy one again.

I would spend $700 more and buy a 6020.

I second

I second

3rd!

Now I know that we aren't allowed to talk price, but I know that the most expensive of the lot is the Sammy LED LCD, but have been told that the PQ is supposed to be close to Kuros and that I would save a bundle on power consumption (while I am still not completely sold on that fact) and that the screen would last longer as plasmas would degrade over time. Its a tough call to make with these sets being in or just slightly exceeding my budget. I mean who is to know if these sets drop even further in price? Any comments or assistance would be appreciated. Thanks! :)

This one gets me sometimes. Do you really think you'll keep that TV for 20 years? Really?

Also, does anyone know where I can sell my current Sammy LCD HDTV? Is fleabay or craigslist my only options? I mean I still can't beleive I spent around $2k for it 2 years ago and if I decide to sell it to subsidize a Kuro purchase would MAYBE fetch 25-35%. ouch~!

.. there's a place in the AVSForum for selling any A/V equipment; think there's a small fee for 2-week ad. :)

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/vbclassified.php

reading material: http://hdguru.com/first-pioneer-elite-kuro-pro-111fd-review/252/

http://www.hometheatermag.com/plasmadisplays/pioneer_elite_kuro_pro-111fd_plasma_hdtv/

http://www.hometheaterreview.com/equipment-reviews/video-reviews/plasma-hdtv-reviews/pioneer_elite_kuro_pro-111fd_plasma_hdtv_reviewed000809.php

http://www.ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/808pio111/

I too am a bit skeptical on the power consumption digs that people throw at the Plasma Displays direction. I really don't know how they test this and even if it does consume more, how much more? I mean I assume some of these tests are done on completely white screens, but last time I checked, no one watches a white screen all day long!

So it seems its a 2 pony race, I am surprised that no one has voted for an LCD or to wait this out to see what the 5 lumen PDPs may bring.

Now most people seem to be going with the Elite, but I am really not sure if it is worth the extra $700 especially if I am not to calibrate it professionally (ISF). I mean I do watch my share of movies(Blu Ray), sports, and HD gaming. Aye, I hope these prices keep going down or last a bit longer before I can make up my mind. This has gotten a bit easier, but jeez, this is a still a tough call!!!

Power consumption on TVs is a relatively minor issue, IMO. It'd never enter into consideration for me unless we're talking sets that are virtually identical in all other areas. It's probably fair to say that your average plasma run for 8 hours a day EVERY day would run between $10-$20 a month at the absolute most, depending on your electricity rates.

I know I don't watch nearly that much TV. Heck, 15 hours a week is a lot for me.

Anyway, if you're going to do little more than a basic calibration, the 5020 would probably be right up your alley. I don't know that you'd appreciate the Elite unless you plan on getting serious with adjustments. It does offer the other advantages of a longer warranty and a better anti-glare screen, but whether that's worth the extra cost is up to you.

..

So it seems its a 2 pony race, I am surprised that no one has voted for an LCD ..

.. sorry, but your in the Plasma section; the Panasonic 50PZ850U would be nice alternative, :)

I have not heard that the elite had a better anti glare screen than the non elite. Something for me to think about, but not sure if that can be $700 difference.

Just out of curiousity, there is no lag, overscan, or other issues when gaming on the Pio's, right?

.. sorry, but your in the Plasma section; the Panasonic 50PZ850U would be nice alternative, :)

If all I had at the moment was $2500 -$2700 I would get a 58pz800u/850u

The panny looks great when there's nothing close by to compare it to.

If all I had at the moment was $2500 -$2700 I would get a 58pz800u/850u

The panny looks great when there's nothing close by to compare it to.

So you would sacrifice size for quality? I assume that the Kuro doesn't blow the Panny out of the water?

I would personally take a 50" 9G over a 58" Panasonic without hesitation, but then I have a flexible seating arrangement. I think 8" is fairly easy to recover by scooting up a bit closer.

no question..with the price drop on the elite its easily worth it

I would spend $700 more and buy a 6020.

Fourthed. :D

If all I had at the moment was $2500 -$2700 I would get a 58pz800u/850u

The panny looks great when there's nothing close by to compare it to.

Seconded. :D

So you would sacrifice size for quality?

