Pioneer 9G Owners Thread - Present & Future

[fuwa]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

Pioneer plasma screens are gone for good from most Best Buy stores now

I went to my local Best Buy on Tuesday Feb 2nd 2010 and they have no more Pioneer plasma screens (not even floor models). This week the flagship Pioneer PRO-141FD floor model was gone and no longer on display. Also the Pioneer PRO-151FD floor model that was on display had a big red tag on the front that said "sold" on it. So technically that floor model does not exist since it has been sold (That floor model with the sold tag sign has been seating around for around a week waiting for delivery).

So no more Pioneer plasma's at Best Buy in my area and most other areas of the country. Pioneer stopped making the USA model plasma displays in April of 2009. In late Jan 2010 Best Buy ran out of stock on screens included floor models. It took less then 1 year for stores to run out of Pioneers after they went out of production. I realize that in some areas of the country that some Best Buys might still have some new PRO-101's in their warehouse. Best Buy has a few Pioneer PDP-6020FD's in stock at the nationwide warehouse for $3,999.98.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+KURO+/+60%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+Plasma+HDTV/8867871.p?id=1210290067556&skuId=8867871&st=kuro&c p=1&lp=1

Pioneer plasma screens are now selling for as much as $1,500 above list price from mail order companies

1. The Pioneer PRO-141FD list price is $7,000. Now the display is selling for $8,000 when in stock (Table Top stand list price $400) Even used ones on Amazon are selling for $7,500.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_Elite_Kuro_PRO_141FD_60_Plasma_Display, __720664825/search=pro-141fd

2. The Pioneer PRO-101FD original list price was $5,500. Mail order price is around $4,000-$4,500 (Table Top stand list price $200).
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_KURO_Elite_PRO_101FD_50_Plasma_Display, __722614604/search=pro-101fd/st=query

3. The Pioneer PRO-151FD list price is $6,500. Mail order price is now $6,500. Some EBAY dealers are selling the display at $7,000 which is $500 above list price. One dealer on Amazon even has a new PRO-151FD for $7,999.99 and a refurbished PRO-151FD runs $6,999 on Amazon.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_Elite_KURO_PRO_151FD_60_Plasma_TV,__812 61389/search=pro-151fd

4. New Pioneer PRO-111FD have been out of stock from dealers since mid to late 2009. Original list price $5,000. A used one is currently selling for $5,500 from an Amazon dealer.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PRO-111FD-built-widescreen/dp/B001CE06GQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265229682&sr =1-1

5. The Pioneer KRP-5020FD original list price was $4,000. Currently it appears no one has any new or used ones for sell. Estimated new and used price would be at least around $3,000.

6. Pioneer KRP-6020FD original list price was $5,500. Some places are selling a new one for as high as $5,998. Best Buy nationwide mail order warehouse still has some in stock for only $3,999.98.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+KURO+/+60%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+Plasma+HDTV/8867871.p?id=1210290067556&skuId=8867871&st=kuro&c p=1&lp=1

7. Pioneer KRP-600M. EBAY price is around $4,000 from one dealer.

8. Pioneer KRP-500M. The going price for a new KRP-500M is currently around $3,000.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/search_attrib.php?form_keyword=krp-500m&topcat_id=&page_id=197



The reason some companies have marked new and used Pioneer displays up above list price is because stock is extremely low with demand high among some videophiles. The 2 year old 2008 Pioneer's still have the best picture quality compared to anything available yet. When the day comes when a plasma or LCD company makes a display that matches or beats the picture quality of the 2008 Pioneer models, then the value of Pioneer screens will start to fall again below list price.

This is most likely a collector's market now, like comic book collecting or hot wheel collecting; there is no other reason to pay even retail now for a 2008 model of any TV.

Technology is rapidly improving so that this years top models should be very close to the Pioneer and probably at a much lower price.

At this stage in the game unless you can get a bargain price on a Kuro, I would recommend getting a good plasma for a nice price from another company.

I own two Kuros and frequent BB quite often and in my opinion there are now some current tvs that come close to Kuro quality. Will the newer models be close to or match the Kuro for much less money?

Hold off on a Kuro now at regular price unless you are a collector.

[qwknuf6]

I feel lucky to get My Kuro's for around half price , I would have never considered Pioneer Kuro @ msrp (or above ) .

