Pioneer 9G Owners Thread - Present & Future

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by Sonny

She's beautiful even in the box!! Congrats! Last night I sold 1 of my 5020's to my brother in law, cause Best Buy was just begging me to buy their last new in the box 111FD for $2,399!!!!! I wasn't sure they weren't mistaking it for a 5020, & nope it was a 111FD!!! I could not believe it! It cost me about $100 to upgrade to the Elite Now I have all 3 (151FD 111FD 5020FD) of my babies!! I think I just 'nut' Dreams can come true If anyone else can get lucky enough do get this deal & have the cash DO IT! I know lots of the higher ups at BB , & lately they have been throwing stuff at me!! They need the sales!!! I just hope I can hang on to my job, it looks kinda 'iffy' & this all happend just last night Bad timing....

Could you please tell me if you haggled with them about the price at all or was it offered to you for that price ???

I'm 90% sure I'm going to place my order At Best Buy Magnolia tomorrow for the PRO111FD model and right now the price is just below $2800. I wouldn't mind saving a few more dollars and not sure how much an extended warranty cost from them so maybe I can get them to include that into the price. Got any tricks/tips, anyone ???

I should of checked the price for the the 151FD 60" elite kuro when I talked to them today, although I don't think I have space for it. If I can get a great deal on it, I bet I can make room !!! I have to leave the speakers attached for everyday normal use so space is a concern.

I know The 111FD can be found online for a little cheaper but the places I found weren't authorized Pioneer Elite dealers. Anyone know about any great deals on the 151FD 60" elite model ??? Gotta have the warranty though....

[Plasmachick]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Could you please tell me if you haggled with them about the price at all or was it offered to you for that price ???

I'm 90% sure I'm going to place my order At Best Buy Magnolia tomorrow for the PRO111FD model and right now the price is just below $2800. I wouldn't mind saving a few more dollars and not sure how much an extended warranty cost from them so maybe I can get them to include that into the price. Got any tricks/tips, anyone ???

I should of checked the price for the the 151FD 60" elite kuro when I talked to them today, although I don't think I have space for it. If I can get a great deal on it, I bet I can make room !!! I have to leave the speakers attached for everyday normal use so space is a concern.

I know The 111FD can be found online for a little cheaper but the places I found weren't authorized Pioneer Elite dealers. Anyone know about any great deals on the 151FD 60" elite model ??? Gotta have the warranty though....

Check the Pioneer website and get a list of authorized dealers for the elite. I don't think there any online dealers authorized to sell the elite so you're gonna have to find a brick and mortar store.

[mdabb]

Originally Posted by Plasmachick

Check the Pioneer website and get a list of authorized dealers for the elite. I don't think there any online dealers authorized to sell the elite so you're gonna have to find a brick and mortar store.

Yeah, I knew that was probably gonna be the case. BB Magnolia is the only one wanting to play ball, the other stores I checked locally weren't discounting all that much. I guess I was hoping for an authorized merchant that was willing to ship. I've read about people claiming they got the warranty with their Elite from an online retailer, probably BS or they just don't know.........

No biggie, I gotta have the factory warranty and service. Hopefully BB has decent prices on extended warranties !!! I should have some reward zone savings coming to me, but most likely it won't apply to TV's.

No matter what I can't wait for my new love !!!

[wafi]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Yeah, I knew that was probably gonna be the case. BB Magnolia is the only one wanting to play ball, the other stores I checked locally weren't discounting all that much. I guess I was hoping for an authorized merchant that was willing to ship. I've read about people claiming they got the warranty with their Elite from an online retailer, probably BS or they just don't know.........

No biggie, I gotta have the factory warranty and service. Hopefully BB has decent prices on extended warranties !!! I should have some reward zone savings coming to me, but most likely it won't apply to TV's.

No matter what I can't wait for my new love !!!

I haggled @ BB and got $200 off for the 111FD. The 4 year warranty @ BB is about $400.

