Pioneer PDP-LX5090

Pioneer’s Kuro range has become the benchmark when it comes to flat TV picture quality – and this new 50-inch model is only going to enhance that. Put simply, this TV produces the deepest, darkest blacks and richest, juiciest colours we’ve ever seen on an HDTV.

We don’t have the space to delve into the technical specifics of how the PDP-LX5090 manages to wrench such vibrant colours and bottomless blacks out of any hi-def or standard def source, but you’ll have to trust us when we say it helps to create the best image quality around.

Unsurprisingly, it performs best when it’s given a top class source to work with, and if you’re shelling out the king’s ransom it costs to buy the set, you really should be hooking it up to some high definition kit – whether that’s a Sky HD box, Blu-ray Disc player or games console. Feed it a high quality signal and the picture quality is nothing short of a revelation: detail is stiletto sharp and the massive contrast ratio gives the entire image a level of depth, clarity and dynamism that we’re just not used to seeing on a flat TV.

But unlike most large HDTVs it also does a pretty impressive job with standard def material, particularly DVD. Even heavily compressed Freeview digital TV looks clean and clear, though – so you can confidently connect anything and know you’re getting good value.

One area it doesn’t quite match some rivals (particularly the Philips 47PFL9603D and its kin) is in motion. The Philips manages to remove motion judder from movie content, but it’s still present – if not particularly noticeable – in the Pioneer. Some viewers might also take issue with the reflective surface of the screen, which hampers picture clarity when there’s a lot of sunlight in the room.

Verdict
A premium product at a premium price – and well worth the cash if you’re seeking top class picture performance.

Overall
5 out of 5

Love it
Superb detail.
Strong colours and black levels.
Good features and connectivity.

Loathe it
Very expensive.
Some motion judder present.

Also consider
Philips 47PFL9603D-Sharp detail and smooth motion are the Philips’ main strengths.

Panasonic Viera TH-50PXZ81B – Not quite up to the Pioneer’s performance standards, but a strong cheaper alternative.

Samsung LE-52A656A1F – Significantly cheaper than the Pioneer but boasting a bigger screen – ideal if 50 inches just isn’t enough!

Get chatting about the latest TV’s over at the PriceRunner forum

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