In the realm of home entertainment, the pursuit of visual perfection is a journey marked by technological milestones and iconic brands. Among these, Pioneer Elite stands as a beacon of innovation and quality, particularly renowned for its contributions to television technology. Back in 2006, the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television emerged as a testament to this legacy. This review delves into the features, performance, and overall experience of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, a plasma TV that aimed to redefine home viewing at the time. While technology has advanced significantly since its release, understanding the PRO-940HD provides valuable insight into the evolution of Pioneer Elite Televisions and the high standards they set in the industry. This in-depth analysis explores why the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD was considered a benchmark for picture quality and a coveted piece for home theater enthusiasts seeking a premium viewing experience.
Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television: Detailed Specifications
Before diving into the performance aspects, it’s essential to understand the technical foundation of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD. This section outlines the specifications that defined this Pioneer Elite television and set it apart in its era.
Key Product Information:
- Product Name: Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television
- Manufacturer: Pioneer
- Performance Rating: ★★★★★
- Value Rating: ★★★★
- Review Date: December 05, 2006
- MSRP: $3499
Core Specifications:
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Plasma Panel Technology:
- High Definition / XGA Resolution: 1,024 x 768p
- Screen Size: 42-inch Diagonal
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Widescreen
- Advanced Cell Structure: Deep encased cell structure
- Emissive Layer: Crystal emissive layer
- Color Filter: First surface PRO color filter
- Dielectric Layer: New dielectric layer
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Pure Drive Video Features:
- Video System: Pure Drive II
- Emission Control: ACE IV (Advanced Continuous Emission IV)
- Dynamic Range: Active/Intelligent DRE (Dynamic Range Expansion)
- Film Processing: Advanced PureCinema
- Color Enhancement: Intelligent Color Enhancement
- Color Mapping: Selectable Color Zone Mapping
- Color Management: Color management system
- Color Temperature: Color temperature adjustment
- Noise Reduction: Digital noise reduction, MPEG noise reduction, Block noise reduction
- Color Transition Improvement: Digital CTI (color transient improver)
- Image Resizing: Natural resize
- Image Enhancer: Natural enhancer
- Chroma Decoder: Digital chroma decoder
- Calibration Ready: ISFcc calibration ready
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Home Media Gallery:
- Supported Audio Formats: LPCM, MP3, WMA, WMA9 PRO, AC3, WAV
- Supported Video Formats: WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG-ASP
- Supported Photo Formats: JPG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, GIF
- Compatibility: Microsoft PlaysForSure compatible, DLNA compliant/IP network compatible
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Physical Dimensions & Weight:
- Dimensions: 41” (Width) x 26.75” (Height) x 4.5” (Depth)
- Weight: 69.5 lbs
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Convenience Features:
- Media Receiver: Fully-integrated media receiver
- TV Tuners: Built-in dual NTSC and ATSC TV Tuners
- Cable Interface: CableCard interface
- HDMI Inputs: Independent HDMI inputs with 1080p/24 capability
- Aspect Ratio Control: Wide, Zoom, Cinema, Full, 4:3, and “dot by dot” for PC
- Program Guide: TV Guide ON Screen interactive program guide
- AV Selection Memory: Standard, Dynamic, PURE, Movie, Games, User
- Screen Modes: Split screen/Picture-in-Picture
- Parental Control: V-chip
- Remote Control: Full function backlit learning remote control
- Stand: Table top stand included
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Audio Features:
- Amplifier: 13 watt x 2 Stereo Amplifier with built-in Stereo Speakers and TruBass
- Sound Enhancement: SRS WOW/FOCUS/TruBass, Bass boost loudness
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Connectivity:
- Networking: RS-232C, USB 2.0, LAN (RJ45) Ethernet for networking
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Inputs:
- Antenna: x 2 (F-Type Connection, NTSC/ATSC)
- HDMI: x 2 (with HDCP)
- Composite Video: x 3 with L/R audio
- S-video: x 2 with L/R audio
- Component Video: x 3 with L/R audio
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Outputs:
- Composite Video: x 1 with composite L/R Audio
The Allure and Drawbacks of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD
Like any piece of technology, the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD came with its set of advantages and limitations. Understanding these helps contextualize its position as a Pioneer Elite television in the market.
Pros:
- Stunning Aesthetics: The piano gloss finish contributed to a visually appealing design, enhancing the viewing experience even when the TV was off.
