Pioneer has stepped into the TV market, and we’ve put one of their models through rigorous testing to bring you a comprehensive review. This detailed analysis covers everything from picture quality in HD and 4K UHD to HDR performance, viewing angles, sound quality, ease of use, and smart features. If you’re considering a Pioneer TV, read on for an in-depth look at its strengths and weaknesses.
HD Picture Quality: Very Good but with Exaggerated Detail
In our HD picture quality assessment, the Pioneer TV achieved a “Very Good” rating overall. Its reproduction of fine HD image detail was “Excellent,” showcasing its ability to render intricate textures and nuances. However, we noted that this detail enhancement was sometimes overly aggressive. Despite attempts to adjust the sharpness control, the image detail appeared somewhat exaggerated, leading to a less natural look.
Color accuracy was also “Very Good,” particularly in rendering natural-looking flesh tones. The TV demonstrated “Very Good” contrast, providing a noticeable difference between the darkest blacks and brightest whites. This contributed to a convincing sense of depth and dimension in images. However, black levels, while acceptable and maintaining some contrast in darker scenes, didn’t quite reach the depth achieved by top-tier TVs.
A notable drawback in HD picture quality was its degradation when viewed from off-center angles, which we will detail further in the Viewing Angle section. Image brightness was rated “Very Good” at higher backlight settings, making it suitable for well-lit rooms. For dimmer environments, a lower backlight setting is advisable.
The TV performed admirably in upscaling HD content to near-4K UHD resolution, earning a “Very Good” rating for smooth edge reproduction. “Jaggies” (jagged edges) were minimal, and deinterlacing of 1080i video and film mode detection from 1080i content were both “Excellent,” indicating strong processing capabilities for older HD formats.
4K UHD Picture Quality: Very Good Performance
Moving to 4K UHD picture quality, the Pioneer TV maintained a “Very Good” overall rating. When playing native 4K movies and test videos (non-HDR) through the TV’s HDMI input, we confirmed that the display fully resolved the enhanced detail of UHD content. In terms of color, contrast, and black level performance in 4K UHD, the TV mirrored its HD picture quality characteristics, offering a consistent visual experience across resolutions.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) Performance: Limited Effectiveness
The High Dynamic Range (HDR) performance of this Pioneer TV presented “very limited effectiveness.” Our tests revealed that the display’s peak brightness capability fell short of HDR standards, significantly restricting its ability to showcase the expanded contrast and luminance range that HDR content is designed to deliver.
The TV struggled to create substantial contrast between moderately bright and very bright highlights. While brightness levels in mid-to-lower tones, such as those in typical indoor scenes, were preserved, the dynamic range remained constrained.
On a positive note, the TV performed well in reproducing nuanced shadow detail, effectivelyGradually transitioning from black to white without noticeable banding. However, we did observe some loss of detail in the brightest highlight areas, indicating clipping in the upper luminance range. Brightly colored objects retained good saturation, suggesting decent color processing even within the limitations of its HDR brightness.
Viewing Angle: Narrow and Below Average
A significant weakness of this Pioneer model is its “narrow viewing angle,” which we rated as “below-average performance among TVs.” Optimal picture quality is largely restricted to viewers seated directly in front of the screen.
Our viewing angle tests demonstrated a notable decrease in image quality as we moved away from the center position. Moderate dimming was evident when viewing from the sides. Furthermore, significant image degradation occurred at wider angles. Color accuracy suffered, with flesh tones appearing somewhat washed out. Black levels visibly brightened, reducing contrast, particularly in dark scenes.
Vertically, the TV exhibited “Good vertical viewing angle performance.” Viewing from above or below center screen resulted in only slight changes to color, contrast, and black levels, suggesting a less restrictive vertical viewing zone compared to its horizontal performance.
Motion Blur: Good but Lacking Special Features
In motion handling, the Pioneer TV achieved a “Good motion performance” rating, exhibiting “some blurring.” Notably, this model does not incorporate any special features designed to minimize motion blur. While motion performance is adequate for general viewing, users particularly sensitive to motion artifacts or those who frequently watch fast-paced content like sports or action movies might find the level of blur noticeable.
