By pioneer-technology.com Content Team
Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD
- Product Name: Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television
- Manufacturer: Pioneer
- Performance Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Value Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
- Review Date: December 05, 2006
- MSRP: $ 3499
Specifications
Plasma Panel Technology
- High Definition / XGA Resolution (1,024 x 768p)
- 42” Diagonal /16:9 Widescreen Aspect Ratio
- Deep encased cell structure
- Crystal emissive layer
- First surface PRO color filter
- New dielectric layer
Pure Drive Video Features
- Pure Drive II video system
- ACE IV (Advanced Continuous Emission IV)
- Active/Intelligent DRE (Dynamic Range Expansion)
- Advanced PureCinema
- Intelligent Color Enhancement
- Selectable Color Zone Mapping
- Color management system
- Color temperature adjustment
- Digital noise reduction
- MPEG noise reduction
- Block noise reduction
- Digital CTI (color transient improver)
- Natural resize
- Natural enhancer
- Digital chroma decoder
- ISFcc calibration ready
Home Media Gallery
- Supported audio : LPCM, MP3, WMA, WMA9 PRO, AC3, WAV
- Supported video: WMV9, MPEG1, MPEG2-PS, MPEG2-TS, MPEG-ASP
- Supported photo: JPG, TIFF, PNG, BMP, GIF
- Microsoft PlaysForSure compatible
- DLNA compliant/IP network compatible
Dimensions: 41” x 26.75” x 4.5”
Weight: 69.5 lbs.
Convenience Features
- Fully-integrated media receiver
- Built-in dual NTSC and ATSC TV Tuners
- CableCard interface
- Independent HDMI inputs with 1080p/24 capability
- Aspect Ratio Control: Wide, Zoom, Cinema, Full, 4:3, and “dot by dot” for PC)
- TV Guide ON Screen interactive program guide
- AV selection memory (Standard, Dynamic, PURE, Movie, Games, User)
- Split screen/Picture-in-Picture
- V-chip
- Full function backlit learning remote control
- Table top stand included
Audio Features
- 13 watt x 2 Stereo Amplifier with built-in Stereo Speakers and TruBass
- SRS WOW/FOCUS/TruBass
- Bass boost loudness
Networking & Misc Connectivity
- RS-232C
- USB 2.0
- LAN (RJ45) Ethernet for networking
Inputs
- Antenna x 2 (F-Type Connection, NTSC/ATSC)
- HDMI (with HDCP) x 2
- Composite x 3 with L/R audio
- S-video x 2 with L/R audio
- Component Video x 3 with L/R audio
Outputs
- Composite Video x 1 with composite L/R Audio
Pros
- Beautiful piano gloss finish enhances aesthetics.
- Unbelievable picture quality sets a high standard.
- Integrated TV Guide ON Screen Program Guide for user convenience.
- Integrated Media Gallery expands functionality.
- Dual ATSC and NTSC tuners offer versatile reception.
- 1080p support via dual HDMI inputs for future-proof connectivity.
Cons
- Limited navigation on Home Media Gallery functions could be improved.
Technology Overview and Build Quality
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, a ninth-generation plasma panel, represents a significant leap in display technology. Witnessing Pioneer’s display at the CEDIA Expo, showcasing the evolution of plasma TVs, was truly impressive. Early plasma generations suffered from gray blacks and lower resolutions, highlighting the considerable advancements made. Looking at the PRO-940HD, one wonders if plasma technology can reach a higher peak. In short, this review emphasizes: “It’s all about the blacks!”
Plasma technology has consistently outperformed LCD in crucial areas like black levels and color accuracy. While new display technologies emerge, plasma and LCD remain dominant in the short term. The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD stands as a testament to Pioneer’s dedication to plasma excellence. This Pioneer Elite Tv model aims to deliver top-tier performance for discerning viewers.
Front view of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD showcasing its sleek design and piano black finish.
Breaking Down the Features: Understanding the Marketing Lingo
The Pioneer PRO-940HD is equipped with a 9th generation plasma panel, representing the pinnacle of plasma development at the time of its release. While potentially pricier than some competitors, experiencing an Elite plasma display reveals the difference in picture quality and advanced features that justify the investment. This Pioneer Elite TV is packed with technology designed to enhance the viewing experience.
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First-Surface Pure Color Filter: Reflection from screen surfaces is a common issue in plasma TVs. Pioneer’s innovative First-Surface PRO Color Filter addresses this by eliminating a glass layer, significantly reducing secondary reflections and improving contrast ratios by a claimed 20% in Elite PRO models. This filter also contributes to a lighter overall weight.