I would and did. JVC projector via AVS, and 159" high power pull down. Combined is still less money than a 60" Pio. Greatest pic any of my friends or family have ever seen, and that includes a director just inducted into the DGA last year. Anyhoo, you could draw a screen over your current flat panel. If you got the money, you want tab-tensioned, unless you get the exact same material as I did.

I would personally take a 50" 9G over a 58" Panasonic without hesitation, but then I have a flexible seating arrangement. I think 8" is fairly easy to recover by scooting up a bit closer.

Then there's the other side of the coin . . . heh, I just advised my brother to pull out his RPTV, and push his couch forward. Voila, bigger! :D And getting the couch off the back wall is very good for acoustics. It's where the biggest peaks/nulls usually reside, muddy bass, smearing of audio due to early reflection.

Have cake, eat it!

5th'd!!!

Matter of fact, bought the 6020 today!!!

James

5th'd!!!

Matter of fact, bought the 6020 today!!!

James

6th'd.

Congrats James! I'm jealous!

But the 6020FD is not $700 more, its more like 1600 more at best. Unless someone knows of an authorized place that sells it for sub $3k. If you do, please PM me, as I would def go for the 6020fd if it is the same price as an elite 50'

im aiming for the 111FD but i dont know if i should lock in the price and buy it now and save it in the box and not use it till march? Or just buy it in March for what ever price its at! My new house wont be ready till march. FRACK any help would be good.

I would personally take a 50" 9G over a 58" Panasonic without hesitation, but then I have a flexible seating arrangement. I think 8" is fairly easy to recover by scooting up a bit closer.

That would be a damn tough call IMO, from the time I spent demoing both the Elite is a fair step above the Panny but 8 extra inches would make for a more awesome movie experience.

As for the OP's concern about not getting it professionally calibrated the Elite (from what I've read and been told) still has superior blacks and PQ to the 5020 and still offers for more options for self tweaking. If you are looking to keep it under $3k the Panny is at least worth a look.

No question, it is the Elite Kuro PRO-1110FD. I already have last year's 60" model, the PRO-150FD and am very pleased with it.

anyone have any idea how long this "sale" is supposedly going to last?

I too am a bit skeptical on the power consumption digs that people throw at the Plasma Displays direction. I really don't know how they test this and even if it does consume more, how much more? I mean I assume some of these tests are done on completely white screens, but last time I checked, no one watches a white screen all day long!

So it seems its a 2 pony race, I am surprised that no one has voted for an LCD or to wait this out to see what the 5 lumen PDPs may bring.

Now most people seem to be going with the Elite, but I am really not sure if it is worth the extra $700 especially if I am not to calibrate it professionally (ISF). I mean I do watch my share of movies(Blu Ray), sports, and HD gaming. Aye, I hope these prices keep going down or last a bit longer before I can make up my mind. This has gotten a bit easier, but jeez, this is a still a tough call!!!
Be careful, the trend I've seen over the years is for the prices to go down around the holidays. Go right back up after new years and then go down around superbowl time and then jump right back up.

anyone have any idea how long this "sale" is supposedly going to last?

the msrp of the 5020 started at $4000. there was a $500 promotional price reduction that led to a msrp of $3500 on the 5020 now as posted by pioneer on their website.

Roman O at buybestplasma.com mentioned a coming price drop just last week and Robert at VE just yesterday mentioned Pioneer having a new $500 promotional discount which should last for 60 days so that basically makes the msrp $3000, and $4000 for the Pro111.

the bb sales prices should end after saturday but if the msrp is $3000 considering the promo pioneer is giving then you should see excellent prices from the AVS forum sponsors on the 5020 and Pro111 at least into March.

anyone hear anything on what the 10Gs and new pannys would cost whenever they come out this year?

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the input.

at least now I have it down to just Pio 5020FD and the Elite Pro111FD. I am still not sure if I can justify a $700 difference with the same screen size. I mean I know that they have an extra year of warranty, but I may end up getting an extended warranty. It maybe $200 extra, but still less than the $700 so that takes away one of the sticking points of getting an Elite.

any of the forum sponsers official pioneer dealers?

