The Pioneer Elite PRO-1130HD is a 50-inch plasma HDTV that comes with a separate media receiver and all of the connectivity options you will ever need to make this the center of a high-end home theater system.

The flat monitor includes detachable stereo speakers mounted on either side of the screen, and it is linked to the receiver by a single digital cable. The included stand makes it easy to swivel the monitor, or the stand can be removed for wall-mounting the display (separate hardware is required).

Images on the PRO-1130HD benefit from a brightness of 1,100 cd/m2 and a native resolution of 1,280X768. The picture is impressively rich and detailed, with lifelike colors and crisp edges. The PRO-1130HD is unusually adjustable, with five color temperature settings as well as an advanced manual setting, four digital noise reduction settings, five picture format options, and four MPEG noise-reduction settings. The viewing angle is 160 degrees both horizontally and vertically. Twin NTSC tuners and an ATSC tuner provide access to standard or HD programming without the need for an additional receiver, along with multiple PIP options.

Each video input can be configured with one of six picture presets, as well as separate day and night settings. The internal stereo speakers are rated at 13 watts of audio output per channel, with separate controls for treble and bass. The PRO-1130HD also has three different simulated surround sound effects. Parental V-chip controls make it possible to block inappropriate content, and access to TV Guide On-Screen is available.

The media receiver is home to a generous selection of inputs and outputs, with composite video, S-video, component video and D-sub PC inputs located on the front of the receiver. The rear panel includes two RF inputs, two composite video/S-video inputs, two component video inputs, two HDMI digital-to-digital connections, two iLink (FireWire) inputs, an optical digital audio output, and a subwoofer output. Multiple media card slots accommodate most types of memory cards, making it easy to view JPEG and MPEG on the big screen. The included learning remote control has the ability to be taught the codes for just about any associated component. Finally, the PRO-1130HD's warranty is unusually generous, with 2 years of coverage for parts and labor.

The gorgeous Pioneer Elite PRO-1130HD picture will make this plasma model an enticing choice as the focal point of a home theater setup, and its many connectivity options make it a logical choice as well.

Warranty
2 years parts and labor