If a 43-inch plasma HDTV is what you seek, and you have a rather generous budget, the Pioneer Elite PRO-930HD is an appealing and exciting choice.

The wide-format screen is framed in black, with detachable stereo speakers on either side of the monitor. The included tilt-and-swivel table stand can be removed for mounting the monitor on a wall. A single cable connects the monitor with a black media receiver that houses all of the inputs and outputs for this multifunctional TV.

Images are presented in high-definition XGA resolution of 1,024X768, with a contrast ratio of 3,000:1 and brightness rated at 1,100 cd/m2. Blacks are rich and colors are lifelike, with reflection reduced by a non-glass screen filter. Movies are accurately delivered through 3:3 pulldown video processing, which eliminates unevenness in fast-moving scenes. Twin NTSC tuners and a single ATSC tuner provide access to standard and HD content, and the multiple tuners allow full access to PIP functions without the need for a second video source. The PRO-930HD can also host computer content, and the media receiver's memory card slots enable the display of digital photos and movie clips.

Each of the video inputs can be configured with its own night and day settings, and there is a choice of five aspect ratio formats (including a special PC format) to fit all types of content to the screen. The internal audio system produces a total of 26 watts of sound, which can be set to simulate three different forms of surround sound. Convenience features include access to an interactive program guide through TV Guide On-Screen, thumbnail or slideshow viewing of digital photos, and V-chip parental controls.

The small media receiver box holds all of the input and output jacks for the PRO-930HD. The front panel has a D-sub PC input, an S-video input, a composite video input, and a component video input, while the rear has two RF inputs, two HDMI connections, two more component video inputs, two more composite video inputs, two iLink (FireWire) connectors, a CableCARD slot and an optical digital audio output, among others. The remote control is a learning model that can manage just about any associated device. The 2-year parts and labor warranty is a step above the coverage offered on many competing models.

The Pioneer Elite PRO-930HD 43-inch plasma HDTV is a fine set for movies because of its advanced video processing, but it also is an accommodating unit that can handle computer and other functions as well.

Warranty
2 years parts and labor