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the input.

at least now I have it down to just Pio 5020FD and the Elite Pro111FD. I am still not sure if I can justify a $700 difference with the same screen size. I mean I know that they have an extra year of warranty, but I may end up getting an extended warranty. It maybe $200 extra, but still less than the $700 so that takes away one of the sticking points of getting an Elite.

Can I ask where you are thinking about purchasing it? At Best Buy, it's only a 600 dollar difference and you get free delivery and set up. However, the extended warranty is 399.99. :eek:

I am looking at some authorized online dealers. They all offer free shipping and extended warrtanties are about $200 from the online dealers. The best buy near me does charge for shipping and tax. I live in NJ. And that alone would add at a minimum $300. I plan to use my AMEX to get an extra year that would put the kuro on par with the elite in terms of warranty. Besides, I hear nothing but horror stories about these B & M warranties and online extended warranties. I may be better off keeping that $200-400 and if the TV ever dies on me file a claim with my homeowners insurance.

any of the forum sponsers official pioneer dealers?

yes. Chris at Cleveland Plasma, Plasma Concepts, Invision displays are regular Pioneer Kuro authorized dealers.

Roman O at buybestplasma.com, Robert at Value Electronics and John Marty at Axxis Audio axxisdurango.com are all Pioneer Kuro and Pioneer Kuro Elite authorized dealers.

I am looking at some authorized online dealers. They all offer free shipping and extended warrtanties are about $200 from the online dealers. The best buy near me does charge for shipping and tax. I live in NJ. And that alone would add at a minimum $300. I plan to use my AMEX to get an extra year that would put the kuro on par with the elite in terms of warranty. Besides, I hear nothing but horror stories about these B & M warranties and online extended warranties. I may be better off keeping that $200-400 and if the TV ever dies on me file a claim with my homeowners insurance.

I agree, for the most part. Of course, all you hear are the horror stories. Most people that are happy don't take the time to go online and write reviews about their satisfaction. It's when you're pissed and ready to choke someone that makes you reach out to every outlet possible to let everyone know how unhappy you are.

The free delivery at BB is a promotion for this week. Usually, they do charge to deliver. Who knows, it might be a regional promotion.

Can I ask where you are thinking about purchasing it? At Best Buy, it's only a 600 dollar difference and you get free delivery and set up. However, the extended warranty is 399.99. :eek:

you can get a Mack 3 year add on ext warranty which would give you a total of 5 years covered for an Elite Pro111 for about half that bb price. it is $203 for a display under $3100 from one of the forum sponsors.

I am looking at some authorized online dealers. They all offer free shipping and extended warrtanties are about $200 from the online dealers. The best buy near me does charge for shipping and tax. I live in NJ. And that alone would add at a minimum $300. I plan to use my AMEX to get an extra year that would put the kuro on par with the elite in terms of warranty. Besides, I hear nothing but horror stories about these B & M warranties and online extended warranties. I may be better off keeping that $200-400 and if the TV ever dies on me file a claim with my homeowners insurance.

you need to reread or check with your insurance agent as i have never seen a homeowners policy that covers a tv for a warranty type repair situation.

also check with them on the damage/theft coverage as many policies may even exclude or at least require an additional rider/$cost to cover tv, a/v electronics over a certain dollar cost.

you can get a Mack 3 year add on ext warranty which would give you a total of 5 years covered for an Elite Pro111 for about half that bb price. it is $203 for a display under $3100 from one of the forum sponsors.

Good. I'm not a fan of extended warranties, but are those warranties in-home service? Do those EW cover dust, heat, humidity, and burn-in? Is it a no lemon policy? Are they just like mfg's warranties? I'm not touting BB warranties ... I'm actually wondering.

yes, they are in home service. i don't have a mack warranty policy in front of me so can't answer those coverage questions.

yes, they are in home service. i don't have a mack warranty policy in front of me so can't answer those coverage questions.

Like I said, I'm not a fan of extended warranties, but for 200 dollars, it wouldn't be such a huge loss for some extra protection.

I'm a fickle person, so I look and take any excuse to buy something new. :D

anyone hear anything on what the 10Gs and new pannys would cost whenever they come out this year?

Panasonic usually starts releaseing new 42/50" models out in late march/april. The 58/65" have been more scattered out the past few years.

Pioneer usually has a large press conference in late April/May to display the new models, announce expected release dates and msrp.

