This is why I love the Pioneer Kuro!! - Blu-ray Forum

btf1980 · 08-07-2008, 12:34 AM

I just recently got an Apple TV, and folks, if you really want to test the black levels of your display, then this is it. Forget dark sections in movies, just use the Apple TV. It's literally like staring into the abyss. It just makes the other colors so lush, lively, rich and natural looking. Had a friend over at my place, and yup...he's a convert now. He just put up his XBR5 LCD up for sale. He also has an Apple TV and thought his XBR was displaying "true blacks" and was going on and on about how the black levels on his LCD are fantastic, until he saw a Kuro outside of the typical big store setting. He's getting a 6020 now.

Some pics.....

Total darkness.....

Lights are actually on in these shots....but fairly dim
[

Light on...

Jim L · 08-07-2008, 12:44 AM

I've seen them in store settings and been thoroughly impressed. In fact, I hope my current set dies before the extended warranty runs out because then I can apply the replacement to a Kuro plasma.

Kuros have that elusive black level that makes every space/sci-fi film or dark horror flick look wonderful.

Your pics look great, but I am skeptical that the AppleTV would be the best thing to view on this display. Wouldn't a Blu-ray player or even a PS3 be better? Is the AppleTV a 1080p product? Does it use an HDMI cord?

I'm not saying anything negative about the AppleTV, it's just that I haven't experienced one myself.

btf1980 · 08-07-2008, 12:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim L

I've seen them in store settings and been thoroughly impressed. In fact, I hope my current set dies before the extended warranty runs out because then I can apply the replacement to a Kuro plasma.

Kuros have that elusive black level that makes every space/sci-fi film or dark horror flick look wonderful.

Your pics look great, but I am skeptical that the AppleTV would be the best thing to view on this display. Wouldn't a Blu-ray player or even a PS3 be better? Is the AppleTV a 1080p product? Does it use an HDMI cord?

I'm not saying anything negative about the AppleTV, it's just that I haven't experienced one myself.

For overall picture quality, absolutely blu-ray is better. I have a Denon blu-ray player and I love it. It's just that the Appletv is perfect for testing just how truly dark your display can go. The background is completely black. It's perfect for that. Certainly the picture quality is not up to blu-ray standard. Would be silly to even debate that. Apple tv is HDMI.

BStecke · 08-07-2008, 12:52 AM

That is pretty damn impressive. Makes me one want even more now

JadedRaverLA · 08-07-2008, 03:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BStecke

That is pretty damn impressive. Makes me one want even more now

I would think so... but how can you tell? After all, you're most likely viewing the picture of the black level on an LCD, sort of defeating the purpose.

But, to the OP, yeah, those Kuro's are pretty damn amazing. Though the upcoming XBR8's (with local LED dimming) can produce some great blacks (though not directly against a bright border the way the Kuro's can) and have a great CR. This fall/winter should see a bog push in home electronics toward these latest sets -- granted, just in the high end market for now.

Add that to people finally buying HDTVs before the analog cutoff, and it makes a lot more sense why many are predicting Blu-ray to be "THE" must-have gift this Christmas. Now, let's just see if we can avoid the Wii-style shortages.

NJ_RAMS_FAN · 08-07-2008, 03:15 PM

Those Kuro are very nice but that price tag isn't very friendly..

Blu-ray Fanatic · 08-07-2008, 12:53 AM

I'm still waiting for the OLED tvs to get larger. Currently there's only an 11" available only at Sony Style and rare at Sams Club. If any of you have any of these stores near you, go visit them and you won't believe your eyes. I'll post a link in a little while so you can read the specs.

ZackL · 08-07-2008, 12:53 AM

Very nice. What is apple TV...

Blu-ray Fanatic · 08-07-2008, 12:56 AM

Here is the link for the 11" OLED HDTV; the next-gen HDTV: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665327724

btf1980 · 08-07-2008, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackL

Very nice. What is apple TV...

This explains it pretty well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i-EVW7tmhI

ZackL · 08-07-2008, 01:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by btf1980

This explains it pretty well...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-i-EVW7tmhI

Ah... So essentially a DVR/Video on demand? Neat looking.

