Pioneer has released the latest edition to their KURO family - the PDP-5020FD. This model offers consumers some of the most pure blacks ever seen. (This one feature that is keeping plasma TVs alive, as LCD manufacturers still cannot produce true blacks.) Pioneer has done what they always do and improved upon the flaws of the PDP-5020FDs predecessors. The KURO PDP-5020FD has is quirks, but overall, offers an incredibly crisp picture every time you turn it on.
The Pioneer KURO PDP-5020FD not only offers HD (1080p) to its users, but five times deeper blacks than have ever been seen before - experience darkness and vividness like never before. Even with extreme blacks, there is still one major flaw with the KURO PDP-5020FD - advanced color adjustments do not exist. Adjustments like color temperature and primary color adjustments were never added to this streamline model.
The KURO PDP-5020FD does come with a few presets that automatically adjust based on the specific settings for that particular mode. Users can adjust these presets, with the minimal available adjustments, to their specific likings. With few adjustment options available, this is a nice feature, which allows consumers to feel as if they can customize their viewing experience. Because of the limitations, on the KURO PDP-5020FD, it is highly suggested that users test each of the presets rather than sticking with the default settings.
The KURO PDP-5020FD is one of the bottom of the line models which was designed for common users - not graphical geniuses. The glitch in this thinking was the suggested retail price of $3,500. Typical everyday viewers usually will not spend this kind of money on a television. However, there are a handful of retailers selling the unit for a fraction of this cost, around $2,000.
On the other hand, there is a great advantage to the KURO PDP-5020FD - the Home Media Gallery. The integration of this feature allows users to easily view their own photos, videos, and listen to their own music, right through their own TV. Simply plug in a USB jump drive, or connect to your home network, and you are ready to enjoy your personal memories on a 50″ plasma.
For the price, you would hope that there are a number of connection options available - the KURO PDP 5020FD offers this. Users will find four HDMI ports along with component, composite, S-video, RF, PC, and LAN inputs, along with audio outputs. These ports are split up between the back of the television (for neatness) and the side for pure convenience. Even though you may be a bit disappointed in the color adjustments, the connection ports just might alleviate some of that annoyance.
Additional features, on the KURO PDP-5020FD, include but are not limited to a detachable speaker, improved user interface, and the TV is Energy Star Compliant. The detachable speaker is a nice bonus for those looking for a TV with no obtrusions.
As Pioneer exits the plasma market, they leave consumers with the KURO PDP-5020FD. If you are they type that expects extreme detail and needs to adjust coloring for the perfect viewing, this might not be the best option for you. If you; however, enjoy a good movie, are looking for vivid imagery with a few added bonuses, the KURO PDP-5020FD just might fit the bill. (Just make sure you shop around before forking over a hefty $3,500.)












