Very good price for a LED backlight LCD TV. Is this MSRP or after discount?

Finally some news on the 9G Pioneers. Looks like the LX version is dropped from the Asian market, instead we get the KRP which is slightly better. Prices look more reasonable, somewhere in the range of RM20K for the 50". This is one mean set based on reviews in Europe and US. It also has the "Pure" for those who dislike calibration.

Pioneer Press Release : CNET Asia link

I believe the new 9G Pioneer KRP-500 will be below 20K and it is full HD.

Launched in Spore as far as I know not launched in Malaysia yet I believe. Have u seen it in Malaysia yet? The current available LX-508G is Kuro 8th Gen. Kuro 9th Gen is KRP-500A, KRP-500M and KRP-600A. Based on launch prices in Spore, I believe the Kuro KRP-500A will be below 20K.

If you can, get the A950, great black levels. Very good contrast ratio. The only thing you need to watch out for fluctuating black levels.

This post has been edited by anfieldude: Dec 6 2008, 05:55 PM

Yep, unfortunately, Malaysians have to suffer. I can understand if we are much higher compared to US and all. But this is ridiculous. Everywhere else in the world 9th Gen Kuro is lower priced than 8th Gen Kuro by almost 30% except here.

Up north, 50PV80 already drop to below RM5.8k. From what I heard, can get slightly lower than that as well. So I believe in KL should be lower!

This is new. I was informed by a Pioneer personnel that it is RM26999. Now at RM20699, looks more reasonable....

But you're right, you managed to buy 2 good TVs at less than RM15k. The A850 has a a very good CMS and grayscale controls. I believe even the A650 has a CMS.

As far as I know, the PY850 is available from 50in only. 42 in full HD is 42PY800. The MSRP is ~ RM7999. I believe you can get it much cheaper than that now maybe below RM6K, check with iambloodysick. He is the Panasonic man to go to in the central region or htkaki for quotes.

Check with some forummers like htkaki and iambloodysick. I think you can knock off another RM500 if you look around.

They might have some agents in jb. Worth to check.

The best person to judge this would be yourself. For the owners of the Kuro, they will tell you the difference is significant. For the Panny owners, they will tell you the difference is not worth the price or that there is no difference at all. One way to check would be to see them side by side. Another challenge you could do would be to check the 42PY800 (Panny) vs the Kuro 428XG (Pioneer). The 1st is Full HD the other is HD Ready and their current prices are close to each other. See what looks better to your eyes. Then check out the PX80, if there are no significant differences, then why pay more. Different people have different outlook of things.

Things to look for:
Contrast (Black Levels)
Scaling (playing DVD)
Colour Accuracy
HD viewing if any

Also check out this site. They have a test DVD that you can burn and check on different displays to check for problems.

TVBlink

This is the characteristics of the LG Plasma panels. Nothing to worry about but you need to be careful with leaving menus/logos for very long hours.

BTW I saw ad advert for LG 60" plasma at RM13k. Wow, if ever anyone wanted the big screen factor without a projector, that is the way to go. Now if only the Pioneer and Pana 60in panels prices were this decent!

Actually the recommended practise by the Home Theater Association, (CinemaQuest (reference to SMPTE references)) is below eye level (max 15degrees). But this is difficult to accomplish in a non dedicated HT room. So in essence, if you keep the display at eye level (centre of screen) or +/- 15 degrees from eye level, it should be ok as it would not cause too much eye fatigue.

Another thing to note, is that for all LCD/Plasmas are not designed to be viewed in a bat cave (ie, very dark room). It is better to have a bias light behind the display. This also enhances black levels and reduces eye fatigue. Only projectors are good for bat caves as they are designed as such.

Just my 2cents worth.

Debating about different displays technologies, Full HD vs HD Ready, different brands is very subjective. Awards are also subjective. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be a definative authority in defining the best of the best.

There are people who vouch for the blacks of plasmas, the whites of the LCDs, the overall experience with projectors and all. My experience is that the most important judge for all this is you. It is your money, you decide how you want to spend it. If you are a person who does not see a difference in Full HD vs HD Ready (depending on your setup and your viewing distance) then spend your money in what satisfies you. Your eyes make a difference and your wallet. Read the online reviews, magazine reviews, understand you budget and work within it. In the end of the day, as long as you are satisfied, that makes a difference. Understand that the set will look different in your living room compared to the showroom and you will be fine.

Every display technology has its advantages and disadvantages. Of course, the bigger the display the better the experience, if space allows it.

Enjoy your display, whatever it is, as long as you are happy. Its the best you could do, so why worry.