What makes a Pioneer Elite so good?

[SAM LN32A650]

i have read the specs but nothing really stands out to me so what gives it the 6k price tag?

[Woody]

You get what you pay for with an Elite. If you want the best picture, you buy an Elite.

It is up to you to decide if the PQ improvement is worth the $$.

[jibucha]

Hello

Perhaps?

Best Picture Quality l If picture quality is a consideration; currently, this is the best available, without a doubt.
1080/24p l 72 Hz; meaning 3x each frame, which eliminates flicker and other improvements.
Best Black Level l Currently, this is the best, meaning better colors.
Best Calibration Software l Meaning; easier for professionals, especially having the ability to have a nighttime and daytime calibration.
Single Pane Glass l Improved Picture Quality; especially on angle viewing.

These are a few of the more significant issues that come to mind for consideration.

Thank You

[Blu-ray Fanatic]

I'll get a Pioneer Elite when I win the lotto.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by SAM LN32A650

i have read the specs but nothing really stands out to me so what gives it the 6k price tag?

Excellent contrast ratio and colour accuracy.

[Waiterguy]

The contrast ratio is wayyyyyy higher on the new Panny's than it is on the Pioneer models. So if you go based on that, the Pioneer is a waste of money. Pioneer may have been hot in the 70's, I think my 8 track player was a Pioneer.

[uriel]

ratios are all overblown. what you see with your eyes is what should matter.

[werewuf]

Originally Posted by Waiterguy

The contrast ratio is wayyyyyy higher on the new Panny's than it is on the Pioneer models. So if you go based on that, the Pioneer is a waste of money. Pioneer may have been hot in the 70's, I think my 8 track player was a Pioneer.

FUD

[dobyblue]

Tested contrast ratio independantly is highest on the Pioneer ELITE.
Real testing shows it at around 40,000:1, which no other set on the market comes close to.

[SS316SRV]

Give the Elites the old eye test. Blows EVERYTHING, Sammy 650, any Panasonic model, every Sony LCD, out of the water.

[Xerios]

Its long lasting

My father had a pioneer elite DLP and it lasted 20+ years with minimal cleaning and 1 replacement of bulbs..

i was looking at the elite line of LCDs from pioneer and its on my radar but i dont know

[arush5268d]

Doesn't Panasonic make some of the panels for Pioneer?

[Barnum]

Originally Posted by Xerios

Its long lasting

My father had a pioneer elite DLP and it lasted 20+ years with minimal cleaning and 1 replacement of bulbs..

i was looking at the elite line of LCDs from pioneer and its on my radar but i dont know

Really, I didn't think DLP has been around that long.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by arush5268d

Doesn't Panasonic make some of the panels for Pioneer?

Nope; they start next year. Pioneer will continue making their own electronics and fliters and the like (i.e., the Kuro "special sauce").

[werewuf]

From Home Theater Magazine on the 60" Pioneer Elite Pro-150FD (last years model):

"How does the best one-piece digital display we’ve ever tested, flat panel or otherwise, sound? It’s a display with an image so compelling that you might even consider it in preference to a comparably priced projector and screen, despite the bigger, more theater-like, immersive experience a projector can provide.

Pioneer worked feverishly to improve the black levels on its already impressive plasma displays. Project KURO—Pioneer’s name for its own development program—has produced truly jaw-dropping results.
The PRO-150FD has provided me with more “wow” moments than any other set I’ve seen to date."

Pioneer this last weekend hosted a special promo event at a local Magnolia (not attached to Best Buy) premiering this years Kuro line, including the new players and flat panels both from the regular Pioneer line as well as the Elite line. I have to say I was blown away by the new panels, I personally was skeptical that there would be that much difference between last years panels and this years, but there was. It was stone obvious. The black level has once again jumped to a new level and the overall resolution is far superior.
In the words of Ferris Bueller:
"It's so choice, if you can afford it I highly recommend it."

[Gremal]

Originally Posted by richteer

Excellent contrast ratio and colour accuracy.

That description certainly applies to the non-Elite kuro, so spec-wise (and from what I've seen with my own two eyes) I'd have to agree with the OP. There is nothing in the specifications that warrants the extra cost. I think there are some additional filters in the processing, and of course the different badge (Elite). There are also connectivity/PC features on the Elite not on the regular kuro.

[richteer]

Originally Posted by Gremal

That description certainly applies to the non-Elite kuro, so spec-wise (and from what I've seen with my own two eyes) I'd have to agree with the OP. There is nothing in the specifications that warrants the extra cost. I think there are some additional filters in the processing, and of course the different badge (Elite). There are also connectivity/PC features on the Elite not on the regular kuro.

The specs, of course, don't tell the whole story. My understanding is that the Elites have more adjustments available to professional calibrators than the non-Elites. So if one is contemplating professional calibration--and on a $6k TV, why not?!--the Elite might be a better choice. If not, then yeah, the non-Elite will be probably be comparable.

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by Gremal

That description certainly applies to the non-Elite kuro, so spec-wise (and from what I've seen with my own two eyes) I'd have to agree with the OP. There is nothing in the specifications that warrants the extra cost. I think there are some additional filters in the processing, and of course the different badge (Elite). There are also connectivity/PC features on the Elite not on the regular kuro.

PC input is on all Kuros. This is from the 151 PDF:

A/V Selection Memory – 10 options for viewing preferences: Optimum / Performance / Sports / Movie / PURE / Game / Standard*/ ISF-Day / ISF-Night / ISF-Auto (PC input: only Standard)

- Aspect Ratio Control – 9 positions: Auto* / Full / “Dot by Dot” / Zoom* / Cinema* / 4:3 / Wide* (only for SD) / Wide1* (only for HD) / Wide2* (only for HD) *Except PC signal

And this is from the 6020 PDF:

A/V Selection Memory – 7 options for viewing preferences:
››Optimum / Dynamic / Performance / Movie / Sports / Game / Standard (PC input: only for Standard)
Aspect Ratio Control – 9 positions: Auto* / Full / “Dot by Dot” / ››Zoom* / Cinema* / 4:3 / Wide* (only for SD) / Wide1* (only for HD) / Wide2* (only for HD)
*Except PC signal

The big reason to go with Elite over standard Pioneer is ISF calibration. Some ISF certified calibrators won't do the 5020 or 6020 because of there settings are hard coded can not be adjusted, with out going into the Service Menu. And the TV speaker is on the bottom of the 5020 & 6020, and on the sides for the Elites.

[Jafo]

Originally Posted by Barnum

Really, I didn't think DLP has been around that long.

It hasn't... the OP "My father had a pioneer elite DLP and it lasted 20+ years with minimal cleaning and 1 replacement of bulbs.." is more likely a CRT RPTV. Also, the 1st Pioneer TV with the Elite badge released here in the US was around 1996-1997. I got my non Elite Pioneer CRT RPTV, SD-532HD5, in 1999, for the same reasons most don't go with the Elite, price.

[cheesemonkey8402]

Originally Posted by Barnum

Really, I didn't think DLP has been around that long.

Actually, DLP technology was developed in 1987, which is 25 years ago. You are incorrect. It is possible.