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Pioneer Kuro last pieces

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murali

I have an offer for a new Pioneer Kuro 500A, multisystem with the 50" panel, tuner box, side speakers and table stand all included for a little more than $3,000, one of the last pieces remaining with the distributors. Is it worth buying or should I wait for new Panasonic plasmas expected in the future? I have read a lot about the Kuros and hope users can advise me on the value vs performance in this deal.

Thanks in advance.
murali

Follow Ups:

Go for it - Jazz Inmate 11:33:44 03/12/10 (7)
The Kuros are better than the Pannys--not just spec-wise but the holistic overall realism of the picture--and without competition from Pioneer I don't hold out great hope that Pannys will improve much.
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We must be the change we wish to see in the world. -Gandhi
- they now own the technology - Joe Murphy Jr 14:53:14 03/12/10 (6)
  Pioneer's Kuro technology patents are now owned by Matsushita (Panasonic). While I don't expect everything to be ported over to Panasonic's plasma displays at once, different aspects of the technology will be implemented over time.
  - Microsoft bought a lot of competing technology, but it didn't translate to higher quality - Jazz Inmate 15:44:48 03/12/10 (5)
    I could be wrong, but compared to Pioneer's commitment to plasma innovation, Panasonic was not very impressive. Remember Pioneer's ultra-contrast 9-mm thin plasma prototype with incredible black levels that was displayed at the 2008 CES? This thing by all accounts was the most amazing display ever made. If Panasonic now owns the technology I sure hope they commercialize it.
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    We must be the change we wish to see in the world. -Gandhi
    - http://gizmodo.com/341431/pioneer-9mm+thin-concept-plasma-og (Open in New Window)
    - history - Joe Murphy Jr 20:33:19 03/12/10 (4)
      Until Pioneer implemented Kuro tech, Panasonic had owned the plasma industry on the glass end from almost the beginning. As for the electronics end, Fujitsu had better tech than Pioneer or Panasonic up until the time they left the plasma business. And their screens based on Panasonic glass were the best glass/electronics combination of plasma technology you could own.
      
      I have faith in Panasonic. Without them, plasma would not be where it is today. Besides, if they exit the industry, consider what we're stuck with. Now that's an even sadder thought for videophiles than Pioneer exiting the plasma business.
      
      And Panasonic is capable of what's in that picture. I just hope that they make it available soon.
      - You're not giving Pioneer its due - Jazz Inmate 22:36:22 03/16/10 (3)
        
        In Reply to: RE: history posted by Joe Murphy Jr on March 12, 2010 at 20:33:19
        
        Fujitsu and Matsushita got in on the ground floor of university-based plasma technology that they patented. But it was Pioneer that invested more R&D dollars and resources in plasma quality. I worked for Extron Electronics for a year in the late '90s and followed display technologies pretty closely then and ever since. Pioneer made a very significant commitment to plasma quality early and often and that's why it was justified in charging a premium. Unfortunately, most customers don't value quality as much as saving money and with Pioneer forced to close its plasma business, there has to be some concern that the bar will not be raised as high with Matsushita controlling the market and owning the sweet spot for profits, i.e., sacrificing some quality for affordability.
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        We must be the change we wish to see in the world. -Gandhi
        
        you missed my point - Joe Murphy Jr 15:42:54 03/17/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You're not giving Pioneer its due posted by Jazz Inmate on March 16, 2010 at 22:36:22
        
        My point was that until Pioneer developed their Kuro tech, Panasonic was #1 re: the glass for plasma displays. Even Fujitsu's best models started their life at a Matsushita factory. And throwing money at a technology doesn't guarantee success (prime example: Pioneer, their business model didn't work despite the quality gains via Kuro tech).
        
        As for Panasonic implementing all of patents they purchased from Pioneer, only they know if it's going to happen. And even if they do, there's no reason to implement everything at once (though I'm sure most people would prefer that they did, myself included). I'll give Panasonic the benefit of the doubt.
        
        Panasonic is the last hope for plasma. LG may have another year or two left, but I doubt they'll remain much longer than that. I wouldn't buy a Samsung product with someone else's money.
        
        Agreed. - Kal Rubinson 09:29:45 03/17/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You're not giving Pioneer its due posted by Jazz Inmate on March 16, 2010 at 22:36:22
        
        I purchased one of the last 50" Fujitsus and, recently, one of the last 50" Pioneers. Very happy with them.
        
        Kal
        
        RE: You're not giving Pioneer its due - Jwm 07:05:51 03/17/10 (0)
        
        In Reply to: RE: You're not giving Pioneer its due posted by Jazz Inmate on March 16, 2010 at 22:36:22
        
        You are right on the money. I am so happy I was able to get one of the last Pioneer Plasmas recently.

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