Mark

[sarge1976]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

Pioneer plasma screens are gone for good from most Best Buy stores now

I went to my local Best Buy on Tuesday Feb 2nd 2010 and they have no more Pioneer plasma screens (not even floor models). This week the flagship Pioneer PRO-141FD floor model was gone and no longer on display. Also the Pioneer PRO-151FD floor model that was on display had a big red tag on the front that said "sold" on it. So technically that floor model does not exist since it has been sold (That floor model with the sold tag sign has been seating around for around a week waiting for delivery).

So no more Pioneer plasma's at Best Buy in my area and most other areas of the country. Pioneer stopped making the USA model plasma displays in April of 2009. In late Jan 2010 Best Buy ran out of stock on screens included floor models. It took less then 1 year for stores to run out of Pioneers after they went out of production. I realize that in some areas of the country that some Best Buys might still have some new PRO-101's in their warehouse. Best Buy has a few Pioneer PDP-6020FD's in stock at the nationwide warehouse for $3,999.98.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+KURO+/+60%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+Plasma+HDTV/8867871.p?id=1210290067556&skuId=8867871&st=kuro&c p=1&lp=1

Pioneer plasma screens are now selling for as much as $1,500 above list price from mail order companies

1. The Pioneer PRO-141FD list price is $7,000. Now the display is selling for $8,000 when in stock (Table Top stand list price $400) Even used ones on Amazon are selling for $7,500.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_Elite_Kuro_PRO_141FD_60_Plasma_Display, __720664825/search=pro-141fd

2. The Pioneer PRO-101FD original list price was $5,500. Mail order price is around $4,000-$4,500 (Table Top stand list price $200).
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_KURO_Elite_PRO_101FD_50_Plasma_Display, __722614604/search=pro-101fd/st=query

3. The Pioneer PRO-151FD list price is $6,500. Mail order price is now $6,500. Some EBAY dealers are selling the display at $7,000 which is $500 above list price. One dealer on Amazon even has a new PRO-151FD for $7,999.99 and a refurbished PRO-151FD runs $6,999 on Amazon.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/p__Pioneer_Elite_KURO_PRO_151FD_60_Plasma_TV,__812 61389/search=pro-151fd

4. New Pioneer PRO-111FD have been out of stock from dealers since mid to late 2009. Original list price $5,000. A used one is currently selling for $5,500 from an Amazon dealer.
http://www.amazon.com/Pioneer-PRO-111FD-built-widescreen/dp/B001CE06GQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1265229682&sr =1-1

5. The Pioneer KRP-5020FD original list price was $4,000. Currently it appears no one has any new or used ones for sell. Estimated new and used price would be at least around $3,000.

6. Pioneer KRP-6020FD original list price was $5,500. Some places are selling a new one for as high as $5,998. Best Buy nationwide mail order warehouse still has some in stock for only $3,999.98.
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Pioneer+-+KURO+/+60%22+Class+/+1080p+/+60Hz+/+Plasma+HDTV/8867871.p?id=1210290067556&skuId=8867871&st=kuro&c p=1&lp=1

7. Pioneer KRP-600M. EBAY price is around $4,000 from one dealer.

8. Pioneer KRP-500M. The going price for a new KRP-500M is currently around $3,000.
http://www1.bottomdollar.com/search_attrib.php?form_keyword=krp-500m&topcat_id=&page_id=197



The reason some companies have marked new and used Pioneer displays up above list price is because stock is extremely low with demand high among some videophiles. The 2 year old 2008 Pioneer's still have the best picture quality compared to anything available yet. When the day comes when a plasma or LCD company makes a display that matches or beats the picture quality of the 2008 Pioneer models, then the value of Pioneer screens will start to fall again below list price.

Thanks 1080P! I always look forward to your Kuro inventory updates

[uniquetreatone]

I went to 2 of my local best buy's magnolia section and usually there's a elite at the entrance but now there's a panasonic and a samsung.

[BluElite]

Picked up my Kuro last month. Glad I got it. Can't find em anywhere. Other companies still can't match the Kuro to date. I have to say, way to go Pioneer. That kind of thing is very hard to achieve. Way to leave the plasma sector I hope you come back for OLED or 4K

[saprano]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

Pioneer plasma screens are gone for good from most Best Buy stores now

Yep. My BB has been out for 2 weeks now. I was shocked when i didn't see the 151 elite at the entrance of the magnolia HT section. It made me sad.

Do you know what they replaced it with? A samsung 55" LED 8000 series LCD.