- Exceptional Picture Quality: The PRO-940HD was lauded for delivering unbelievable picture quality, a hallmark of Pioneer Elite televisions.
- Integrated Program Guide: The inclusion of an integrated TV Guide ON Screen Program Guide added convenience and user-friendliness.
- Home Media Gallery Functionality: The integrated Media Gallery expanded the TV’s utility beyond just broadcast and disc media.
- Versatile Tuners: Dual ATSC and NTSC tuners provided flexibility in accessing different types of television broadcasts.
- Future-Proofed Connectivity: Support for 1080p via dual HDMI inputs was a forward-looking feature at the time.
Cons:
- Limited Home Media Gallery Navigation: The navigation within the Home Media Gallery functions was noted to be somewhat restricted, potentially hindering user experience when accessing networked media.
Technology and Design Philosophy Behind Pioneer Elite
Experiencing the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD at CEDIA Expo provided a unique perspective on the evolution of plasma technology. Pioneer’s display showcased the progression from early generations to the PRO-940HD, highlighting significant advancements in black levels, resolution, and overall picture quality. The stark contrast between older plasma generations and the current models underscored the remarkable maturity of the technology. Observing the PRO-940HD, one couldn’t help but wonder about the future potential of plasma and how much further it could be refined. In essence, the key takeaway was clear: “It’s all about the blacks!”
Pioneer Elite, with its plasma technology, consistently outperformed LCDs in delivering superior image quality, deeper blacks, and more accurate colors. While new display technologies were emerging, plasma and LCD remained the dominant contenders. The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD represented the pinnacle of Pioneer’s Elite plasma offerings, embodying the brand’s commitment to picture excellence.
Decoding the Features: Marketing Lingo Explained
The Pioneer PRO-940HD, a 9th generation plasma panel, incorporated numerous advancements. While a cheaper display might be available, stepping up to an Elite plasma like the PRO-940HD offered a tangible difference in viewing experience. Let’s break down some key features and understand their practical benefits:
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First-Surface Pure Color Filter: Reflective glare from the screen surface was a common challenge in plasma TVs. Pioneer’s innovative First-Surface PRO Color Filter addressed this by removing the typical second glass layer, the primary source of secondary reflections. This design reportedly enhanced contrast ratios by 20% in Elite PRO models and reduced the overall weight, a welcome byproduct of this engineering improvement.
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Deep Encased Cell Structure: Pioneer’s unique approach to plasma cell structure involved physically isolating each pixel with four surrounding walls. This created deeper pockets for phosphors, minimizing light leakage between cells. The result was a sharper image and more precise color control, contributing to the exceptional picture quality of this Pioneer Elite television.
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ISFccc Calibration Configuration: The Elite PRO-940HD included the ISF Custom Calibration Configuration Mode (ISFccc), licensed by the Imaging Science Foundation. This feature allowed certified calibrators to fine-tune contrast, tint, sharpness, and color levels for both day and night viewing. For videophiles, this professional-grade calibration capability was essential for maximizing picture accuracy. The ISFccc mode, once unlocked by a certified technician, provided access to advanced picture settings within the menu.
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Advanced PureCinema II: Judder, an artifact in motion reproduction, was a known issue in displays. Pioneer Elite plasmas uniquely addressed this with Advanced PureCinema II, employing 3:3 film-to-video conversion at 72 Hz. This process effectively eliminated the 2:3 pull-down common in standard displays, resulting in smoother, more film-like motion. The smoothness was so significant that it might initially feel unusual to viewers accustomed to traditional display motion artifacts.
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Home Media Gallery: The Home Media Gallery feature allowed seamless integration of the Pioneer Elite plasma into home networks via Ethernet. By ensuring a PC on the network ran Windows XP SP2 and Windows Media Connect, users could effortlessly access digital media content—movies, music, and photos—directly on the TV. This functionality extended across multiple networked PCs, offering a centralized media access point controlled through the Pioneer Elite television.
Build Quality, Aesthetics, and Connectivity Options
The Pioneer PRO-940HD, delivered directly from the manufacturer, showcased Pioneer’s commitment to build quality right from the packaging. Despite the outer box showing signs of rough handling during shipping, the television itself remained unscathed, a testament to its robust construction. This resilience highlighted Pioneer’s reputation for durability in plasma technology.
