taurus8dhw:
I have 2 Pioneer TV's, One is a 4 year old 42" Pioneer Non Kuro 1378x768 (Or something like that but not a 1080 version) It is brilliant I have nothing but praise for it. It provides a stunning picture no matter what you throw at it even SD and 1080 HD.
I also have a 2 year old 60" Pioneer Kuro 600A Display only and connected to a surround AV and B&W MT30 speaker system. It is a phenomenal performer and produces the best picture I have ever experienced to date (Though Panasonic VT20's catching up).
So yes they are still king, but wait a minute!
One surprise recently revealed is, I replaced a bedroom TV (Increased the size) with a bargain 40" Sharp Quattron for £550. LED side lit. It is amazing and seriously challenges the Pioneer 42" mentioned earlier. I am not a fan of LCD technology because I watch a lot of sport and there is absolutely no comparison with Plasma's for fast moving action as the response / refresh rate is just so superior with the plasma. However this Sharp Quattron is amazing and as close to Plasma as I have yet to experience, it makes the Sony's, Samsung's and Philips very fuzzy by comparison (Slightly over exaggerated that statement) and what's more HD on Freeview down the old terrestrial aerials coaxial connection is almost as good as SKY HD.
There you go Pioneer and Plasma still top but hey watch out for Sharp Quattron, the extra yellow incorporated into the RGB all the other manufacturers use is a real improvement on colour and clarity and goes a long way to dilute the endless arguments over deep blacks and greys with other LCD's. Go to Currys/PC World and they have the 40", 46" and 60" on show...go see for your self. But as usual their prices are very much OTT so have a look at PRC Direct or 1st Audio Visual.
Yep, i was lucky enough to have a demo of the Pioneer Kuro 600A with the Pioneer bdp-lx91 blu ray player and all i can say is "wow" the picture was amazing.