[wafi]

Originally Posted by Plasmachick

Check the Pioneer website and get a list of authorized dealers for the elite. I don't think there any online dealers authorized to sell the elite so you're gonna have to find a brick and mortar store.

I agree with Plasmachick, for the amount of money youre gonna shell out for an Elite dont go for an online site no matter how good the deal may sound. Stick with a B&M store to be on the safe side, if problems [dead pixels etc] should arise you will have the option of returning/exchanging it hassle free.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Could you please tell me if you haggled with them about the price at all or was it offered to you for that price ???

I'm 90% sure I'm going to place my order At Best Buy Magnolia tomorrow for the PRO111FD model and right now the price is just below $2800. I wouldn't mind saving a few more dollars and not sure how much an extended warranty cost from them so maybe I can get them to include that into the price. Got any tricks/tips, anyone ???

I should of checked the price for the the 151FD 60" elite kuro when I talked to them today, although I don't think I have space for it. If I can get a great deal on it, I bet I can make room !!! I have to leave the speakers attached for everyday normal use so space is a concern.

I know The 111FD can be found online for a little cheaper but the places I found weren't authorized Pioneer Elite dealers. Anyone know about any great deals on the 151FD 60" elite model ??? Gotta have the warranty though....

I was dealing with the GM of Best Buy. You don't want to deal with one of the regular floor guy that are scared to quote you a price then not be able to back it up. I asked what's your best ? If I like the number I'll take it, simple as that. I also agree with buying from B&M , others will say online it's cheaper, but something like a kuro why risk it???

[4TA23]

I bought mine from Amazon (authorized online dealer btw) got free white glove delivery took a week to get the TV to me in perfect condition, did my break in, got a calibration done just yesterday and man is this a nice TV. I will have pics in my gallery tomorrow.

my review of calibration:

I just had a calibration of my Pioneer 5020 today by Doug Weil of Clearly Resolved out of St Louis, MO. I have to say Doug was top notch all the way. Not only did he give me a much better picture but he expained everything in great detail all the way through. Explaind every screen and test he was looking at, showed me how it was off and then showed me how it should look. I am very satisfied with my calibration and I was one of those skeptic types and I am now a true believer. Whites are not so dirty any more and detail in black just pops now, very impressed. I give Doug Weil of Clearly Resolved 5 stars out of 5, he was very friendly and professional. At the end I already had my holes in the wall and the bracket secured to the wall and he took time to help me run the wires through the wall and lift my TV up on the bracket for no extra charge, I would recommend Doug to any one he can reach out of the St Lois area that is in his coverage area.

clearlyresolved.com if you want to get ahold of him.

[mdabb]

Thanks everyone !!!

More than anything I wanted to check if anyone knew anything I didn't but I'm happy about the purchase any way I look at it. In the end I'm saving a good bit off retail as it is.

I definitely "wouldn't" buy the PRO 111FD or any Elite product from a non-authorized dealer. I think most people may/might overlook that, but what the hell are they gonna do if the TV screws up. There goes your savings that they would have otherwise spent by buying from an authorized source.

Since my store doesn't have one in stock I gotta wait a few days for it to arrive and then the fun begins. Just in time for the weekend !!!

Now I'm gonna have to track down a new AV rack or entertainment center and I think a wall mount as well. Not sure if I'm gonna go with a fully articulating mount or what.

I'm just glad to be moving on from the replacement TV samsung gave me. It's a 56" DLP and is only eight months old but I have personal issues with it. The TV works fine, however it's no KURO that's for sure. Sure I may be getting a smaller screen size but PQ rules the day for me.

Man, it's a damn shame It's the end of the road for these babies. Sure one day another will be king. As for when, I don't think it will be all that soon.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Thanks everyone !!!

More than anything I wanted to check if anyone knew anything I didn't but I'm happy about the purchase any way I look at it. In the end I'm saving a good bit off retail as it is.

