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Pioneer PDP4270XD Final Conclusion

by Colin Tang
16 March 2007

SUMMARY
In the flat screen arena, this Pioneer range offers class leading colour reproduction, tweakability and video processing features.

PROS
> Excellent colour after calibration. Gorgeous colour reproduction
> Advanced picture controls and video processing creates stunning images
> Accepts 1080p24 material

CONS
> Below average greyish blacks
> Limited connection options
> Dirty screen and buzzing

Note: Dirty screen and buzzing may be specific to our model.

Pros

  • Excellent colour decoding
  • Wide range of advanced picture controls
  • Good motion handling
  • Wide viewing angle
  • Excellent video mode deinterlacing (directional jaggies reduction)
  • Good film mode deinterlacing
  • Accepts 1080p24 material
  • Unobtrusive minimalist design
  • Good menu system with on screen help
  • Very configurable and flexible
  • Independent memory input per source
  • Anti screen burn technology
  • No overt image retention issues in first few hours
  • Digital sound out
  • Onboard digital freeview tuner
  • 10-bit processing
  • Fast setup – relatively light

Cons

  • Not 1080 resolution
  • 1 HDMI, no VGA input
  • No 1080p 50/60 Hz input
  • Greyish blacks
  • Slightly reduced detail compared to LCD on 1080 material
  • Not as bright compared to LCD at high signal levels
  • Dirty screen effect (uneven screen uniformity)
  • Buzzing
  • Film mode deinterlacing must be selected depending on source
  • Reflective screen
  • Crude sensitivity in controls
  • No `ISF calibration controls’ in service menu
  • Out of date EPG
  • No Picture in Picture
  • Overscanning
  • Lack of details in manual

Conclusion

If this plasma screen is any indication, the whole LCD vs Plasma war will probably continue for some years. Plasma technology has been developed longer than most of the newer, competing panels and it is clear that several clever innovations have kept it ahead in some areas concerning picture quality. We found that our model excels in accurate colour reproduction and video processing, making it well balanced to deliver the best SD and HD picture for your money. This is true despite its weakness in black level and panel resolution.

The upgraded Pioneer PDP-427XD uses a similar panel but differ in the following aspects:

  • 2 HDMI and 1 VGA connections
  • Picture-in-Picture
  • Subwoofer output
  • Universal Remote Control
  • Stand NOT included
  • ISF Calibration Service Menu
  • Slightly more expensive (about £100 more)

We recommend the PDP-427XD if you intend to employ professional ISF calibration service. You can still consider the PDP-4270XD if you want a set-and-forget plasma. Both should give very good pictures.


Back To: PDP4270XD Review

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