Drop, charge, and lose the cords
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 81 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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77 out of 80 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Pioneer plasmas now have great quality at a good price!"
Pros: Pioneer reputation, picture quality, aesthetics.
Cons: Don't have an opinion yet.
Summary: I've been waiting for prices to come down on plasmas for a year. Researched and read reviews from more sites than I can count. By this past June, I narrowed the choices to Pioneer and Panasonic (due to CNET ratings). I was leaning toward Pioneer due to reputation, picture quality and aesthetics, but had a tough time justifying the additional $1000 or so.
Reading CNET reviews of last year's PDP-5060HD model, three people recommended Coza Inc., Leo Cortez in particular. Coza Inc. is a Pioneer AUTHORIZED internet dealer, which is critical because Pioneer will not honor warranty if purchased from non-authorized dealers. I called and spoke with Leo, who is one of the BEST people I've ever dealt with in making any large purchase. As other reviewers also noted, he is extremely knowledgeable and laid-back. . . the first time I ever spoke with a plasma salesperson who knew more than I did and gave me very helpful practical advice. He never tried to "sell" me on anything. In fact, because of his advice, I did not get unnecessary pricey accessories (e.g. power conditioners at $300 - $400). He's also answers every question very patiently and in terms a layman can understand.
Moving on beyond being a charter member of the Leo Cortez at Coza Inc. fan club, he told me that the PDP-5070HD model was shipping, and their price is $3,264 plus $165 for shipping. This price is by far the lowest from an AUTHORIZED internet dealer. My issue with Pioneer's higher price tag just disappeared.
I made the order and received it within 3 business days. No problems, no hassles. Set it up, turned it on and was stunned at the picture quality right out of the box without any adjustments. Since I've only had the tv for 2 days now, I haven't had a chance to check out all the features and options, so I'll post later.
I did have to call Pioneer Customer Support (info on their website) for what I thought was a problem. Waited only 8 minutes (which is short in this day and age), and their service rep was very helpful and knowledgeable. He answered my questions in plain english, and as it turned out, my problem wasn't even a problem.
Bottom-line: Get the Pioneer for their reputation (for both the product and customer support), picture quality, and now, price competitiveness!Updated
Still no substantive complaints after having the plasma for a month. Pioneer Support advised me to keep the picture setting on "Standard" (vs. "Dynamic") for the first 3 months or so of viewing. This will further reduce the already minimal chance of image burn-in. The Dynamic setting gives you a more vibrant picture, and so you'll probably want to set it there after 3 months.
- 5 replies to this review
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Very wary about purchasing online until I saw your comments about Coza, Inc. Called Leo last week and you were right, he's great. He even advanced warranty info to local repair shop to have on hand, just in case of any problems. Excellent service and great tv!
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DID YOU FIND OUT WHO IS GONNA FIX IT WHEN IT BREAKS? IT'S NOT A MATTER OF IF, BUT WHEN? WHERE I LIVE I HAVE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT SERVICING THE PRODUCT BESIDES THE BEST UNLESS PACKING IT UP AND SHIPPING IT OFF OR DRIVING A COUPLE OF HUNDRED MILES TWICE (ONCE TO DROP IT OFF AND AGAGAIN TO PICK IT UP) TO THE NEAREST AUTHORIZED SERVICER IS NO PROBLEM.
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I wouldn't recommend ever using the dynamic setting. Visit avsforum.com for detailed recommendations on tweaking the 5070 settings. There are threads devoted only to this topic.
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Good write up on the 5070. I just bought the 5071 from Best Buy for $3700 + free 4 year extended warranty. Will be delivered in 10 days and will do a write up.
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I read your detailed write up of the Pioneer PDP-5070HD and it gave me more confidence in the TV and in purchasing it from coza inc(cozainc.com). I called Leo earlier today and found out exactly what you said.....he was courteous, not overly ambitious to sell me things, and very knowledgeable. So, I purchased the TV from him today and just waiting for it to arrive.
Dave
Pioneer PDP-5070HD:
