Last Pioneer PDP-428XDs shipped to retailers

[FuzzyinLondon]

Just to let everyone know that the last few 42" Pioneer Plasmas have shipped from the production line. Pioneer are halting production of the old generation of sets to ramp up production of the new range for launch this summer. The new range will not include a 42" plasma. So, if you did have your eye on a 428, they won't be around for much longer.

 

[Minigill]

Just been reading (probably from the same source !), that Pioneer have shipped the last of the 428 and 4280 and thats its, no more... you have been warned !

 

[Anonymous]

Mine arrived on Wednesday, got a good deal from Dixons online.

 

[nigpd]

Is there anywhere to look at to find out what will be replacing this range?

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

It will be replaced by 37" and 46" Full HD LCDs models later this year. The panels will be supplied by Sharp who own a stake in Pioneer. There are also rumours that a 40" model may also be added to the LCD line. You can check out the details at:

http://www.pioneer.eu/eur/content/press/news/kuroPortfolio.html

 

[Anonymous]

interesting to see Pioneer are going Full HD 1080p on all their new sets including 32" and 37" and will not be offering any HD Ready sets and that they are also offering LCD.

I guess its a case of if they don't make 1080p sets, some punters may overlook their sets thinking that if it doesn't offer 1080p the picture isn't going to be as good as a set that does. This is despite their current Kuro HD ready sets being hailed in reviews as having better pictures than some 1080p sets.

Although I convinced myself that HD Ready at 37" (or 42") would suit me fine It still makes we wonder if I should go 1080p after all and buy into the latest technology, considering I don't change my TV's often - the TV I'm looking to replace, I've had for 14 years.

I hate this decision process.

 

[FuzzyinLondon]

I guess Pioneer have to respond to the what the market is demanding. Another factor could be the fact that Pioneer will source their LCD panels from Sharp. It could well be the Sharp are planning to only manufacture 1080p panels in the future. It's all a numbers game with every company looking to outdo eachother which the latest features. Pioneer used to ignore the 'resolution race' and focus on quality but that, coupled with their desire to price themselves as a premium brand, hasn't got them very far. The change of direction was necessary for their survival.

I agree with you on the 1080p thing for normal TV viewing. However, more and more people are looking to buy a TV that can 'do everything' including functioning as a PC Monitor where having 1080p can be beneficial on smaller LCDs, especially if you are sat close. It's also one of the reasons that all the manufacturers are racing to give us more and more inputs - 4 HDMIs will soon be the norm.

I'm extremely happy with my 4280XD. It's ideal for what I use it for and I don't plan on upgrading for a few years. I had 'Upgraditis' with my laptop last years where I felt like upgrading every 6 months. I became obsessed with being 'futureproof' . It's always a losing battle. I will certain be interested in having a good look at the Pioneer LCDs when they are released - especially the 46" model but I don't think I'll be tempted to buy again until OLED tech becomes a more widespread technology.