I definitely "wouldn't" buy the PRO 111FD or any Elite product from a non-authorized dealer. I think most people may/might overlook that, but what the hell are they gonna do if the TV screws up. There goes your savings that they would have otherwise spent by buying from an authorized source.

Since my store doesn't have one in stock I gotta wait a few days for it to arrive and then the fun begins. Just in time for the weekend !!!

Now I'm gonna have to track down a new AV rack or entertainment center and I think a wall mount as well. Not sure if I'm gonna go with a fully articulating mount or what.

I'm just glad to be moving on from the replacement TV samsung gave me. It's a 56" DLP and is only eight months old but I have personal issues with it. The TV works fine, however it's no KURO that's for sure. Sure I may be getting a smaller screen size but PQ rules the day for me.

Man, it's a damn shame It's the end of the road for these babies. Sure one day another will be king. As for when, I don't think it will be all that soon.

Nice job & enjoy your bad ass TV! Your right, who knows when we will see a TV of this quality...1,2,3 years ???? Who knows but even then the pioneer will be a top dog. look at the end of my sig.... See what 0.001fL means (all 9G's)these are some other numbers 8G 0.004fL panasonic 0.008fL Sony LCD 0.032fL

[wozman]

Well I have been a Kuro owner for about a month now, and this is one amazing TV, To think of it I almost went with an LCD, (Samsung A630) but when the Pioneer Kuro went on sale I just had to pony up, and pay the extra $500 to get it. Then came the after-shock after my purchase that Pioneer was stopping production. I had my doubts but those seem to be vanishing every other blu-ray movie I watch. The quality is out of this world.

My question to all of you fellow Kuro owners. I have been doing the slow painful break-in period for the Kuro every other night with the thumb drive files but its hard not to "watch" a new screen you just purchased. So I have been watching TV mostly only HD, and bluray movies. The odd Standard Def show, but it is always stretched to full screen. My main question is, Break-In that important. 150-200hrs really needed? and after the fact, how many people here have there new Kuro's calibrated? I find it hard to justify a $300 price tag, for that calibration to be done. (Avsforum.com) D-Nice guy, who goes around the globe doing calibrations.....

Anybody have any light to shed on this situation, greatly appreciated.....Is it safe to just start using your TV the way you want too, with your own settings etc....Or am I being to paranoid.....

Thing is I am coming from an Older DLP, and am really worried about the "care" of the Plasma, etc....image burn in, and all. Is it safe to say, just enjoy the new Kuro? and welcome to the family.....


My setup Is as follows:
Main Setup:
TV - Pioneer Kuro 5020
Receiver - Yamaha HTR-6160 (its great does it all)
Speakers - Bose Acoustimass 6 Series
Blu Ray Player - Sony BDP-S350
Cable - Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD PVR

Second setup:
TV - Toshiba DLP HM5284
Receiver - Yamaha HTR-5840S
Speakers - Looking for something cheap
Blu Ray Player - Sony Playstation 3 60GB
Cable - Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250HD

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by wozman

Well I have been a Kuro owner for about a month now, and this is one amazing TV, To think of it I almost went with an LCD, (Samsung A630) but when the Pioneer Kuro went on sale I just had to pony up, and pay the extra $500 to get it. Then came the after-shock after my purchase that Pioneer was stopping production. I had my doubts but those seem to be vanishing every other blu-ray movie I watch. The quality is out of this world.

My question to all of you fellow Kuro owners. I have been doing the slow painful break-in period for the Kuro every other night with the thumb drive files but its hard not to "watch" a new screen you just purchased. So I have been watching TV mostly only HD, and bluray movies. The odd Standard Def show, but it is always stretched to full screen. My main question is, Break-In that important. 150-200hrs really needed? and after the fact, how many people here have there new Kuro's calibrated? I find it hard to justify a $300 price tag, for that calibration to be done. (Avsforum.com) D-Nice guy, who goes around the globe doing calibrations.....

Anybody have any light to shed on this situation, greatly appreciated.....Is it safe to just start using your TV the way you want too, with your own settings etc....Or am I being to paranoid.....