Bluray_ne1 · 08-07-2008, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZackL

Very nice. What is apple TV...

Not to mention...who the heck is Fela Kuti?

btf1980 · 08-07-2008, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluray_ne1

who the heck is Fela Kuti?

Oh nobody, just happens to be one of the best musicians to ever live, that's all.

dobyblue · 08-07-2008, 07:29 PM

The only thing that's impressed me so far about the 11" standard definition OLED Sony currently has on the market is how thin it is.

OLED has a ways to go, but it will get there. Plasma will continue to be the picture quality king for at least a few more years.

08-07-2008, 12:34 AM	#1
btf1980 Special Member Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jan 2007 Location:NYC Home Theater Gallery:97 Trading Score:14	This is why I love the Pioneer Kuro!! I just recently got an Apple TV, and folks, if you really want to test the black levels of your display, then this is it. Forget dark sections in movies, just use the Apple TV. It's literally like staring into the abyss. It just makes the other colors so lush, lively, rich and natural looking. Had a friend over at my place, and yup...he's a convert now. He just put up his XBR5 LCD up for sale. He also has an Apple TV and thought his XBR was displaying "true blacks" and was going on and on about how the black levels on his LCD are fantastic, until he saw a Kuro outside of the typical big store setting. He's getting a 6020 now. Some pics..... Total darkness..... Lights are actually on in these shots....but fairly dim [ Light on... Last edited by btf1980; 08-07-2008 at 12:36 AM.

08-07-2008, 12:44 AM	#2
Jim L Special Member Top contributor Member since:Apr 2006 Location:Myrtle Beach, SC Blu-ray reviews: 12 Trading Score:20	You're right about the Elite Kuros! I've seen them in store settings and been thoroughly impressed. In fact, I hope my current set dies before the extended warranty runs out because then I can apply the replacement to a Kuro plasma. Kuros have that elusive black level that makes every space/sci-fi film or dark horror flick look wonderful. Your pics look great, but I am skeptical that the AppleTV would be the best thing to view on this display. Wouldn't a Blu-ray player or even a PS3 be better? Is the AppleTV a 1080p product? Does it use an HDMI cord? I'm not saying anything negative about the AppleTV, it's just that I haven't experienced one myself.

08-07-2008, 03:15 PM	#6
NJ_RAMS_FAN Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2008 Location:North Jersey Home Theater Gallery:7 Blu-ray collection:369 DVD collection:21 Blu-ray reviews:7 Trading Score:103	love them Those Kuro are very nice but that price tag isn't very friendly..

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08-07-2008, 12:52 AM	#4
BStecke Blu-ray Knight Member since:Jun 2007 4K collection:182 Blu-ray collection:567 DVD collection:1 Digital collection:1 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews: 1 Trading Score:6	That is pretty damn impressive. Makes me one want even more now

08-07-2008, 12:53 AM	#7
Blu-ray Fanatic Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:San Antonio Blu-ray reviews:1	I'm still waiting for the OLED tvs to get larger. Currently there's only an 11" available only at Sony Style and rare at Sams Club. If any of you have any of these stores near you, go visit them and you won't believe your eyes. I'll post a link in a little while so you can read the specs.

08-07-2008, 12:53 AM	#8
ZackL Senior Member Member since:Mar 2008 Location:Ontario, Canada	Very nice. What is apple TV...

08-07-2008, 12:56 AM	#9
Blu-ray Fanatic Blu-ray Ninja Member since:Aug 2007 Location:San Antonio Blu-ray reviews:1	Here is the link for the 11" OLED HDTV; the next-gen HDTV: http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...52921665327724

08-07-2008, 07:29 PM	#14
dobyblue Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Jul 2006 Location:Ontario, Canada Home Theater Gallery:71 4K collection:55 Blu-ray collection:655 Blu-ray reviews: 15	The only thing that's impressed me so far about the 11" standard definition OLED Sony currently has on the market is how thin it is. OLED has a ways to go, but it will get there. Plasma will continue to be the picture quality king for at least a few more years.

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