Aesthetically, the PRO-940HD was striking, featuring a piano finish beveled bezel that exuded elegance. The low-profile, bottom-mounted speaker, stretching across the display width with a fine metal grill, complemented the visual design. The integrated stand provided both stability and an optimal viewing height without being overly bulky. For quick access, the left side of the display offered composite and component inputs, L/R audio jacks, and a USB port. The right side provided physical buttons for power, input selection, volume, channel control, and TV Guide access. However, the rear and bottom panels revealed the extensive connectivity options of the Pioneer PRO-940HD.
The Pioneer PRO-940HD boasts a comprehensive array of discrete inputs, catering to even the most demanding users, and the back panel is only part of the story.
Due to the sheer number of connections, Pioneer extended the input array to the bottom of the display. This area included a 10/100 Ethernet port, dual 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, a CableCard slot, dual antenna inputs (F-connector), an RGB PC (HD15) input, a G-LINK IR emitter port, and an RS-232C port. The PRO-940HD offered virtually every connectivity option a user could need.
Input Configuration and User Experience
Key features expected in high-end displays include independent input calibration settings and direct input selection via remote. The Pioneer PRO-940HD excelled in both. Each input could be independently calibrated, essential for optimizing picture settings for different sources—a critical requirement for ISF certification. Direct input selection via the remote simplified operation and setup with universal remote systems. After extended use, the PRO-940HD proved to be feature-rich, offering virtually every function one could desire in a television and more.
Operating the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD was straightforward, with three primary modes: Television, Display (for external A/V sources), and Media Gallery. Users would typically engage with one of these modes at any given time. Navigating the menu system to configure the television was also intuitive.
PRO-940HD as a Television: Tuner and Interface
The Pioneer PRO-940HD functioned exceptionally well as a television, primarily due to its superior TV tuner. Cable TV input resulted in remarkably clean, near-digital quality images. While the ultimate picture quality depended on the source signal, the Pioneer’s tuner significantly enhanced the viewing experience. Compared to other televisions tested, the PRO-940HD delivered crisper lines, reduced noise, and improved responsiveness.
Another standout feature was the integrated TV Guide ON Screen Programming Guide. This system seamlessly integrated with local cable networks, automatically updating program listings for up to two weeks. Updates occurred in standby mode, and the full-color interface was highly user-friendly. Navigation was intuitive, with arrow keys for menu traversal and program browsing. A minor drawback was the non-numerical and non-sequential channel listing in the guide, which might require users accustomed to channel numbers to adapt to logo-based navigation.
The tuner interface of the PRO-940HD was professional-grade and logically organized. Initial setup prompted users to input country and zip code, and to specify cable and/or OTA signal sources. The TV Guide system then allowed selection of local cable providers and offered options to integrate VCR or disc recorders via the G-Link port and IR emitter for external device control.
Manual tuner setup was accessible through the Tuner Setup menu under the Home Menu. The Channel Setup option enabled auto-scanning and logging of available cable channels, with options to add or remove channels as needed. This menu also provided access to parental ratings, CableCard information, and closed captioning settings. Recording functions were not tested, as the reviewer utilized advanced media center and DVR solutions.
PRO-940HD as a Display: Source Component Excellence
Beyond television functionality, the Pioneer Elite plasma excelled as a display for external source components like DVD players and Home Theater PCs. Paired with a Denon DVD-3910CI for testing, the PRO-940HD delivered exceptional picture quality. Even with a 480i component video signal, all of the plasma’s advanced processing features, including PureCinema and noise reduction, were available. The range of picture adjustment options was extensive.
Basic Picture Settings: The Picture Menu provided standard controls for Brightness, Contrast, Color, Tint, and Sharpness. Default HDMI input settings with a Denon DVD-3910 in 720p mode were:
Contrast: 49
Brightness: -10
Color: -5 (default for Movie mode)
Tint: 0
Sharpness: -10
Pro Features and Advanced Adjustments: The Pro Adjust Menu, accessible from the Picture Menu, unlocked the display’s advanced picture controls. PureCinema settings, detailed later, managed deinterlacing for DVD content. The Color Detail submenu offered Color Temperature controls with five presets plus custom RGB gain/cut adjustments. Color temperature measurements for HDMI input presets were:
Low: 6000K
Mid-Low: 6800K
Mid: 7700K
Mid-High: 8700K
High: 9700K
Mid-Low appeared to be the closest default setting to the D65 white point for HDMI inputs.