Thing is I am coming from an Older DLP, and am really worried about the "care" of the Plasma, etc....image burn in, and all. Is it safe to say, just enjoy the new Kuro? and welcome to the family.....


My setup Is as follows:
Main Setup:
TV - Pioneer Kuro 5020
Receiver - Yamaha HTR-6160 (its great does it all)
Speakers - Bose Acoustimass 6 Series
Blu Ray Player - Sony BDP-S350
Cable - Scientific Atlanta Explorer 8300HD PVR

Second setup:
TV - Toshiba DLP HM5284
Receiver - Yamaha HTR-5840S
Speakers - Looking for something cheap
Blu Ray Player - Sony Playstation 3 60GB
Cable - Scientific Atlanta Explorer 4250HD

Welcome picture quality greatness! The plasma break-in deal is only something you should do if you feel the need too. I fell asleep in front of my kuro watching a Blu-ray & when I woke up 7hrs later the movie was on "press play" screen of course!!! & GUESS WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!?! Nothing. I turned the TV off , it was still dark out side plus the room is like a bat cave anyway & there was not even a hint of image retention!! I F-ing love these things they call "KURO".

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by Sonny

Welcome picture quality greatness! The plasma break-in deal is only something you should do if you feel the need too. I fell asleep in front of my kuro watching a Blu-ray & when I woke up 7hrs later the movie was on "press play" screen of course!!! & GUESS WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!?!?!?! Nothing. I turned the TV off , it was still dark out side plus the room is like a bat cave anyway & there was not even a hint of image retention!! I F-ing love these things they call "KURO".

I have the screen saver set on my BLU-RAY player. In case someone falls a sleep the screen saver kicks in on static images.

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

I have the screen saver set on my BLU-RAY player. In case someone falls a sleep the screen saver kicks in on static images.

It's not the first (or 2nd, or 3rd, but anyway) time I've crashed out & woke up to a static screen & when it wasn't a Kuro....It sure would get my heart pumpin!

[wafi]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

I have the screen saver set on my BLU-RAY player. In case someone falls a sleep the screen saver kicks in on static images.

Same here but I only take power naps in front of it when I'm watching Blus or better yet I'll turn on HD Theater or Food TV HD when I'm about to fall asleep. Those channels hardly have any SD commercials on them.

[wozman]

Thanks

But whats your thought on "Calibration" is it something that has to be done, after the "break-in" or can you do this 2-3 years from now. Probably better off doing a "calib." pronto if you were to do one at all, wouldn't you think?

I just think Plasma's have come a long way, (seem to be leaving ) and maybe the whole calibration is far over blowen.

Any info?

[Sonny]

Originally Posted by wozman

Thanks

But whats your thought on "Calibration" is it something that has to be done, after the "break-in" or can you do this 2-3 years from now. Probably better off doing a "calib." pronto if you were to do one at all, wouldn't you think?

I just think Plasma's have come a long way, (seem to be leaving ) and maybe the whole calibration is far over blowen.

Any info?

I definitely think a Pro Cali is a good idea & worth the money, do you NEED it done, NO. It's all about getting more from the TV, & even an Elite has some tricks up its sleeve. If your happy with the PQ you're getting & there's no reason why you shouldn't be, then just relax & enjoy.

[Plasmachick]

Originally Posted by 4TA23

I bought mine from Amazon (authorized online dealer btw) got free white glove delivery took a week to get the TV to me in perfect condition, did my break in, got a calibration done just yesterday and man is this a nice TV. I will have pics in my gallery tomorrow.

my review of calibration:

I just had a calibration of my Pioneer 5020 today by Doug Weil of Clearly Resolved out of St Louis, MO. I have to say Doug was top notch all the way. Not only did he give me a much better picture but he expained everything in great detail all the way through. Explaind every screen and test he was looking at, showed me how it was off and then showed me how it should look. I am very satisfied with my calibration and I was one of those skeptic types and I am now a true believer. Whites are not so dirty any more and detail in black just pops now, very impressed. I give Doug Weil of Clearly Resolved 5 stars out of 5, he was very friendly and professional. At the end I already had my holes in the wall and the bracket secured to the wall and he took time to help me run the wires through the wall and lift my TV up on the bracket for no extra charge, I would recommend Doug to any one he can reach out of the St Lois area that is in his coverage area.

clearlyresolved.com if you want to get ahold of him.

