Pioneer Elite Kuro PRO-151FD

Pros: magnificently /natural/ picture; huge image that covers much of one's field of vision; lots of inputs, plus extras on the left side; plain cosmetics do not draw attention to themselves

Cons: wretchedly crappy user manual; shallow learning curve on user interface; remote control hard to read in dim light (backlighting notwithstanding); expensive; manufacturer leaving TV business

Summary: I had no intention of purchasing this set right now, intending to wait at least another year. But when it was bruited about that Pioneer was getting out of the TV business, and HFC offered a three-year zero-interest loan, I bit.

My video standards are very high, and I expected the PRO-151FD to meet them. It didn't. It was /better/ than I'd expected.

I started with "Amadeus" (on a Sony BD-S550). The dark scenes weren't so hot, but when the movie got to the day-lit court scenes, my jaw hit the floor. Tremendous detail, but without exaggeration. Vivid colors (where appropriate), but without them "popping". It was much like looking a huge photograph that moved. Or perhaps seeing the thing itself, in 2D.

"Ratatouille", with all its incredible detail, was almost as good. "Sleeping Beauty" finally revealed what the Disney artists were trying to do. Even "7th Voyage of Sinbad" looked (mostly) fine, the skeleton duel being especially impressive.

I paid $6K, plus sales tax and delivery, and it was worth every stinking penny. Don't "vidition" this set unless you have the money. It is to die for.

Updated on Apr 17, 2009

Update: I've now been living with this set for almost four weeks. My enthusiasm has only grown. Perhaps the best thing I can say about it is that it has what I can only call "refinement". Yest, the color is fantastic, and the detail is unbelievable, but there's nothing exaggerated or "false" about any of it. It's rather like the way a great loudspeaker reveals everything about a recording, but without drawing attention to it.

On the negative side... The image is bright enough for daytime viewing, but this is not a display that reveals its best qualities in a brightly lit room. I do my casual viewing on the Sony WEGA the Pioneer replaced.

Strongly recommended, if you can justify the price.