Well, I had almost decided on getting a Pioneer PDP-4271HD with the new low prices available, but then after looking at the Panasonic TH-42PX75U side by side with the Pio, I actually thought the PQ was a bit better with the Panny. The price of both of these sets is almost identical now, so that isn't a factor. Have any of you been in the same boat? Any reasons why you chose one vs the other of these sets? It may be a wash because both sets look to be fine, but just interested in any opinions of why any of you may have chosen either the Panasonic or the Pioneer in this 42-inch size.

Thanks!

Well, I had almost decided on getting a Pioneer PDP-4271HD with the new low prices available, but then after looking at the Panasonic TH-42PX75U side by side with the Pio, I actually thought the PQ was a bit better with the Panny. The price of both of these sets is almost identical now, so that isn't a factor. Have any of you been in the same boat? Any reasons why you chose one vs the other of these sets? It may be a wash because both sets look to be fine, but just interested in any opinions of why any of you may have chosen either the Panasonic or the Pioneer in this 42-inch size.

Thanks!

Curious, why consider the Pioneer if, the "PQ was a bit better with the Panny."?

Curious, why consider the Pioneer if, the "PQ was a bit better with the Panny."?

I left this out . . I had previously seen a Pio at a friend's house that looked great, and I had really thought I was going ahead and buy that set. And the Pioneer that I saw in BB also looks fine. It's just that I hadn't seen the Pio and the Panasonic side-by-side before last night. And the Panny's picture wasn't dramatically better, but just noticed a slightly better quality in some scenes (a bit sharper and color a bit better.) Now, that may well have been because that particular Pioneer set may not have been calibrated finely, I don't know. It did NOT seem as clear as the one my friend has. But after seeing both sets, I think I should at least consider the Panasonic before pulling the trigger. Just interested if anyone else has had the same quandry before deciding and what finally helped them to make their decision.

The problem here is you're comparing a newer panny model with an older pio model. If you're in no haste I'll wait to compare the newer pio with the newer panny model and let your eyes decide. My .02.

4280HD is the way to go :)

The problem here is you're comparing a newer panny model with an older pio model. If you're in no haste I'll wait to compare the newer pio with the newer panny model and let your eyes decide. My .02.

Yes, I'd thought about that, but the 4280 will be over $1000 more than the current price of the 4270. That's a BIG difference to me right now.

Yes, I'd thought about that, but the 4280 will be over $1000 more than the current price of the 4270. That's a BIG difference to me right now.

Maybe at MSRP. Realistic difference is $500.

The problem here is you're comparing a newer panny model with an older pio model. If you're in no haste I'll wait to compare the newer pio with the newer panny model and let your eyes decide. My .02.

Not true--the Panasonic 75u uses the same glass as the previous generation. Differences between the two generations are purely cosmetic.

I would go for the 4270 over the 75u if they were the same price and the 4280 over both of them should your budget allow you to.

For the Pan 42" 1080 class HDTV

http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-and-plasma/panasonic-th-42pz700u/4505-6482_7-32466828.html?ar=o&tag=pdtl-list

I have the Pio 42" 940 Elite and it's has a great PQ. No complaints....the Disc Channel in HD....WOW

I'm curious to see the reviews on the Pio 4280 or 5080 series soon...

Well, I had almost decided on getting a Pioneer PDP-4271HD with the new low prices available, but then after looking at the Panasonic TH-42PX75U side by side with the Pio, I actually thought the PQ was a bit better with the Panny. The price of both of these sets is almost identical now, so that isn't a factor. Have any of you been in the same boat? Any reasons why you chose one vs the other of these sets? It may be a wash because both sets look to be fine, but just interested in any opinions of why any of you may have chosen either the Panasonic or the Pioneer in this 42-inch size.

Thanks!


I too have been looking at both sets. The (4271) model BB has does not have the detachable speaker. Also they refuse to price match a certain local competitor that is $400 less. After they sell you their waranty, tax title and license, you might as well buy the 4280 from one of the online sponsors here. Even though BB is a B@M store their customer service seems much to be desired. On a budget Id order the 42px75 at a ridiculous low price with free shipping.

Thats my take,
DL

I feel that it is hard to judge what you are seeing in the stores. I have seen the Pioneer in different stores and it had a very sharp picture but I was in a store last night that had the 4270 Pio the new 77 series Panasonic and the new 64 series Samsung right next to each other and the Pioneer did not look sharp at all. The other 2 did. Is it because of the close comparison or is it a connection issue? I have seen sets look great in some stores and ok or worse in others, it must have something to do with a connection. Before I decided to but this tv I had a hard time choosing because the picture in the store was not what I wanted and I was unable to make adjustments because of the circumstances. I went to a different store and they had the tv adjusted differently and it was so good I bought one. I do know that the people in the business repeatedly seem to recommend even last years Pioneer plasmas over even the newest Panasonic and Samsung plasmas. There must be a reason for it. Obviously people have different tastes and what appeals to each is what is best for them.

Any happy DV46AV dvd player owners out there?

too many pioneer lovers on the board, pioneer could make the shittiest tv and these members will recommend others to buy it as long it has pioneer name on it.


dumb

I agree , I stopped by another BB on the way home last nite(before the sale went off) and their PQ was far superior to another location I had looked at. And as you can imagine the manager there offered me a worse deal, than the other location did. It seems they do have some discretion. With out discussing pricing I was seeing what the store would offer on site versus their internet sales deals, since allegedly they are not on any type of commission.

DL

too many pioneer lovers on the board, pioneer could make the shittiest tv and these members will recommend others to buy it as long it has pioneer name on it.

dumb

Thats a little harsh, but I will agree that whenever I see Pios in stores against other brands they always look good. Fine, right? But.... they are always WAAAAAAYYYYY overpriced. Its not a case of neccessarily getting what you pay for either. The price difference just seems to be...well..... a price difference. Once the TVs are dialed in the Pios rarely validate that extra $500++ bucks of cost.

I've messed with the Pios and checked them out. Nothing special here for build quality. They feel the same as Panny, Sammy or any of the others. At least High-End audio gear is heavy, beefy, silky-smooth controls, etc, etc. The Pio 70 series feel no different than any other TV. The have no real extra features so whats the extra cost for? Profit? :rolleyes:

;)

too many pioneer lovers on the board, pioneer could make the shittiest tv and these members will recommend others to buy it as long it has pioneer name on it.


dumb
What an ignorant post...

Do you really think they've gained popularity on name alone?! Their latest panels literally put everything else to shame. If they had completely failed to achieve what they claimed, however, people would be slamming them for it.

Their 7th gen models were very solid as well and manage to avoid a common plasma fault.

They have become popular on the basis of their performance, not their name.

It's all about the video processing. Good HD content looks nice on a multitude of sets. Drop to digital/analog SD though and things get a bit different. You get what you you pay for...especially with Pio or Fuji.