Still not sure about the extended warranties. I hear so many bad stories, and of course the salesmen/women push these warranties as if these set WILL break on you.

Damn, I wish they announced this back in CES, so it would help me make a decision to pull the trigger on the 5020fd or pro111fd. I am still assuming that the new 10G kuros will be as expensive as the 9Gs were when they debuted @ around 5K?

Like I said, I'm not a fan of extended warranties, but for 200 dollars, it wouldn't be such a huge loss for some extra protection. I'm a fickle person, so I look and take any excuse to buy something new. :D

no problemo i understand. i have a dead mits 62" dlp that woulda been nice to have one on. Gonna buckle down and start talks with mits about it soon, due to the many many problems that mits dlp model has had they have been helping alot of owners with out of warranty issues if the owner knows how to go about it the right way. even with that issue i have not bought an ew for my 60" elite but may do so before the Pioneer 2 years is up

just out of curiousity, how and why was this thread moved from plasma to flat panel general and new FP tech?

I am thinking of purchasing a Pioneer Kuro with the new insane price drops that are going on, but can't decide what to do. Any help would be appreciated. I have had a Sammy LNS4095 1080p LCD since it came out 2 years ago. Obviously the Kuro would blow it out of the water in terms of PQ, but with all the price drops going on, I can't make a call. I probably am not one to get a set professionally calibrated, I am more inclined to use a DVD essentials or a spyder/colorometer equipment. So far I have thought about these sets:

1) Pioneer Kuro 5020fd
2) Pioneer Kuro Elite 111fd (is this worth the extra $700)
3) Sammy series 8 LCD
4) Sammy series 9 LED LCD
5) or Just wait for the new Kuros, Pannys, or Sammys?

Now I know that we aren't allowed to talk price, but I know that the most expensive of the lot is the Sammy LED LCD, but have been told that the PQ is supposed to be close to Kuros and that I would save a bundle on power consumption (while I am still not completely sold on that fact) and that the screen would last longer as plasmas would degrade over time. Its a tough call to make with these sets being in or just slightly exceeding my budget. I mean who is to know if these sets drop even further in price? Any comments or assistance would be appreciated. Thanks! :)

What will be you viewing enviornment? Also, big Plasma TV's like the 6020, 151 , Panny 800U and 850U' are the SUV's of TV's. They're big, heavy, generate a lot of heat so you might want to consider that factor in your purchasing decision.

BTW, the Samsung LCD's are thinner and lighter and more energy efficient. The Samsung A950 was awarded the most "green" TV by PC Magazine.

Well, I would say that I am veiwing from about 9-10 ft away. The room is not very bright, or does have shades that make it dark. While I do value energy efficiency, I am not sure if a TV will make a big difference in my electricity bill. I currently have an LCD, and since the backlight is always on, it may consume more electricity. well, that is up for debate. but the LED LCDs are very expensive now, and the new 9 series, I assume would be quite pricey. I am open to waiting, but with all the sales going on with the Pio Kuros, I figured it would be a good time to take the plunge if I am to this year.

Well, I would say that I am veiwing from about 9-10 ft away. The room is not very bright, or does have shades that make it dark. While I do value energy efficiency, I am not sure if a TV will make a big difference in my electricity bill. I currently have an LCD, and since the backlight is always on, it may consume more electricity. well, that is up for debate. but the LED LCDs are very expensive now, and the new 9 series, I assume would be quite pricey. I am open to waiting, but with all the sales going on with the Pio Kuros, I figured it would be a good time to take the plunge if I am to this year.

If you can control lighting, the Kuro would be a choice. As far sales go on the Pioneers, I guess its a good time.

i mentioned this somewhere else, but one of the only things holding me back is to see if Panny and Sammy will counter this massive cut by Pio! I mean for most people if price was similar, I think its a no brainer to take a Kuro or an Elite. I know times are tough, but some deals are too good to pass up. Come on Panny and Sammy~! I know you can cut prices if Pio can! Hurry Up!!!

Good. I'm not a fan of extended warranties, but are those warranties in-home service? Do those EW cover dust, heat, humidity, and burn-in? Is it a no lemon policy? Are they just like mfg's warranties? I'm not touting BB warranties ... I'm actually wondering.