That. Thing. Did. Not. Look. Right. Sitting there. It looked no where near cinematic like the kuro did when it was displayed there.

Another thing i've noticed since the samsung tooks its place is that, ironically, it draws no crowds. You would think the LCD loving world would be drawn to it with all its brigtness.

When the kuro was there and a movie was playing people were standing around and seated. you could tell by the look on their faces they were thinking "Damn, i want that TV" but then they saw the price.

*sighs* Why do good things have to come to an end?

[saprano]

Originally Posted by ShockWave

If I had to pay those high prices I would pass. There will be something better in no time.

The only company we should expect to match or surpass the kuro anytime soon is panasonic seeing how they have the kuro tech. This years panasonic models should come close to the 9G panels, but i think its going to be a year or more before that kuro tech is fully implemeted.

And i really hope panasonic follows up on pioneers extream contrast concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0KMh4VaPFg

Look how thin this kuro is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btXiltnvuu0

They need to follow their design also, i dont like they way panasonic makes their frames.

[BluElite]

Originally Posted by saprano

The only company we should expect to match or surpass the kuro anytime soon is panasonic seeing how they have the kuro tech. This years panasonic models should come close to the 9G panels, but i think its going to be a year or more before that kuro tech is fully implemeted.

And i really hope panasonic follows up on pioneers extream contrast concept.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0KMh4VaPFg

Look how thin this kuro is

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btXiltnvuu0

They need to follow their design also, i dont like they way panasonic makes their frames.

Wow..... that Pioneer concept was amazing. I heard the bit about the ultimate goal of just a floating image on a wall as a pose to the limiting factors of a bezel around the set..... That would've been out of control. Come back Pioneer!!!!

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by BluElite

Wow..... that Pioneer concept was amazing. I heard the bit about the ultimate goal of just a floating image on a wall as a pose to the limiting factors of a bezel around the set..... That would've been out of control. Come back Pioneer!!!!

I also wish Pioneer would start making plasma displays again but it is not going to happen for three main reasons:

1. Pioneer was not able to make a profit on their 2006,2007, and 2008 model plasma screens. So as a wise business decision in April 2009 the USA plasma factory stopped producing screens. Worldwide production of plasma screens also were scheduled to stop since the company was losing money selling plasmas during those 3 years. The research and development cost were very high for Pioneer.

2. According to the following link when Pioneer cut its plasma department work force back in 2009, Panasonic hired 200 of Pioneers best PDP engineers. So Pioneer no longer has those skilful engineers that designed the Kuro technology.

Source link
https://forum.blu-ray.com/1772240-post729.html

3. Panasonic purchased Pioneer's patents for the plasma technology according to the following source link.

Source link
https://forum.blu-ray.com/2453565-post835.html

Sometime in the future we might see a Pansonic plasma screen that matches or beats the picture quality of a Pioneer screen since Panasonic has employed 200 of the key Pioneer Kuro engineers and also has purchased Pioneers patents.

[Papito]

Used 111 selling for 5K? I'll sell mine for that.

[okbarshabazz]

I posted on this thread a few months ago, and I had mentioned that I unfortunately had a single red "static" pixel on my Pioneer Elite Pro-111FD... I am completely under warranty and was able to get a local authorized service tech to come out and take a look at it. He took photos of the pixel and said that Pioneer "should do the right thing and replace the panel." so it is now in pioneer's hands...

Is anyone aware of their policy? (are they going to claim that I need to have 50+ defective pixels in order to deem a replacement?) If so, has anyone had any luck getting Pioneer to act? know any secrets to ensure the process works in my favor?

It's frustrating because no matter what I watch, or how far away I am, that single pixel is ALL that I see.

Thanks!

[sharepoint]

Originally Posted by okbarshabazz

I posted on this thread a few months ago, and I had mentioned that I unfortunately had a single red "static" pixel on my Pioneer Elite Pro-111FD... I am completely under warranty and was able to get a local authorized service tech to come out and take a look at it. He took photos of the pixel and said that Pioneer "should do the right thing and replace the panel." so it is now in pioneer's hands...

Is anyone aware of their policy? (are they going to claim that I need to have 50+ defective pixels in order to deem a replacement?) If so, has anyone had any luck getting Pioneer to act? know any secrets to ensure the process works in my favor?

It's frustrating because no matter what I watch, or how far away I am, that single pixel is ALL that I see.

Thanks!

