Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 Review

What the reviewers like:
According to reviews, the picture quality of the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is unrivaled. Furthermore, this 50-inch plasma TV has the highest possible 1080p resolution for the most possible detail from HD programming and movies. Reviews say the remote control is clean and uncluttered, and the menu system is straightforward and easy to use. Movies look terrific. Connectivity is excellent, and includes two HDMI inputs. Since it has no tuners, it's only appropriate for those who subscribe to cable or satellite TV.

What the reviewers don't like:
Although it’s an excellent plasma display, reviewers say that the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is extremely expensive relative to 720p displays that perform nearly as well. The PRO-FHD1 is a monitor and lacks tuners, so you can't get over-the-air TV with just an antenna. Speakers and a stand are not included, adding further to the price.

Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 review highlights

Reviews generally agree that the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is the best plasma display in its size and price class. While most plasma TVs have a resolution of 1365 x 768 pixels, the Pioneer Elite has full 1920 x 1080 pixel HD resolution, and reviewers say the picture quality is simply stunning. However, the PRO-FHD1 is a plasma monitor, with no tuners, speakers or even a stand. For that reason, it's only appropriate for those who get all of their programming via cable or satellite and plan to use separate speakers. While the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 was the first 1080p 50-inch plasma display, Panasonic has now introduced the 1080p 50-inch TH-50PF9UK (*est. $4,840), which is also a tuner-less monitor. While picture performance of the TH-50PF9UK is good, reports indicate that it's not quite as impressive as that of the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1. You can also get good-to-great picture quality with many 720p plasma TVs at far more budget-friendly prices.

There are lots of excellent reviews available for the 50-inch Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 plasma TV. By far, the most balanced review can be found at Ultimate AV magazine. Particularly noteworthy is the detailed test results section that explains the tests and puts the results into context. Sound & Vision magazine also tests the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1, but it doesn’t go into quite as much detail. Both CNet.com and Home Theater provide numerical ratings, but CNet.com rates far more plasma TVs and makes it easier to compare the ratings of different plasma TVs. Those who want to delve very deeply into technical details will find the report at HDTVExpert.com interesting.

Also see full report: Plasma TV

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Ultimate AV Magazine
Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 Plasma HDTV Review
Shane C. Buettner
Nov. 2006

Ultimate AV magazine tests and rates a variety of home-entertainment equipment, including plasma TVs. The single-product reports are very detailed, with lots of information for the technically inclined. The Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 gets an excellent, detailed and highly credible review here.

2. Sound & Vision Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 Review
Al Griffin
Oct. 2006

Sound & Vision magazine regularly tests plasma TVs in highly detailed single-set reports and occasional multi-set roundups. Highest rated products earn a Sound & Vision Certified and Recommended designation. According to reviewer Al Griffin, the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 is very expensive, but it delivers some of the best video performance available from a plasma display.

3. CNet.com
Pioneer PRO-FHD1 Review
David Katzmaier
Jan. 23, 2007

CNet.com's electronics editors are constantly reviewing plasma TVs and updating their ratings as new models come to market. Although it gets a very high rating, the editors interestingly don't give Pioneer PRO-FHD1 one of the site's Editors' Choice awards simply because its price puts this Pioneer Elite plasma display out of reach of most buyers. This is a well-balanced review conducted by one of CNet's veteran product testers, David Katzmaier.

4. Home Theater Magazine
>> Details/Subscribe
Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 Plasma HD Monitor
Geoffrey Morrison
Feb. 2007

This review of the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is reasonably detailed and complete. Numerical ratings are given in a number of areas, and an overall rating is assigned. One downside is that Home Theater Magazine rates fewer plasma TVs than some other resources, and some of the reports on other TVs are not very informative.

5. HDTVExpert.com
Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 Plasma Monitor
Peter Putman
Mar. 9, 2007

Peter Putman's HDTVExpert.com is a great resource for those interested in technical details. His review of the Pioneer Elite Pro-FHD1 delves deep into topics that few other reviewers even address.

6. AVSForum.com
Plasma Flat Panel Displays
Contributors to AVSForum.com

On this user forum website, the main thread devoted to the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 is nearly 900 posts long, and the display is discussed in numerous other threads as well. Since this forum provides user-to-user help, you'll see some discussion about problems and fixes, but most users seem to be exceedingly pleased with the Pioneer PRO-FHD1.

Also see full report: Plasma TV