Hello,

Thank for considering our warranty for your new tv purchase. Our tv warranties are in home service. We will contract out the local authorized Pioneer dealer in your area. We will mirror the manufacturers warranty. These days Burn in is not really an issue on plasma as it used to be, I think you would have to pause the tv and leave it on for like 36 hours straight to start to burn the phosphers. this is considered negligence. not that anyone I know who owns an Elite would ever do that to their set

I'm not wild about the attached speakers on the side of the 111, makes it look kinda awkard, atleast they can be removed though if you have a sound system to use instead.

Thanks guys! I really appreciate the input.

at least now I have it down to just Pio 5020FD and the Elite Pro111FD. I am still not sure if I can justify a $700 difference with the same screen size. I mean I know that they have an extra year of warranty, but I may end up getting an extended warranty. It maybe $200 extra, but still less than the $700 so that takes away one of the sticking points of getting an Elite.

Hey man, I don't think* it's been mentioned (mebbe it has), but do you realize that from 10ft, you cannot distinguish at all the improvement of 1080p vs 720p with 50", even with 20/20 vision?

I say go bigger, even with some slight compromise of PQ. With some slight compromise in certain things like blacks, you will gain a lot in detail and immersion.

I would see if the 65" Pana's drop in price? Dunno. Put it this way, THX recommends a 90" screen from 10 ft. I played with different sizes for an entire week before deciding on immersion, and ended up with 42 degrees, which means 106" at 10ft. Now, not everyone is going to like this, not by a longshot, but I'm just trying to make a point. :cool: IOW, I would easily take a 65" Panny 800/850 over a 50" Kuro, but of course the former still costs a lot more . . .

Well, maybe I don't sit exactly 10 ft away, maybe closer to 7, i haven't busted out a tape measure. The problem with big screens is that you pay such a premium for size. I would consider the 6020FD if it were cheaper. then again, so would just about everyone here. LOL! but seriously, 60' for more than 3K is where I draw the line. I know you have to pay for quality, but 3K is a lot of dough. well at least for me.

Pioneer, hands down.

Pioneer, hands down.

which pio?

The 5020 since you can't afford the 6020.

The 5020 since you can't afford the 6020.

so no to the elite also?

so no to the elite also?

Didn't you say you couldn't afford a high end set? If you can then you'll need to get a 50" elite if not then, well do I need to say it? :rolleyes:

well its a $700 difference. Not sure if the difference between the 5020fd and the 111fd is worth $700.

It depends if you want more controls over your adjustment setting. I personally felt it wasn't worth the extra cash. Lots of threads cover the pros and cons of both.

yea, I am sort of getting that feeling. Esp since I do not plan on having it professionally calibrated. DVD essentials or maybe a colorometer is about as far as I would go.

The 5020 is under $2k now

Get the 5020 and use the $700 extra that would have spend on the Elite on a good Blueray player or a good audio system.

that is where i am leaning now. sometimes i still can't shake thinking of waiting for the Panny neoPDPs though. Half the power consumption, increased black levels, better color. now the only question mark is the price!

Also I hear that the Pios are not the best with gaming (lag issue). Not sure how true this is, or how good the Pio V10s will be compared to the Pios, but a 5020FD Sub 2k is almost too good to pass up!! damnit!!!

Also I hear that the Pios are not the best with gaming (lag issue). Not sure how true this is, or how good the Pio V10s will be compared to the Pios, but a 5020FD Sub 2k is almost too good to pass up!! damnit!!!

Pioneer plasmas (at least the 9Gs) are possibly the best gaming displays only bested by a good CRT (tube). I game on my 9G Pioneer with a PS3 and 360 and it is fantastic. Seriously, it is absolutely beautiful. I actually think the gaming performance is better than its movie performance, and that's saying a lot. ;)

Pioneer plasmas (at least the 9Gs) are possibly the best gaming displays only bested by a good CRT (tube). I game on my 9G Pioneer with a PS3 and 360 and it is fantastic. Seriously, it is absolutely beautiful. I actually think the gaming performance is better than its movie performance, and that's saying a lot. ;)

That sounds good to me. I only ask because I have read somewhere that it does have a slight lag.

