FIRST TESTS
Our experts come face to face with the latest crop of plasmas and LCDs to land on our test benches

FEATURES

HD-ready; digital and analogue tuners; 7-day EPG; quoted brightness: 1,100cd/m2; quoted contrast ratio: 3,000:1; PureBlack 2; PureDrive II; Direct Colour Filter 2; picture-in-picture; noise reduction Sockets Inputs: 2x HDMI; 3x Scart (2 RGB); PC VGA; component, composite and S-video; stereo audio; 3x RF aerial Output: subwoofer; SR control out; headphone jack; stereo audio; optical digital audio Others: CAM slot Contact www.pioneer.co.uk
Pioneers plasma TVs have always been one step ahead. This model is no different

Pioneer PDP-427XD

Despite cutting back an inch, Pioneer has produced the most rounded plasma TV ever

FLAT FACTS

I 42IN PLASMA TV I 2,100 I HD-READY: I RESOLUTION: I SPEAKERS: I TV TUNER:

1024 x 768 YES

DIGITAL AND ANALOGUE I SCARTS: 3 (2 RGB)
ith Pioneers latest line-up of plasma TVs just missing the deadline, we have the feeling that the accolade of Plasma of the Year given in our Awards edition (issue 31) may not be with the Panasonic TH-42PX600 for long. The reason for the unbridled optimism is Pioneers continuing improvements on its plasma screens so much so that nobody else has got close in terms of sheer picture quality. Thats not to say that Pioneer hasnt taken a leaf or two from the books of its closest rivals. As well as the PDP-427XD being 42in in size (Pioneers abandoned its unique 43in shape), Pioneer has also dropped external media boxes. While this TVs forebearer (the PDP-436XDE) could be wallmounted with only one cable to hide, the PDP-427XD, like all other mainstream plasma TVs, takes all cables into its rear sockets. The markets dominance of one-box TVs is a pity, but its no wonder that Pioneer has tried to steer clear from being labelled as a specialist TV manufacturer. Not that youd know from the advanced nature of this sets connectivity. We feel that having two HDMIs is essential for a HD-ready atscreen, but Pioneer has gone the extra yard by making each compatible
with 1080p signals. The PDP-427XD cant actually display 1080p sources pixel-forpixel (that requires Pioneers much more expensive PDP-5000EX), but this is a feature that no other straight HD-ready TVs at this price point have. Other inputs and outputs include a set of component video inputs, a PC VGA input, three Scarts, and some basic audio connections alongside a useful digital audio output. The PDP-427XDs digital TV tuner is supported by an obligatory (and legally required) common interface slot for the smartcard and CAM needed to access the Top Up TV pay-TV service. Top-level at TV makers are developing new technologies all the time, but Pioneers plasma TVs have always been one step ahead. This seventh-generation model is no different. Under the PDP-427XDs hood lies a PureBlack Panel 2, which is supposed to boost the already impressive black levels supplied by Pioneers TVs. Theres also an Intelligent DRE processor to tinker with brightness, contrast and sharpness of images, and a Direct Colour Filter 2, an update of Pioneers plastic screen cover that simultaneously reduces reections and widens the viewing angle.
In terms of colours, Pioneer again seems to be ahead of the pack. The companys engineers have improved the phosphor elements used in this sets plasma chambers, resulting in pixels that can generate a wider colour range than the companys sixth generation displays. Tonal subtleties have also seen improvements, and Pureblack Panel 2 system processing is on board too, to further improve colours. Predictably, there are more features on board, including block noise reduction, more colour exibility and a new Sports picture preset. So far, so Pioneer.

New generation wonder

During the PDP-427XDs testing it was really apparent that Pioneer has made signicant improvements in the colour departments. Watching a high-denition broadcast of Planet Earth from our Sky HD box (fed through an HDMI), we were delighted to see that trickily toned aspects of the picture are executed with natural colouring. The lush greenness of dense forests particularly benets from these improvements, retaining a more believable quality. Whats more, these colour improvements dont come at the expense of the vivid saturations of colour seen on previous Pioneer plasma
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Rival Buy
While this Pioneer cant show 1080i material without downscaling it, Hitachis 42in 42PD9700 makes a stab by using a ALiS panel. And you can pick one up for a few hundred pounds less

Let there be bass!

As well as having the nest speakers in the at TV world, the PDP-427XD has a subwoofer output for adding extra power to movies without the need for an expensive amplier

FIRST TEST

Pioneers seventh-generation PDP-427XD has outstanding picture and sound quality
screens, which is great news. Pioneer has put in a superb job in this department. Elsewhere, the manufacturer has not been idle. The black levels are tremendously impressive, resonating with richness, depth and not a sign of greyness around the gills. Subtle detailing and colour information also impresses in darker areas. The PDP-427XD also scores serious points for sharpness. As the roving camera eye of Planet Earth stumbles over a cave riddled with myriad insects, the sharpness of detail is staggering, with every limb, and speck fabulously rendered and 3D in feel. Pioneer hasnt put a foot wrong with the picture performance, particularly when you add smooth motion handling, great brightness, suppression of room reections on the screen, and a great standarddenition view to the equation. Sonically, the PDP-427XD is no wallower either, emanating plenty of treble, bass and
a cracking soundstage that enlivens any movie or TV soundtrack.

Late arrival

This is a phenomenal 42in plasma screen. Now, if it had arrived on our test bench a little sooner, the PDP-427XD would certainly have been crowned Plasma of the Year. I

RATINGS

PICTURE SOUND CONNECTIONS FEATURES EASE OF USE VALUE
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Analogue video and audio connections back up the dual HDMIs

VERDICT #####

This is one of the greatest plasma screens weve clapped our square eyes on

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