Pioneer KRP-500A 50inch Full HD 1080 Kuro Plasma Review Comments

We would all like this TV if we are honest but cannot afford it or justify the expense to the wife, now they are ceasing production prices will probably rocket! Strange that HCC devoted a few pages in the issue before last to FUGA and then the following issue announced the death of the Kuro and Fuga.

Can't believe the bods at Pioneer did not know the plug was being pulled when HCC visited the factory? A bit embarassing I thought.

Hi Phil,
I totally agreed with what you said on the review.
I myself was blown away by the picture quality of this plasma tv. I've only had it for two weeks, feeding it by Pioneer BDP 71, makes me want to watch all my Blu-Ray discs all over again.

Thank you!

Having had my 500A for two weeks, it's interesting to compare my thoughts with the review.

First of all, upgrading from a 5 year old Pioneer 434HDE, the 500A has far superior PQ out of the box, obviously that goes without saying. But for me that's the only thing in the new panel's favour.

I still have my 434 installed and comparing them both in normal day-to-day usage...the 500A is a definitely a case of a leap forward in PQ but two steps back in user-friendliness.

The build quality is poor as the front gloss bezel and rear panel bow and rattle to the touch.
The menu system is over-complicated and oft-used settings are buried an extra buttonpress or two deeper. Press the menu button on the 434 and your are instantly in the menu over-laid onto the screen and the Picture option listed at the top..where it should be and only one button press away.

Press the 500A menu button, the screen goes blank for a half-second and then the menu appears, with the Setup option listed at the bottom...so you have to press up, then Enter to bring up the Picture option!
The 500A media box may look nice with it's glossy finish but it's completely useless, as it can't be stacked vertically like the 434 media box and the glossy finish will scratch instantly if anything's stacked on top.

Why have Pioneer decided on form over function? Why remove functionality and make the panel more difficult to use?

I really can't agree with the review score for the ease of use/menus/remote/settings. There's absolutely no way that is Reference. Average at best.

To anybody considering a KRP-500A...don't believe the hype.

Now i know im a little late on this, but i also have a 434HDE which i have been very happy with for 5 years.
This is why after reading all the hype about the KRP-500A in reviews decided to order one .... have i done the right thing ??
I understand that the menu may not be so user friendly as the 343hde but i suppose the hi tech comes at the cost of more to mess with, which is probably better to suit all needs. I use a playstation 3 for blu ray and have sky hd...
I still love my 434 but just want to make sure ive done the right thing ??

Yes you did the right thing, believe me I have a krp-500a since a week and I can hardly believe what I see. Stunning pq even in SD. It's not a hype as somebody mentioned above and the control menu is not complicated at all (although you have many selection options). Believe me this screen is second to none and although it is not cheap I don't regret my choice (use the panel in combination with lx03bd home cinema). My best buy ever.

People who don't have meters for calibration will have to buy a new meter which is calibrated especially for LED lit TVs, and this effectively increases the amount of money you have to spend on the Sony. So is it worth paying £700 more for the Pioneer, which is arguably better than the Sony? From your review I have to say it probably is, but I haven't seen the Pioneer myself yet.
Sorry for the bump...

Still nothing to match a two year old plasma. Shame.

and still...

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