That sounds good to me. I only ask because I have read somewhere that it does have a slight lag.
If the Kuro has lag, then all the other HDTVs will have massive lag in comparison. Just put it in game mode and you'll be good to go. :)

I think the recent news of pio has made my decision for me. I am going to wait it out and see how the new 12g Panny NeoPDPs are.

If the Kuro has lag, then all the other HDTVs will have massive lag in comparison. Just put it in game mode and you'll be good to go. :)

source?

I think the recent news of pio has made my decision for me. I am going to wait it out and see how the new 12g Panny NeoPDPs are.

And if they suck, and are no where near the quality, what then? There's no going back.

I just do not understand peoples logic sometimes. Makes little to no sense.

And if they suck, and are no where near the quality, what then? There's no going back.

I just do not understand peoples logic sometimes. Makes little to no sense.

I understand his logic. While most members here want to believe that "there" will be continued support for Pioneer products if they were to go out of business completely, there is no guarantee. Here is an anology for ya:
You got $3000.00 to put in a saving account do you put in a bank with the highest rate of return, even though you're hearing rumors from sources that the bank "may" be in trouble? Or (b), do you put your money somewhere with an average return rate that is not in danger of closing "their" doors? Or (c), stick the money under your mattress and wait for the dust to settle.
In your defense, most Kuros won't need service ever, but in this economy, there is nothing wrong with being safe. Your criticism of jsohng seems to be the post lacking logic.

I think both points of view are equally valid, but they both rely on hypotheticals.

No one knows for sure whether or not Pioneer panel support will be there in the long term. By law, it has to be, but in practice, we can only guess as to what reality will bring.

No one knows for sure whether there will be a panel of another make to match or best the current Kuro in the near future. It could happen before the end of the year. It may not happen for several years.

Personally, I'd jump on a Kuro soon if I hadn't already.

And if they suck, and are no where near the quality, what then? There's no going back.

I just do not understand peoples logic sometimes. Makes little to no sense.


So if they don't suck and are better or just as good, then what? It goes both ways. While Kuros are the best set now, how much longer will that last? by all accounts, there are sets that are already near Kuro status (OLED, LED LCD, and NEOPDPs) it makes little to no sense to assume that just because Kuros are the best displays now, that they will remain there indefinately and no other display will ever improve and advance.

In the world of technology today, to think that something wont get better is just foolish. The bottom line is that it remains to be seen, but I am pretty sure that with Pio pulling out, that Kuros time at the top is coming to and end.

I believe tbird8450 is 100% correct. You have to do what feels right. I wanted a 5080 last year and sat on the fence for 6 months. I decided to wait for the new models and finally pulled the trigger Saturday on a 111. I have owned an Elite 810 for 4plus years with zero problems. I am hoping I have the same luck with the 111. Having said that , I can certainly understand someone who is hesitant to pick up a Pioneer with everything that is going on with the company right now.

I think the recent news of pio has made my decision for me. I am going to wait it out and see how the new 12g Panny NeoPDPs are.

Why would that make any difference? Pioneer isn't going out of business and will still be around to offer warranty work and support for the set.

So if they don't suck and are better or just as good, then what? It goes both ways. While Kuros are the best set now, how much longer will that last? by all accounts, there are sets that are already near Kuro status (OLED, LED LCD, and NEOPDPs) it makes little to no sense to assume that just because Kuros are the best displays now, that they will remain there indefinately and no other display will ever improve and advance.

In the world of technology today, to think that something wont get better is just foolish. The bottom line is that it remains to be seen, but I am pretty sure that with Pio pulling out, that Kuros time at the top is coming to and end.

One can wait forever if that's the case as there will always be something touted as better on the horizon. After seeing how long ago this thread was started and you still haven't made a decision lends me to believe you like to procrastinate. It's certainly your choice but you could have had an awesome TV in your house by now and enjoying it.

Good luck in your choice. :)

I am slow to making a decision when it comes to dropping 2K on a luxury item like a TV.

I am slow to making a decision when it comes to dropping 2K on a luxury item like a TV.
Patience is bitter but it's fruit is Sweet! Don't let the Pio Fanboy Hysteria of this Forum sway your own logic and preferences or let a friggin Poll decide what you buy for your eyes - not the Lemmings.

