Confusion over Pioneer plasma models!!?

[PJ1200]

Help is required guys! I've been reading through (what seems a rather large amount of info) on the forums about the various new Pioneer plasmas/LCDs that are coming out on the market. I'm not too bothered about them to be honest, but I was wondering if someone could point me in the right direction for their current offering. My father is about to purchase a 50in plasma. It's going to be a pioneer. This is as far as he has got, and he's been asking my advice on which one. I see there are various models with very similar model numbers - but at contrasting prices! Can anyone shed some light for me on the range? I note there are the 508D; 5080D; 508XD; 5080XD amongst others. I think I have put them in order of best there - but please correct me. My dad has a max budget for this part of his set up of c£2,400. Which 50in Pioneer do you think is the best? I think the 508D is better than the 5080D but is it worth the extra c£500? Any views and rank order on which is which and which (perhaps more importantly) is best for the cash would be very much appreciated. PJ

 

[Anonymous]

Wait for this year's new 509 models, out very shortly.

 

[PJ1200]

Cheers - but in the meantime which are the best of the 8G models?

 

[Anonymous]

The 508 is very similar to the 5080, but it does has more calibration options.

508XD/5080XD is HD ready, LX5080D/LX508D is Full HD.

LX5090 is Full HD , see Panasonic web site for details of them all.

Which is best? Kind of asking which Rolls Royce do you prefer.

 

[PJ1200]

rewerb - cheers for the clarification - much appreciated.
Appreciate your comment also on the RR analogy!
Well it looks like my father has gone and order the LX-5080D from TLC Broadcast (I think Fuzzy Logic recommended them in a previous thread). Last one in stock for just under £2,300. I'm certain he will be pleased.

 

[Anonymous]

I hope so, the latest LX5090 model is only £2400!!

 

[PJ1200]

I haven't seen it for less than £2,500?

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

With that budget, wait for the LX5090 and don't buy the LX508 at that price. If you can make a trip to Borehamwood, you can see all those Pioneers side by side and professionally calibrated at TLC Broadcast. It could well be worth the effort. What's your dad's viewing distance? If it's more than 8ft, I'd snap up a 508XD and pocket the rest.

 

[Anonymous]

Yes, your dad should wait for the new model as it is supposed to have 5 times deeper blacks than the current model. Unless he absolutely needs the TV urgently right now.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="seakingadvice"]Yes, your dad should wait for the new model as it is supposed to have 5 times deeper blacks than the current model. Unless he absolutely needs the TV urgently right now.[/quote]Pioneer dont quote a contrast ratio for the LX509 (on their web site).

They just say "Extreme"

 

[Clare Newsome]

I loved them putting that on the site - it's easily as meaningful as the randomly high numbers other manufacturers claim.

 

[Anonymous]

[quote user="rewerb"]
[quote user="seakingadvice"]Yes, your dad should wait for the new model as it is supposed to have 5 times deeper blacks than the current model. Unless he absolutely needs the TV urgently right now.[/quote]Pioneer dont quote a contrast ratio for the LX509 (on their web site).

They just say "Extreme"
[/quote]

I'm refering to what is in the UK Pioneer website. http://www.pioneer.co.uk/uk/images/uk/G9/press/kuro_portfolio.html

Quote "The second generation KURO pushes closer to absolute black by further reducing the idling luminance and improving black levels five times over the previous 2007 KURO models"