Display size is the only specification difference between the Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD and PDP-6020FD. Both are Full HD 1080p resolution (1920 x 1080 pixels) with a 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio. The predominant attraction of these plasma HDTVs is the exceptional black levels and the associated picture quality benefits. There is also a very useful 72Hz mode for smooth playback of 1080p24 sources (24 frames per second). Pioneer’s Home Media Gallery with networking capabilities and extensive audio, video and picture format compatibility is also attractive. Connectivity options match the premium nature of this HDTV.

Pioneer has put in the hard work to rejuvenate plasma technology and set their HDTV products ahead of the competition. Their reward has been reviews like a recent one in Popular Science’s Best of What’s New 07 feature that does not hold back praise. Popular Science named the Pioneer KURO the Home Entertainment Category Grand Award Winner stating “The company completely redesigned its plasma technology to produce the sharpest, most vivid picture you’ll find on any TV.”

Pioneer KURO PDP-20FD Series Physical Attributes

With each generation of HDTVs wall mounting becomes easier, as is the case with the KURO PDP-20FD series, which are now only 3.7 inches thick – about 20 percent thinner than the previous model. It should be noted that the included stand will not swivel. The bottom mounted speaker can be detached if desired.

Picture Quality Pioneer KURO PDP-20FD Series Plasma

Pioneer named their plasma HDTV’s KURO which means black in Japanese. A deeper black level improves picture quality providing more detail in darker scenes and better color saturation (intensity). Even though the 2007 models were award winners, Pioneer have managed to again reduce idle luminance improving black levels a further five times. So the advantages of deeper black levels are not washed away by room ambient light conditions, KURO plasma HDTVs have an improved filter and an Optimum Mode which simultaneously monitors both video and room light conditions while automatically adjusting picture settings if necessary.

Pioneer have retained the six expertly tuned pre-set modes for different video sources (standard, movie, sports, performance, game and dynamic) but, added complimentary sound settings to each for a customized listening experience.

• Optimum: automatic adjustment of image quality for ambient light level in room
• Performance: boosts image definition for a bright room
• Dynamic: provides a sharper image combined with maximum contrast
• Movie: for film based movies
• Sport: for fast motion of sports programs
• Game: lowers image brightness for more comfortable viewing
• Standard: allows customized settings

Direct Color Filter

Pioneer’s Direct Color Filter minimizes light reflections in high ambient light conditions preserving black levels and contrast ratio. Attached directly to the front of panel, the filter assures a wide horizontal viewing angle without any mirror or reflection effects.

Crystal Emissive Layer

Pioneer’s crystal emissive layer has their newly developed cell structure which includes a new Electron Emission Source material for speedier electrical discharge to improve the pixel blackness between frames.

Deep Color

Deep Color term refers to the support of RGB/YCbCr30bit/36bit signals as well as the conventional RGB/YCbCr16bit/20bit/24bit signals. The increased bit size enables extended color reproduction (color depth). An extended color range allows images to have a more lifelike or natural appearance as it brings their color palette closer to that the human eye can perceive. Extra bit depth reduces the chance of posterization which can occur with extended color gamuts such as xvYCC.

HDMI v1.3 connections are available for connection of deep color supported video sources. The KURO InfoBanner displays the color depth of the source video allowing you to determine if the Deep Color is supported.

Video Processing

Unfortunately, high definition displays magnify any image defects which may include noise and image artifacts caused by poor video processing. Image defects masked by lower resolution displays are evident on a HDTV. Image noise and artifacts can be introduced through the compression required to pack hundreds of channels within limited transmission bandwidth or during deinterlacing which is required to convert NTSC or PAL interlaced signals to progressive-scan for digital display.

Video processor performance is having an increasing important role in assuring picture quality. Video processors de-interlace and scale video signals to fit native resolution however, they also have algorithms to improve image quality and remove any noise or artifacts. Pioneer’s newly revamped video processing engine includes an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) (an integrated circuit customized for a particular use) instead of relying on a general purpose one. The tailored chip design gives improved performance.

Pioneer’s PureCinema automatically detects and analyses a film-based source (recorded at 24fps) then recreates each still film frame for HD picture quality.

• Standard (60Hz) automatically detects recorded image data when displaying a video source having 24 fps for smooth and vivid playback
• Smooth reduces judder from film based video sources
• Advanced converts theatre-quality images to 72 Hz (multiple of film frame rate of 24fps) when displaying movies having 24 frames per second for smooth playback

It should be noted that the PDP-5020FD and PDP-6020FD lack some of the more sophisticated picture adjustments available on the Elite series models including color temperature and gamma control.

Sound Quality Pioneer KURO Plasma

To match their premium display, Pioneer have included a well above average integrated sound system. As well as the previously mentioned sound settings to compliment each video setting, there is also a new auto volume stabilization feature which smooths volume changes from different broadcast channels and audio sources.