Audition - Audition - Audition !!! Until one gets you hard and makes you pull your wallet out. As to blowing anything out of the water - horse pooh! I have never once seen a crowd gather around a KURO in any store setting - NEVER!!

A panel that blows others out of the water garner crowds to admire them and never has this occurred even with a dedicated BD Feed or it's own Kuro Feed in a fully lit showroom which isn't as bright as many homes the Kuro was dull, dim, drab and boring in the light of day. Yes - magic blacks in controlled lighting but nothing special in the light of day. The ferver for the panel on this forum obviously does not match a consumer base demand otherwise Pio would not be shutting down the TV Business while Samsung LCD's are blowing sales records out of the water even during this downturn.

$2K is rather cheap for this panel though - historically your getting a TV that sold for 3-4 times that not too many years ago. Audition until one makes you pull your wallet out but polling the fanbase to decide makes no sense - if you went to a Corvette Club thread and did a poll do you think they would recommend a Porche? The Kuro is the in thing if your a Lemming! It's far from perfect where one's viewing room environ does not match it's strengths. ;)

Patience is bitter but it's fruit is Sweet! Don't let the Pio Fanboy Hysteria of this Forum sway your own logic and preferences or let a friggin Poll decide what you buy for your eyes - not the Lemmings.

Audition - Audition - Audition !!! Until one gets you hard and makes you pull your wallet out. As to blowing anything out of the water - horse pooh! I have never once seen a crowd gather around a KURO in any store setting - NEVER!!

A panel that blows others out of the water garner crowds to admire them and never has this occurred even with a dedicated BD Feed or it's own Kuro Feed in a fully lit showroom which isn't as bright as many homes the Kuro was dull, dim, drab and boring in the light of day. Yes - magic blacks in controlled lighting but nothing special in the light of day. The ferver for the panel on this forum obviously does not match a consumer base demand otherwise Pio would not be shutting down the TV Business while Samsung LCD's are blowing sales records out of the water even during this downturn.

$2K is rather cheap for this panel though - historically your getting a TV that sold for 3-4 times that not too many years ago. Audition until one makes you pull your wallet out but polling the fanbase to decide makes no sense - if you went to a Corvette Club thread and did a poll do you think they would recommend a Porche? The Kuro is the in thing if your a Lemming! It's far from perfect where one's viewing room environ does not match it's strengths. ;)

The poll results show what people here at AVS consider to be his best choice.
And here at AVS, people are much more knowledgable about TV's and Picture quality.

I think your advise for him to follow the advise of a bunch of strangers at a retail store who most likely know very very little about TV's, instead of considering the advise of the people of this forum, is some of the worst advise I have ever seen.

You put a 9G kuro up against one of these LCD's in a room with a regular amount of ambient light, And there will be no comparison when it comes to overall picture quality.
Not that you would know about any of this because you've never owned a Kuro I am sure.

For some reason, you seem to think that most people have 15 foot windows right next to thier TV's.:D

So if they don't suck and are better or just as good, then what? It goes both ways. While Kuros are the best set now, how much longer will that last? by all accounts, there are sets that are already near Kuro status (OLED, LED LCD, and NEOPDPs) it makes little to no sense to assume that just because Kuros are the best displays now, that they will remain there indefinately and no other display will ever improve and advance.

In the world of technology today, to think that something wont get better is just foolish. The bottom line is that it remains to be seen, but I am pretty sure that with Pio pulling out, that Kuros time at the top is coming to and end.

You can always move forward, not backwards.

There is loads of info regarding next gen pannys (check the plasma thread). According to some pretty reliable sources, they will be better, but not close (yet).

Near Kuro status? OLED is supposedly going to be better, but I am not sure. It is pretty hard for me judge there considering, the display I have seen is 11". LED's are close if you sit in the middle, and they still suffer from black crush, and crosstalk. I already answered regarding NEOPDPs.

Here is the thing. As far as the standards go, there isn't much left to improve upon on the 9Gs, that is a fact (just look at all the calibration reports by many in the plasma forum). They can become thinner, more energy effecient, and brighter. The only one that would be nice for me, would be energy effeciency, and not because I save $1 a month.

Jump on the most Pioneer you can afford. They'll become like land. They don't make any more.

Jump on the most Pioneer you can afford. They'll become like land. They don't make any more.

pretty funny, but true. haha