Calibration using the Manual Color Temp setting resulted in these optimized settings for nighttime viewing:
R High: +1
G High: +3
B High: -7
R Low: -1
G Low: 0
B Low: -1
The Color Detail submenu also included CTI (Color Transient Improvement), which sharpened color edges without introducing ringing artifacts. CTI processing subtly enhanced color transitions, particularly noticeable in color bar patterns, especially between Magenta and Yellow, and Red and Blue.
Color Management functions were considered less practical for typical use, potentially more relevant for visual impairments or experimentation. Intelligent Color effects were minimal post-calibration, suggesting subtle or conditional operation.
Noise Reduction features were highly effective. NR and MPEG NR settings were best kept at Low to Mid to prevent motion smearing. BNR (Block Noise Reduction) effects were not visibly apparent in tested sources but were designed for high-definition mosquito noise reduction. Dynamic Contrast and Black Level modes, while not preferred by the reviewer, offered potential for customized dynamic range adjustments. The Automatic Contrast Limiter could boost white levels in darker scenes to enhance dynamic range, a feature useful depending on viewing conditions.
Gamma mode settings offered varying luminance curves, with Gamma 1 providing the darkest, richest image (measured at 2.12 gamma), suitable for environments prioritizing deep blacks.
Continued TV Use and Remote Control Features
PureCinema Mode: Addressing Judder
Pioneer’s PureCinema mode, switching the panel to 72Hz refresh to eliminate 2:3 pull-down by displaying 24fps film at 72fps (3:3), was a key feature. Testing revealed that its effectiveness was content-dependent and user-preference driven. To evaluate PureCinema, a Denon DVD-3910 outputting 480i component video was used. In scenes like the Coliseum tilt in Gladiator (Chapter XIV), ADV (72Hz, 3:3) mode introduced artifacts and subtle jumpy lines during motion, blurring the image slightly. Standard (2:3) mode eliminated jaggies and provided a cleaner image, albeit with judder still present. This behavior was observed across various scenes, particularly those with CG elements.
Understanding PureCinema’s operation clarifies these results. ADV (3:3) mode outputs 72 frames per second:
AAA BBB CCC DDD EEE FFF GGG HHH III JJJ KKK LLL MMM NNN OOO PPP QQQ RRR SSS TTT UUU VVV WWW XXX
This 3:3 pulldown triplicates each of the 24 original film frames (A-X) to achieve 72fps, eliminating judder and pull-down artifacts and theoretically increasing visual information. Standard (2:3) mode produces 60 frames per second:
AA BBB CC DDD EE FFF GG HHH II JJJ KK LLL MM NNN OO PPP QQ RRR SS TTT UU VVV WW XXX
2:3 pulldown converts 24 frames to 60. While ADV mode offers more visual data, it can, at times, introduce artifacts, especially in CG animation and detailed, sweeping pans. The 24fps film source lacks the inherent detail for these types of shots, and tripling frames can accentuate strobing and artifacts.
2:3 pulldown, while not superior, can mask these issues through judder and fewer total frames. In cinemas, 24fps film relies on motion blur for perceived smoothness. “Filling in the blanks” with 3:3 pulldown can reveal artifacts not previously apparent.
PureCinema preference is subjective. While artifacts were occasionally noticeable, the judder-free motion of ADV mode was generally preferred for most content (around 95%).
Audio Performance
The PRO-940HD’s audio capabilities were notable. HDMI audio pass-through in 2.0, and the integrated speakers were surprisingly capable. While not suitable for large rooms or deep bass, they were effective for typical TV audio. The low-profile speakers included a Focus option, using DSP to “elevate” sound to the screen center, enhancing perceived audio positioning. SRS and TruBass features were also included. SRS offered a simulated surround effect for rooms without surround systems, adding immersion, though with some phasing artifacts. TruBass enhanced perceived bass response by boosting lower frequencies within the TV’s speaker range. If a subwoofer system was in use, TruBass was best disabled.
Screen Size Adjustments
The PRO-940HD offered five screen size modes, selectable via remote:
- 4:3: Displays 4:3 content with side bars, configurable to gray or zoomed B&W representations of the on-screen content. Black bars were not an option, likely to minimize burn-in risks.