Sound Quality: Good and Acceptable for Most
The sound quality of this Pioneer TV is rated as “Good,” placing it around average compared to other TVs we’ve tested. It delivers “decent performance” for movies, concerts, and TV shows, but it does not match the audio fidelity of top-performing models.
During our listening evaluations, bass frequencies were found to be “adequate but lacking a sense of fullness and definition.” We also detected a slight rattle or buzzing during bass-heavy sound passages. Treble frequencies lacked detail, and the overall sound profile was described as “a bit closed in.”
Despite these shortcomings, the TV’s speakers can produce a “Good volume level” without noticeable distortion, making it suitable for rooms that are not excessively noisy. While not exceptional, “most people would find this sound quality acceptable” for everyday TV viewing.
Ease of Use: Simplified Remote but Lacks Input Button
The physical design considerations include a stand that is 42 inches wide, which is important to note when choosing a table or stand for placement. Initial setup is guided by an on-screen guide that appears upon first power-up.
The remote control utilizes an RF signal, eliminating the need to point it directly at the TV. It features a “simplified design with a reduced set of buttons,” which some users may appreciate for its uncluttered layout. It includes essential buttons for power, channel navigation, volume, mute, menu, and exit. However, a significant usability drawback is the “annoying lack of a source-input button,” which can complicate switching between different connected devices.
The remote incorporates a microphone for accessing a built-in voice assistant feature and dedicated buttons for quick access to streaming services including Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
Internet Features: Fire OS with Built-in Alexa
This Pioneer TV is equipped with internet functionality powered by the “Fire OS” portal, granting access to a wide range of applications. A comprehensive selection of movie streaming services are either pre-installed or available for download, including Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Apple TV, and HBO Max. Crucially, these services can stream content in 4K UHD resolution.
An integrated Amazon Alexa virtual assistant enables voice control for tasks such as asking questions, launching apps, and searching for programming using natural speech via the remote. The TV also claims support for external voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa and Apple Siri HomeKit, expanding its smart home integration capabilities.
Connections: Three HDMI Ports and Essential Connectivity
In terms of connectivity, this model offers three HDMI inputs, with one supporting ARC (Audio Return Channel) and enhanced audio return channel functionalities. It includes a single USB port, an optical digital audio output, a headphone jack, an Ethernet port for wired network connections, and built-in WiFi for wireless networking. AirPlay support is also included, facilitating easy sharing of videos, photos, music, and other content from Apple devices to the TV.
What’s Included: Basic Accessories
The package contents are fairly standard, including a quick start guide, an electronic user guide accessible through the TV’s menu system, a remote control with batteries, and a detachable power cord. It’s worth noting that “no printed manual is included,” which may be a consideration for users who prefer physical documentation.
About UHD Testing Methodology
To ensure clarity, it’s important to understand the context of UHD testing. Ultra-high definition (UHD) encompasses both TV technology and program content. While the UHD standard includes 4K and 8K resolutions, the current market predominantly features 4K UHD TVs and content. A 4K UHD image is defined by a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels—four times the pixel density of standard HD.
Our UHD TV picture quality assessments are conducted using 4K UHD movies, videos, photos, and specialized test patterns. This rigorous testing verifies the display’s ability to deliver the full potential of the 4K UHD format. We evaluate the TV’s capability to reproduce 4K UHD image detail, as well as its High Dynamic Range (HDR) performance for TVs that support this feature. Image quality is assessed using a UHD movie player connected via HDMI and from files played from a USB flash drive. Furthermore, we evaluate the TV’s upscaling prowess, examining how effectively it can convert HD movies to the display’s native UHD resolution while minimizing artifacts like “jaggies.” The best UHD and HDTVs are expected to present high-fidelity images that faithfully reproduce the quality of the source content without introducing visual degradation.
