The Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 has a sky-high suggested retail price, but as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. This stunning 50-inch PureVision plasma monitor can display HDTV and other content at 1,080p. Indeed, this is one of the few plasma sets currently capable of displaying every pixel of 1,080i high-definition programming. However, keep in mind that the PRO-FHD1 is a monitor only, and you will need to supply a tuner for TV reception.

Thanks to smaller pixels and a plethora of noise-reduction and other signal-processing functions, the PRO-FHD1 presents a razor-sharp picture with more than twice the pixel count of a 720p or 768p plasma display. Lower-resolution content like standard television and progressive scan DVD looks good, but the PRO-FHD1 truly shines displaying HD content or when connected to a Blu-ray disc player. An in-screen filter enhances contrast and reduces reflections, and a six-way color management system and Pioneer's Digital Color Transient Improver (CTI) produce realistic, accurate colors. You will not find a better picture than on the PRO-FHD1.

In addition to the color management system, the PRO-FHD1 includes an enormous amount of adjustment options to shape and tune the picture to your exacting standards. There are four settings each for digital noise reduction and MPEG noise reduction and five for color temperature, as well as six aspect ratio modes including a "dot by dot" mode that is ideal when displaying computer content delivered via the PRO-FHD1's DVI input. The six video presets include dynamic, game and a custom setting, and film content is adapted for video presentation with 3:3 pulldown conversion. This monitor also has a full complement of PIP functions.

Two-way stereo speakers are mounted on the sides of the monitor, and they produce a decent 13 watts of output per channel. Audio options include simulated surround and an effective bass boost, and there are multiple audio outputs for sending the sound to external speakers or a home theater receiver.

The PRO-FHD1 does not come with a stand or mounting hardware, but both are available options. With a weight of almost 90 pounds, the pair of built-in handles makes positioning it a somewhat easier task. There is a full set of controls arrayed along the PRO-FHD1's right-hand edge, including buttons for navigating menus, switching inputs and adjusting the aspect ratio. This is fortunate, as the included remote is a spartan affair that basically serves to switch inputs and adjust the volume. This makes sense, however, because as the PRO-FHD1 is a monitor, channel changes and other operations will be performed via associated components.

The rear-panel connection selection has plenty of digital input options, including two 1,080p-compatible HDMI inputs and a DVI input for computer or other content. There is also an RS-232C link for integrating the PRO-FHD1 into a home theater network. The warranty is generous, providing 2 years of coverage for parts and labor.

This ultra-high-end plasma HD monitor is not for everyone, but if you have the means and are looking for the pinnacle of video reproduction, the Pioneer Elite PRO-FHD1 won't disappoint.

Pros: Picture quality is as good as it gets, huge number of picture adjustments, generous warranty
Cons: No tuner, limited remote, no stand or wall-mount hardware, very expensive

Warranty
2 years parts and labor