With its PDP-4270HD, Pioneer offers a relatively small plasma HDTV that is big in the performance department. This 42-inch PureVision set delivers excellent video quality and connectivity, and its long feature list is tough to beat in a plasma set of this size. Even after a recent price drop, the PDP-4270HD is somewhat expensive, but you certainly get your money's worth.

All incoming signals are scaled to the native resolution of 1,024X768, and the PDP-4270HD has a host of processing and enhancement functions to ensure a high level of detail and accurate, saturated colors. These include four settings each for digital and MPEG noise reduction, Pioneer's Pure Drive II 10-bit digital video processing, Advanced Continuous Emission (ACE) IV processing for color and gray-scale representation and Advanced Pure Cinema 3:3 pulldown conversion for the smooth display of movie content. The result is a bright, crystal-clear picture with excellent color reproduction and deep blacks.

Stereo speakers are located below the screen, so they do not contribute to the PDP-4270HD's footprint. These two-way speakers produce 13 watts of output per channel, which is respectable for a plasma TV of this size, and audio options include simulated surround sound and a bass boost. The general sound quality is good, but if you are looking for something more, the PDP-4270HD has an optical digital audio output to channel the audio to a home theater receiver. If you choose to go this route, you can even detach the speaker panel for a more streamlined look.

The feature list of the PDP-4270HD is extensive, and it includes dual-tuner PIP functionality, access to the TV Guide On Screen electronic program guide (EPG), three color temperature settings and memory for the settings for each input. A tabletop stand is included in the package, and it can be removed to mount the monitor on the wall with separately available hardware. The PDP-4270HD also comes with a universal remote control that includes handy buttons for navigating the EPG.

Connectivity is another strong point of the PDP-4270HD. The side panel is home to a USB input, so you can connect a digital camera and view your pictures on the big screen. There is also a set of composite video inputs on the side. The rear panel has two 1,080p-compaitble HDMI inputs, two S-video inputs, two component video inputs and two RF inputs, as well as a PC input, the optical digital audio output and a subwoofer pre-amp output. There is also a CableCARD slot, which makes the PDP-4270HD is digital cable-ready.

Plasma HDTVs of 42 inches and larger are commonly available for well under $2,000, so this set may appear overpriced. However, considering the excellent picture and long list of features, serious TV fans will find the Pioneer PDP-4270HD to be a great purchase.


Pros: Dual-tuner PIP and split-screen viewing, good connectivity, excellent picture
Cons: Expensive

Warranty
1 year parts and labor