- Full: Default mode for 16:9 anamorphic content and evenly expands 4:3 content to fill the screen.
- Zoom: Evenly zooms the picture to minimize letterboxing for widescreen content.
- Cinema: For 14:9 letterboxed content, offering a different stretch level.
- Wide: Logarithmic scaling, stretching edges more than the center. Not recommended for 4:3 sports due to distortion.
PC modes included a Dot by Dot mode for pixel-perfect 1:1 resolution mapping.
PRO-940HD as a Media Center
The Pioneer PRO-940HD functioned as a basic media center, networking with PCs on a home network. Compatible with Windows XP SP2 PCs running Windows Media Connect 2.0 (or later, embedded in Windows Media Player 11), setup was straightforward. After installing the software and configuring shared files, the Home Media Gallery on the TV could access music, movies, and photos from networked PCs.
Accessing the Media Gallery was simple via the “Home Menu” button on the remote. The Media Navigator allowed browsing videos, music, and photos, connecting to USB drives, and accessing playlists. A setup menu provided firmware updates and network settings. While not wireless, the wired networking capability was a significant feature.
Music playback was straightforward, though features like album art and advanced playlist management found in Windows Media Center were absent. Basic playback controls, fast forward, rewind, repeat, and shuffle were functional. Playlist creation and management were rudimentary.
Photo playback was equally seamless, allowing folder browsing and slideshows. Thumbnail previews updated quickly. The PRO-940HD scaled high-resolution photos (e.g., 5-megapixel) effectively to match its native resolution, making it ideal for displaying digital photo albums. Creating dedicated photo folders for playback was recommended for custom slideshows. AVI video files from digital cameras were not supported, requiring USB or direct AV cable connections for playback.
Remote Control Evaluation
The included remote control was functional but not exceptional, as high-end users would likely utilize universal remotes or control systems. Menu navigation was easy, with a dedicated “Return” button. Less frequently used buttons were located under a flip-up cover for a cleaner look and to simplify operation for casual users. However, PIP/POP functions were somewhat cumbersome to access, requiring toggling between buttons under and above the cover for size and source adjustments.
Direct input selection was a notable and appreciated feature. The remote was fully backlit (except for buttons under the cover), though the backlight timeout was a short 5 seconds. Any button press reactivated the backlight, and even the dedicated light button was less convenient than simply pressing any other key. Overall, the remote was functional and capable of controlling other devices in a system.
Calibration and Picture Quality Analysis
Calibration of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, using Datacolor’s Colorfacts Professional 6.0, was straightforward. The display maintained calibration settings effectively, avoiding the “rubberband” effect seen in lower-quality televisions. Black levels were a standout, compensating for plasma’s lower brightness with deep blacks, resulting in impressive real-world contrast ratios (661:1 ANSI pre-calibration).
CIE Chart and Color Performance
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The CIE chart analysis, while using an AVIA Pro DVD as a source instead of a signal generator, indicated slightly diminished greens, possibly due to Intelligent Color and Color Space settings being at their lowest. However, in practical viewing, colors appeared vibrant and rich.
Brightness uniformity was an impressive 98%, surpassing many LCDs and other plasma displays.
Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary
Perfect Score: 130. Pioneer PRO-940HD Benchmark Score: 85 (among the best flat panels tested)
| Test | Max Points | Component 480i | Component PassFail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Color Bar | 10 | 10 | Pass |
| Jaggies #1 | 5 | 5 | Pass |
| Jaggies #2 | 5 | 5 | Pass |
| Flag | 10 | 10 | Pass |
| Detail | 10 | 10 | Pass |
| Noise | 10 | 10 | Pass* |
| Motion adaptive Noise Reduction | 10 | 10 | Pass** |
| Film Detail | 10 | 10 | Pass |
| Cadence 2:2 Video | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 2:2:2:4 DV Cam | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 2:3:3:2 DV Cam | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 3:2:3:2:2 Vari-speed | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 5:5 Animation | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 6:4 Animation | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 8:7 animation | 5 | 0 | Fail |
| Cadence 3:2 24fps film | 5 | 5 | Pass |
| Scrolling Horizontal | 10 | 0 | Fail*** |
| Scrolling Rolling | 10 | 10 | Pass |
| Total Points | 130 | 85 |
*Noise reduction was excellent. **Set NR to low to avoid motion adaptive artifacts; even at high, smearing was minimal. ***Horizontal scrolling text overlays tear with PureCinema enabled.