I'd fight tooth and nail with Pioneer on replacing the panel. I recently bought a NIB PRO-101FD that had a single stuck/static red pixel. Luckily for me, I was well within the 30 day return window at BB, so they sent me another NIB replacement. There's NO way I could ever get used to seeing that damn red pixel.

So far it's been a winner *fingers crossed*.

[okbarshabazz]

Originally Posted by sharepoint

I'd fight tooth and nail with Pioneer on replacing the panel. I recently bought a NIB PRO-101FD that had a single stuck/static red pixel. Luckily for me, I was well within the 30 day return window at BB, so they sent me another NIB replacement. There's NO way I could ever get used to seeing that damn red pixel.

So far it's been a winner *fingers crossed*.

yeah, it sucks, the pixel appeared about 2 months after purchase and beyond the return policy (Best Buy didn't even have any to exchange for good customer service)

I called Pioneer early on and they claim their policy is "10+ pixels" which is RIDICULOUS!! I tried to escalate it, I complained: "this is how you treat your customers," I outraged: "this is why I bought a Pioneer Elite." I tried being nice, I tried being irate... I just don't know. I hope dealing with an authorized warranter that the process works out. I just need somebody to be in a good mood and want to help me out

[ajvdbg]

Originally Posted by okbarshabazz

yeah, it sucks, the pixel appeared about 2 months after purchase and beyond the return policy (Best Buy didn't even have any to exchange for good customer service)

I called Pioneer early on and they claim their policy is "10+ pixels" which is RIDICULOUS!! I tried to escalate it, I complained: "this is how you treat your customers," I outraged: "this is why I bought a Pioneer Elite." I tried being nice, I tried being irate... I just don't know. I hope dealing with an authorized warranter that the process works out. I just need somebody to be in a good mood and want to help me out

Unfortunately stuck pixels are a nature of the technology, and are fairly common. If all companies had to replace panels with one or more dead/stuck pixels the technoogy wouldn't survive. And unfortunately it can happen with the Elites as well...sorry, but you may be wasting a lot of effort for something that, most likely won't get resolved...

[okbarshabazz]

Originally Posted by ajvdbg

Unfortunately stuck pixels are a nature of the technology, and are fairly common. If all companies had to replace panels with one or more dead/stuck pixels the technoogy wouldn't survive. And unfortunately it can happen with the Elites as well...sorry, but you may be wasting a lot of effort for something that, most likely won't get resolved...

yeah, I'm aware of this fact... nobody likes to be on the bad-end of a business decision. and while I may be wasting my time, I have to at least make an effort; that is the only way I can be satisfied - knowing I did everything I could.

...what sucks more is that I've been on AVSforum and witnessed people who had their entire panel replace due to one (1) static pixel

[sharepoint]

nvm

[sarge1976]

Originally Posted by sharepoint

My ONLY saving grace was the fact that I decided to run the 150 hour D-Nice break-in on my monitor (it was painful not to be able to watch HD content). If I hadn't stressed the monitor early on, there's no telling whether or not that POS pixel would've reared its ugly head within my 30 day return period.

Most peeps on AVS dispute whether there is any merit to D-Nice's break-in recommendation (proper phosphor aging technique); however, as someone who was personally affected, even with a so called "signature/hand picked, yada yada" panel, I would say it was worth its weight in gold!

Thanks, D.

+1 I used the settings and the slides on my 2 Kuros and Panny as well, I'd rather be safe then sorry

[okbarshabazz]

Originally Posted by sharepoint

My ONLY saving grace was the fact that I decided to run the 150 hour D-Nice break-in on my monitor (it was painful not to be able to watch HD content). If I hadn't stressed the monitor early on, there's no telling whether or not that POS pixel would've reared its ugly head within my 30 day return period.

Most peeps on AVS dispute whether there is any merit to D-Nice's break-in recommendation (proper phosphor aging technique); however, as someone who was personally affected, even with a so called "signature/hand picked, yada yada" panel, I would say it was worth its weight in gold!

Thanks, D.

unfortunately I didn't catch wind of the D-Nice break-in procedure until it was too late... I figured after putting so many hours on it, there wouldn't be any point other than to perhaps significantly shorten the life of the panel.

[kareface]

I'm enjoying my 9th gen Pioneer, for my room I really couldn't ask for anything more.

[scweb13]

Originally Posted by sarge1976

+1 I used the settings and the slides on my 2 Kuros and Panny as well, I'd rather be safe then sorry

This is exactly the reason I ran the break-in on my 500M.