Pioneer PDP-428XG (42-inch plasma)

By Philip Wong
Mar 28, 2008

In the world of flat panels, there're the plasmas which thrive on blacks and the competing LCD underdogs. Though headway has been achieved through a variety of measures such as tint filters and dynamic backlighting, none have been up to the mark against the latest Pioneer Kuros. As a matter of fact, there is also nothing comparable within the plasma camp, too. If you demand nothing but the deepest industry-leading black at an affordable price, the PDP-428XG Kuro is "The One" and where's why.

Design

In most cases, the PDP-428XG is just like any of its past and present plasma TVs; simple yet sleek and classy. There're no fancy trimmings or glaring blings here, just plenty of clean lines, an alluring piano black finish and picturesque narrow panel frame. In fact, there aren't many usual "distractions" either, kept to a bare minimum of an embossed Pioneer badge and soothing blue power LED. But unlike most of the current generation-eight Kuros, this has integrated bottom speakers which has little impact on its overall bulk and do not require cumbersome cabling.

Hooking up a USB thumbdrive to this Kuro is generally a hassle-free affair, thanks to the well-thought-out side A/V inputs laid out on the left. Having said that, the selection could have been better if only an HDMI port was included to cater for HD gadgets. Setting this minor oversight aside, we have no quibble on placement of its onboard controls, conveniently located by the right and within easy reach for impromptu adjustments. Standard installation options for this silent-running TV include a sturdy (albeit fixed) tabletop stand and optional wall-mounting bracket.

For a fraction of the LX Kuro's asking price, you'll get the same quality brushed-metal remote controller. Shipped in matching hues, the ergonomic stick is easily one of the better offerings we've tried, combining versatility and functionality. To begin with, there is multifunctional control with relevant color-coded buttons, programmable for numerous brands of settop boxes, DVDs and VCRs. For those with an elaborate home theater system built without an A/V receiver, switching between various sources is also hardly a chore, courtesy of seven dedicated input selection keys.

In the same light, you're hardly shortchanged when it comes to the rich assortment of audio-visual configurations in the software menu. A quick side-by-side comparison between the PDP-428XG and PDP-LX508G yielded utterly no differences at all. You'll get the full monty such as 72Hz film mode, extensive noise reductions, as well as advanced grayscale cuts and gains. If these hardly make any sense despite the handy onscreen descriptions, you could still settle with any of its six picture modes or stick to "Optimum" for hassle-free picture optimization (more on this later).

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