HQV Testing Comments
The Scrolling Horizontal test failure was unexpected, being the first display to fail this test despite high overall scores. Horizontal scrolling text showed combing artifacts, unfixable by IP settings. Disabling PureCinema corrected horizontal scrolling but removed jaggie reduction and proper 2:3 pulldown. Noise reduction was exceptional, but settings beyond ‘Low’ introduced smearing and detail loss. ‘Low’ to ‘Medium’ NR and MPEG NR settings were recommended.
Moving Zone Plate tests indicated excellent low and high-speed 2:3 pull-down deinterlacing. Standard Zone Plate and 2:2 tests were less impressive. 2:3 performance was strong, but cadence and flagless error correction could be improved.
Viewing Experience and Conclusion
Viewing sessions emphasized dark program material and vibrant colors to assess black level performance. Measurements suggested excellent performance, and real-world viewing confirmed this. Image captures aimed to convey the viewing experience, acknowledging the limitations of camera-display interactions.
DVD: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Battle sequences, armor detail, facial and landscape textures were rendered beautifully. The depth and detail captured were compelling, making it difficult to stop taking screenshots.
Clean CG like Gollum and detailed makeup on orcs demonstrated the display’s ability to reveal image nuances, delivering a more lifelike and three-dimensional picture. Pioneer Elite plasma enhanced DVD viewing with a more realistic and immersive quality compared to brighter, washed-out displays.
DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl This film showcased deep black detail and vibrant colors, particularly bright reds in military uniforms, demonstrating the plasma’s strong red reproduction despite CIE chart results suggesting otherwise.
Black levels were again the highlight. While LCDs and lesser plasmas could reveal dark scene details by raising brightness, the PRO-940HD achieved this at very low IRE levels, preserving deep blacks—a premium feature worth investing in.
DVD: Serenity Serenity, a film known for its visual quality, displayed exceptionally well. Compared to previous viewing on a DLP projector, the plasma offered enhanced depth, with detail popping out more due to the smaller screen size. The final fight scene highlighted excellent shadow detail, a scene often lost on subpar displays.
Television Broadcasts: Mixed Content
A variety of TV shows, including CSI: Miami, Futurama, Discovery Channel, and History Channel programs, confirmed the Pioneer Elite’s superior analog cable tuner. Even with standard cable, picture quality was noticeably enhanced.
Engaging different screen size modes demonstrated excellent scaling capabilities, maintaining smooth and clean lines even with asymmetric stretching. Overall, the PRO-940HD proved to be an outstanding television set.
Burn-in Resistance
No burn-in effects were observed during normal use, nor with deliberate attempts to induce it. This 9th generation plasma panel showed significant resistance to burn-in compared to earlier models. While prolonged viewing of 4:3 content was still not recommended, the panel’s technology and Pioneer’s design minimized the risk of lasting burn-in effects, contrasting sharply with entry-level models that showed temporary burn-in even with brief abuse.
Final Verdict
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television stood out as a premium display. While cheaper flat panels were available, the PRO-940HD’s features, quality, and picture performance justified its higher price. Pioneer Elite’s commitment to quality was evident, making the PRO-940HD a “diamond” among displays. The review concluded, “It’s All About the Blacks…”, underscoring the importance of black levels, but also highlighting the comprehensive feature set that made the PRO-940HD a worthwhile upgrade from entry-level models. Highly recommended and a benchmark for displays of all types.
Scorecard and Ratings
The scoring system is based on performance relative to the intended function and price, reflecting a performance/value ratio.
Audioholics Rating Scale
- ★★★★★ — Excellent
- ★★★★ — Very Good
- ★★★ — Good
- ★★ — Fair
- ★ — Poor
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Detail and Resolution | ★★★★★ |
| Contrast and Black Levels | ★★★★★ |
| Color Reproduction | ★★★★ |
| Calibration Options | ★★★★ |
| Build Quality | ★★★★★ |
| Ease of Setup | ★★★★ |
| Remote Control | ★★★★★ |
| Performance | ★★★★ |
| Value | ★★★★ |
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About the author:
Clint Deboer, formerly of Audioholics, is no longer associated with the publication.
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