Pioneer's Kuro PDP-6020FD plasma gets reviewed

Home Theater magazine got its hands on Pioneer's 60-inch KURO PDP-6020FD plasma, and surprise, surprise -- it's the set to beat for now. By now, KURO black levels and contrast are so well established that not much ink needs to be spilled over them, except to say that the ninth generation 6020FD bested the reigning champ Elite PRO-150FD, but the review does a good job of finding nits to pick. Most notably, infinitely tweakable parameters like color temperature and sharpening are missing; we're guessing these are design choices made to leave room for the Pioneer Elite models. We have to wonder, though, how many high-end plasma shoppers (at $5500, are there any other kind?) will be willing to give up full calibration capability.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 9th 2008 7:32PM]

.......We have to wonder, though, how many high-end plasma shoppers (at $5500, are there any other kind?) will be willing to give up full calibration capability.



Invision Displays has it for $4300 w 3 yr warranty included, other online sellers have it for $3800 total. I bought my present KURO from Invision last year, I dbl THAT warranty to 2yrs using my AMEX card ............. so I'll assume AMEX would add an extra year for a PDP6020 purchase, = four yrs warranty total ???? Hhmmmmm.......

BUT ............. 8th generation KURO 50" performs fabulously still (no burn in or image retention ever, but some LCD lovers still claim I'll get it), looks great during the daylight also, never any glare from the window. During evening hours (lights dimmed) its incredible to view. Also a 4280 version in my game room downstairs, I sit 7ft away - just as impressive. Every guest I've had to the house agree KURO has the best PQ they have seen.

[enbadesign Posted Sep 10th 2008 3:21PM]

A Kuro has the best contrast and black levels as long as there isn't any light in the room. If there is light in the room a Kuro still loses out to a new Samsung 8 series.

Sorry but it is true. Pitch black home theater get a Kuro, anywhere else weigh your options.

[(Unverified) Posted Sep 12th 2008 10:31AM]

Please PLEASE don't compare anything Samsung to a KURO. It's like trying to argue that a Kia is better than a Porsche. And technically the ambient light in the room does not effect the contrast ratio and black levels of a set, that's physically impossible. It may seem that way just because an LCD can be cranked up brighter, making it seem to have more contrast to your eye, but for my money, I wouldn't even consider a Samsung over a KURO, they're not even in the same league. Hell, I wouldn't ever consider an LCD of any type over a Plasma of any type.