Well I got my 5020 from an online dealer who is authorized pioneer reseller.

but that's the 5020. I think the Elites are a different story.


By the way, I read your review on AVSforum. Great review I must say. Can't wait to get mine calibrated.

[Plasmachick]

Originally Posted by wozman

My question to all of you fellow Kuro owners. I have been doing the slow painful break-in period for the Kuro every other night with the thumb drive files but its hard not to "watch" a new screen you just purchased. So I have been watching TV mostly only HD, and bluray movies. The odd Standard Def show, but it is always stretched to full screen. My main question is, Break-In that important. 150-200hrs really needed? and after the fact, how many people here have there new Kuro's calibrated? I find it hard to justify a $300 price tag, for that calibration to be done. (Avsforum.com) D-Nice guy, who goes around the globe doing calibrations.....

Anybody have any light to shed on this situation, greatly appreciated.....Is it safe to just start using your TV the way you want too, with your own settings etc....Or am I being to paranoid.....

I didn't do the break in. I've had my tv for over a month. I will get it calibrated though when the money is right.

[4TA23]

Originally Posted by mdabb

Thanks everyone !!!

More than anything I wanted to check if anyone knew anything I didn't but I'm happy about the purchase any way I look at it. In the end I'm saving a good bit off retail as it is.

I definitely "wouldn't" buy the PRO 111FD or any Elite product from a non-authorized dealer. I think most people may/might overlook that, but what the hell are they gonna do if the TV screws up. There goes your savings that they would have otherwise spent by buying from an authorized source.

Since my store doesn't have one in stock I gotta wait a few days for it to arrive and then the fun begins. Just in time for the weekend !!!

Now I'm gonna have to track down a new AV rack or entertainment center and I think a wall mount as well. Not sure if I'm gonna go with a fully articulating mount or what.

I'm just glad to be moving on from the replacement TV samsung gave me. It's a 56" DLP and is only eight months old but I have personal issues with it. The TV works fine, however it's no KURO that's for sure. Sure I may be getting a smaller screen size but PQ rules the day for me.

Man, it's a damn shame It's the end of the road for these babies. Sure one day another will be king. As for when, I don't think it will be all that soon.

I also had a Samsung 56" DLP but I had a pretty good pic with it but I also struggled with Down Sizing but the pic quality is out of this world. I only have the 5020 (check out my gallery if you like) but once I mounted to the wall it seemed larger than when just sitting on my TV stand. I am soooo glad I made the purchase and believe me you will too.

[4TA23]

Originally Posted by wozman

Thanks

But whats your thought on "Calibration" is it something that has to be done, after the "break-in" or can you do this 2-3 years from now. Probably better off doing a "calib." pronto if you were to do one at all, wouldn't you think?

I just think Plasma's have come a long way, (seem to be leaving ) and maybe the whole calibration is far over blowen.

Any info?

I just had mine done calibration that is and all I can say is that it makes all the difference. This is how it was explained to me:

Think of a painters white canvas, white is made up of percentages of red, blue and green mixed at different %'s not all equal. If the painters white canvas is pushing one color a little more than another, usually blue on TV's then when he paints no matter how perfect his paint color is the color push on the white canvas bleeds through to the pic he just painted skewing the colors and brightness of the painting. So on my 5020 which primarily has a grey scale adjustment in the service menu he corrected that grey scale to be almost perfect and my pic is much brighter and cleaner looking, whites are much brighter and clearer as well and I have much better black detail.

In a nut shell it is wayyyyy worth, look in my gallery as I have screen shots to show of detail.