Sound power level is up slightly from the previous KURO models in the form of an integrated digital amplifier along with twin 18W stereo digital amplifier speakers targeted for linearity in amplitude and less low range distortion.

Four SRS virtual surround technologies have been included by Pioneer: SRS FOCUS, SRS, SRS TruBass and SRS Definition.

• SRS FOCUS moves sound source direction vertically and makes sound and voice clearly audible
• SRS effortlessly produces a three-dimensional sound field
• SRS TruBass produces clearer, richer bass tones
• SRS Definition improves midrange quality and clarifies voice and instrument sound

Pioneer Home Media Gallery

Being able to access digital multimedia assets stored on PCs, external hard drives or other networked consumer electronics is becoming a more important consideration for HDTV shoppers and Pioneer have recognized this with their Home Media Gallery. With Home Media Gallery digital multimedia such as movies, music, and photo files can be enjoyed on your plasma HDTV. As well as playing content stored on one or more local area network (LAN) connected media servers, the KURO PDP-20FD Series can play back files stored on a USB flash drive.

DLNA Compliant (v1.5) IP Network Compatibility ensures ease of connecting to and sharing with other devices over an Ethernet network. Microsoft’s PlaysForSure Version 2.20 provides assured playback of downloaded, protected audio and video content from Internet which has been stored on a PC or media server.

A Media Navigator interface is used to navigate Folder/Contents lists and the Photo Player. There is a configurable slideshow application for viewing your photos and a Music Player for audio files. Also provided, is a HMG Playlist which is a play list for bookmarking favourite movie, music, and photo files from the network. You can store, edit, and sort up to 100 files in each Playlist List.

What is impressive about the Pioneer Home Media Gallery is the wide range of supported multimedia formats.

Supported Video Formats WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG4 (SP/ASP), MPEG4 (H.264/AVC)
Supported Audio Formats WMA9, MP3, Linear PCM (WAV), HE-AAC, MPEG-4 AAC
Supported Photo Formats JPG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP

File extensions capable of playback:

Video: .wmv .asf .mpg .mpeg .mpe .m2p .m4v .mp4v, .mp4, .mov
Audio: .wma .mp3 .wav .m4a .aac
Image: .jpg .jpeg .png .gif .bmp .tif .tiff

There is also an extensive range of media servers which are compatible.

Other Features

New remote control and redesigned high definition graphic user interface for ease-of-use and seamless integration with other A/V equipment (CEC control).

Orbiter Function to protect against burn-in by automatically and imperceptibly changing the picture position on the display.

Video Pattern Function to alleviate after-image ghosts or burn-in.

Energy Save Option for lower power consumption through decreased picture brightness

Energy Star Compliance

Game Console Recognition which sets a preference for image quality or for operability.

Six Aspect Ratio Modes provide a wide range of HD and SD aspect ratio choices as well as an auto selection option

Integrated ATSC & NTSC Tuner with Clear QAM

TV Guide On Screen Interactive Guide (Ver. 9)

On-Screen Display in English, French or Spanish

V-Chip Parental Control allows inappropriate TV programs, VCR recordings, and DVD content can be blocked.

Closed Caption (CC) Decoder allows conversations, narration, and sound effects in TV programs and home videos to appear as subtitles on the screen.

Advanced Picture-in-Picture with Picture-in-Picture (4 positions), Picture-side-Picture ››(3 positions) and Still Picture capability After-Image Reduction Function

Multi-channel Television Sound (MTS) for switching the audible language if available

Freeze Picture for capturing a still image – handy if you want to copy down some text details like a phone number or address.

Connectivity

Both the Pioneer KURO PDP-5010FD and PDP-6010FD come with an excellent range of connection options including no less than four HDMI.

HDMI 1.3 4x
Component 1x
Composite 3x
USB
PC (VGA)
CableCARD slot
LAN (10/100 Base-T Ethernet)
Optical Digital Audio (Dolby Digital/PCM)
Headphone

The Pioneer KURO PDP-20FD series has a higher specification sibling series the Elite KURO PRO-1FD series which has some additional picture calibration options available and is ISFccc calibration ready.

Resources

Wall mounting of a Pioneer KURO HDTV is a practical option, particularly as they are now only 3.7 Inches thick which is a 20 percent reduction on the previous model.

Sanus Systems VMPL3B Universal Flat Panel Wall Mount with Tilt for 27″ to 84″ Displays (Black)

Pioneer KURO PD-5020FD Plasma HDTV Product Brochure (pdf)

Pioneer KURO PD-5020FD Plasma HDTV Owners Manual (pdf 16.3MB)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD 60-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Extended Service Plan

Pioneer KURO 50″ 1080p Plasma HDTV PDP-5020FD