Pioneer PDP-LX5090 Review

50in Plasma

Picture
Sound
Features
Usability
Value

Simply the best large flat panel TV available.

HD Ready:

yes

Resolution:

1920 x 1080

Rating:

96%

Reviewed: 16 August 2008

Design

By choosing not to have speakers mounted optionally at the bottom of the screen, we are left with a remarkably svelte like appearance which is accentuated by a smooth glossy black finish.

In the absence of space consuming speakers along with its narrow frame, the PDP-LX5090 really does belie its 50in size, and will surely give food for thought to those who have not previously considered anything larger than a 40/42in screen.

Features

Giving some indication of where they believe the PDP-LX5090 should take its place in the flat panel pecking order, Pioneer give no contrast ratio stats, simply referring to this feature as 'extreme'. The PDP-LX5090 sports a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution along with three HDMI (v1.3) inputs and a USB 2.0 port.

Screen: 50in 16:9

Tuner: Digital

Sound System: Nicam

Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Contrast Ratio: na

Other Features: Integrated Freeview, ISF calibration controls.

Sockets: 3 HDMI, 3 SCART, Component Video, Composite Video, PC input, USB 2.0.

Once again with these brand new 9th Generation panels, for Pioneer, black levels are everything. With the latest addition to their 'Kuro' range ('Kuro' meaning 'black' in Japanese) Pioneer have refined their Plasma technology to virtually eliminate light bleed from individual cells which gives these screens the potential to deliver the finest black level performance of any TV to date.

A USB port has proved to be a surprisingly useful feature on a flat screen TV, allowing you to view all of those JPEG holiday snaps in their full glory through a custom built menu function.

The 24fps (frames per second) features enables the viewing of films as they were intended, rather than slightly speeded up to 25fps (normal TV is generally broadcast at this speed).

Performance

Pioneer could have quite easily rested on their laurels with their 8th generation plasma screens, which are arguably better than current flat panel offerings from any other manufacturer. We are delighted that Pioneer have chosen not to do this as their 9th generation screens are not marginally better than the outgoing range, they place previous offerings from the Japanese electronics giant firmly in the shade.

To illustrate just how accomplished black levels have become, it is necessary to watch the PDP-LX5090 in a completely darkened room where you can watch the screen blend in seamlessly with its surroundings. The 8th series achieved impressive levels of darkness, the PDP-LX5090 is simply 'black'.

The astounding black levels create a perfect canvass for on-screen colours. Pioneer have managed to take full advantage of the screens core strength by adding an almost faultless colour palette to the mix. The sheer vibrancy of the colour performance strikes you first while you then notice that this vibrancy is matched by fine subtlety with tricky areas such as skin tones never looking anything less than wholly realistic.

Standard Definition (SD) performance from the PDP-LX5090 benefits from that traditional area of strength for a plasma screen, motion handling capability. We consider Pioneer's PDP-428XD to be one of the best TV's around in this respect and testament to the PDP-LX5090's abilities at 50in, this screen matches that performance. There is virtually no trace of motion blur on even the fastest on-screen action while pictures retain there fluidity and detail in virtually all situations. The SD picture is not perfect, with a miniscule amount of 'noise' with a poorer quality Freeview source, but for such a large screen the picture is quite remarkable.

Feed the PDP-LX5090 some High Definition (HD) content and you have what is perhaps the most accomplished home cinematic experience from a flat screen available today. We were simply in awe of the pictures presented to us with our Blu-ray 'Planet Earth' series. Feeling as if hands too near to the PDP-LX5090 would divert a torrent of water away from the screen, the level of detail and sharpness achieved is breathtaking.

Conclusion

The PDP-LX5090 is considerably more expensive than most of its 50in rivals and this includes some very impressive panels from the likes of Panasonic. However, if you want a truly exceptional all round big screen performance, this latest offering from Pioneer is in a class of its own and worth every penny of the not inconsiderable price tag.