PDP-5010FD vs. PRO-110FD

The Pioneer Kuro PDP-5010FD and the Elite PRO-110FD are 50" versions of the 60" PDP-6010FD and PRO-150FD plasma displays. The 50" Kuro panels are smaller, about 49 pounds lighter, and consume less energy than their 60" counterparts. The feature differences between the Elite and non-Elite models are exactly the same. See the PDP-6010FD vs. PRO-150FD comparison report for details.

MSRP

• PDP-4280HD 42" 1024 x 768 - $2000
  
• PDP-5080HD 50" 1365x768 - $2500
  
• PDP-5010FD 50" 1920x1080 - $5000
• PDP-6010FD 60" 1920x1080 - $6500
• PRO-1150HD 50" 1365x768 Elite - $3500
  
• PRO-110FD 50" 1920x1080 Elite - $6000
• PRO-150FD 60" 1920x1080 Elite - $7500

The resolution increase from 1365x768 to 1920x1080 costs +$2500. The step up from a 50" to a 60" panel costs +$1500. The step up to an Elite model costs +$1000.

PDP-6010FD vs. PRO-150FD

How do the Pioneer PDP-6010FD and the Elite PRO-150FD differ? Both are 60" first generation Kuro 1920x1080p plasma HDTVs. They use the same electronics and the same 8G plasma panels so picture quality and major features are basically the same.

differences:

• The PRO-150 has 3 more specific A/V selection memory presets.
• The PRO-150 is ISF™ccc Calibration Ready.
• The PRO-150 has an illuminated remote control.
  
• The PRO-150 has a Room Light Sensor for optimum mode.
  
• The PRO-150 has the DLNA Home Media Gallery and USB, 10/100 Ethernet ports.
  
• The PRO-150 has eight more video processing control settings.
• No 3D Y/C comb filter on the PDP-6010.
  
• Panel dimensions are the same without the detachable speakers, with speakers attached the PDP-6010 is 3" taller while the PRO-150 is 8" wider.
  
• The MSRP of the PRO-150 is $1000 more expensive.

The Elite has a few more video processing controls but the most significant difference is that the PRO-150 has the DLNA Home Media Gallery for viewing pictures, audio, and video from a PC server. Next years Kuro 9G have the DLNA HMG feature on both Elite and non-Elite models.

vs. 9G

Kuro means "black" in Japanese. The first generation Kuro (8G panels) were released in the fall of 2007. Six months later the second generation Kuro (9G) were released. The new 9G plasmas have 5x deeper blacks, cost $1000 less, and have a number of minor changes. See this comparison report over at Kuro 9G for a complete list of the differences:

• http://kuro9g.blogspot.com/2008/10/vs-kuro-8g-improvements.html

PDP-5080HD and PRO-1150HD

The PDP-5080HD and the PRO-1150HD are 50" plasma displays that have a 1365x768 panel resolution. This makes them 720p versions of the PDP-5010FD and PRO-110FD Kuros. They cost about $2000 less and are about 10 pounds lighter. There is also a PDP-4280HD model which is a 42" version of the PDP-5080HD.

While 720p is half the resolution of 1080p (1 MP vs. 2 MP) a viewing distance of about 6 feet is required to be able to discern this difference. Most people don't sit this close, so having a lower resolution isn't a factor at normal viewing distances which made these Kuro's excellent bargains. Unfortunately this logic was lost on the general consumer space where marketing and 1080p specsmanship reigned supreme.