The Pioneer Elite PRO-1140HD's price has dropped considerably since its initial release, but it is still rather expensive for a 50-inch plasma HDTV. However, Pioneer has a reputation for building exceptional plasma sets, and this PureVision model is no exception. It cannot match the 1,080p resolution of some of the newly available flat-panel sets, but the PRO-1140HD nevertheless delivers a crystal-clear picture that would put many higher-resolution models to shame.

In addition to an ATSC (HD) tuner for displaying cable and over-the-air HD signals, the PRO-1140HD sports a QAM tuner and CableCARD slot, so it is digital cable-ready. This set also has dual NTSC (SD) tuners, so you don't need a second video source to enable the assorted PIP and split-screen viewing modes.

The native resolution is 1,365X768, so the PRO-1140HD can display every pixel of 720p HD broadcasts. All other signals are scaled to fit the pixels. A screen filter virtually eliminates glare and reflections, and it also serves to improve contrast and color accuracy. There are a host of enhancement and adjustment options, including four levels of digital noise reduction, four options for MPEG noise reduction, five color temperature settings and the ability to adjust six individual colors (red, yellow, blue, green, cyan and magenta).

While the PRO-1140HD's picture is exceedingly good, Pioneer doesn't forget to address the audio. The two-way speakers flank the screen to ensure good stereo separation, and they produce a respectable 13 watts of output per channel. In addition to the standard simulated surround sound, the PRO-1140HD offers bass enhancement. If you choose to route the audio to a home theater receiver via the TV's digital audio output, you can detach the speakers for a more streamlined look.

The convenience features include four favorite-channel lists, access to the TV Guide On Screen electronic program guide, a full-screen picture freeze and an adjustable sleep timer. There are multiple aspect ratio settings for both high-definition and standard-definition programming, and the PRO-1140HD's illuminated universal remote control has both preprogrammed and learning options.

As you would expect, the PRO-1140HD excels in the connectivity department. For starters, the side panel has a composite video input and a component video input, plus a USB port for viewing photos or listening to digital audio files. The rear panel has a pair of 1,080p-compatible HDMI inputs, an Ethernet jack for linking the PRO-1140HD to a home network, a PC input and a pair of RF inputs, as well as S-video inputs and additional composite and component video inputs. There is also the digital audio output and a subwoofer output. Finally, the PRO-1140HD has an RS-232C control connection for linking with a larger home entertainment system.

The price may be high, but you get what you pay for. The technologically advanced Pioneer Elite PRO-1140HD offers impressive picture clarity, features and attention to detail.


Pros: Great picture, broad connectivity includes two 1,080p HDMI connections and Ethernet, long feature list, digital cable-ready, dual-tuner PIP functions
Cons: Expensive

Warranty
2 years parts and labor