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Deep Encased Cell Structure: Pioneer’s unique pixel structure physically isolates each pixel with four walls, creating deeper phosphor chambers. This minimizes light leakage between cells, resulting in a clearer image and superior color control. This is a key feature that sets this Pioneer Elite TV apart.
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ISFccc Calibrations Configuration: Elite plasma displays feature the ISF Custom Calibration Configuration Mode (ISFccc), licensed by the Imaging Science Foundation. This mode allows certified calibrators to fine-tune contrast, tint, sharpness, and color for both day and night viewing, catering to videophiles seeking optimal picture accuracy. ISFccc is a hallmark of high-end displays like this Pioneer Elite TV.
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Advanced PureCinema II: Judder, a common artifact in film playback on TVs, is effectively tackled by Pioneer’s Advanced PureCinema II. Elite plasmas uniquely reproduce film content using 3:3 film-to-video conversion at 72 Hz. This eliminates the standard 2:3 pull-down, resulting in exceptionally smooth, judder-free motion, which might initially seem unusual to viewers accustomed to traditional displays.
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Home Media Gallery: The Home Media Gallery feature enables seamless network connectivity for this Pioneer Elite TV. Connecting via Ethernet to a home network allows access to digital media (movies, music, photos) from PCs running Windows XP SP2 and Windows Media Connect. This facilitates easy streaming from multiple networked computers.
Build Quality, Aesthetics and Inputs
The Pioneer PRO-940HD arrived directly from the manufacturer, exhibiting robust packaging despite external damage to the box, suggesting excellent build quality. Pioneer’s reputation for durability is reflected in the seemingly unfazed performance of this display upon arrival. The solid construction is a testament to the quality of Pioneer Elite TVs.
Aesthetically, the PRO-940HD is striking, featuring a piano gloss finish beveled bezel and a low-profile, bottom-mounted speaker spanning the display’s width. The speaker, covered by a metal grill with fine perforations, adds to the sleek design. The integrated stand provides stability and optimal viewing height without being bulky. Side inputs include composite, component, L/R audio, and USB. The right side panel offers buttons for power, input, volume, channel, and TV Guide access. However, the rear panel reveals an extensive array of connectivity options.
Rear input panel of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showcasing a comprehensive selection of ports for various devices.
The Pioneer PRO-940HD boasts an impressive number of discrete inputs, catering to users with numerous devices. The bottom panel further expands connectivity, featuring a 10/100 Ethernet port, dual 1080p-compatible HDMI inputs, a CableCard slot, dual antenna inputs, RGB PC input, G-LINK IR emitter port, and RS-232C port. The abundance of inputs ensures this Pioneer Elite TV can accommodate a complex home entertainment setup.
Bottom input panel of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, highlighting additional HDMI, Ethernet and other connectivity options.
Input Configuration and Using the Television
Key features expected in high-end displays include independent input calibration settings and direct input selection via remote. The Pioneer PRO-940HD excels in both aspects. It allows for full, independent calibration for each input, crucial for ISF certification and optimal picture quality across different sources. Direct input selection simplifies operation and universal remote programming. After extended use, it’s clear that this Pioneer Elite TV is equipped with virtually every feature a user could desire.
On-screen menu of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, illustrating its user-friendly interface and settings options.
The Pioneer is designed for ease of use with three primary modes: television, display (for external A/V sources), and Media Gallery. Navigating these modes and configuring the television is straightforward via the intuitive menu system. Let’s explore each mode and the menu system to optimize performance for this Pioneer Elite TV.
PRO-940HD as a Television
The Pioneer PRO-940HD functions remarkably well as a television, primarily due to its exceptional TV tuners. Cable input results in remarkably clean, almost digital-quality images. While picture quality is dependent on broadcast quality, the Pioneer’s tuner section is notably superior. Compared to other TVs tested, this plasma delivered crisper lines, reduced noise, and enhanced responsiveness. The tuner quality is a significant advantage of this Pioneer Elite TV.
TV Guide ON Screen interface on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showing program listings and intuitive navigation.
Another standout feature is the integrated TV Guide ON Screen system. Seamlessly operating through the cable network, it automatically updates program listings for up to two weeks. Updates occur in standby mode, and the full-color interface is highly user-friendly. Navigation is intuitive with arrow keys providing access to program information and browsing options. A minor drawback is the non-numerical, logo-based channel listing, which may require some adjustment for users accustomed to numerical channel memorization.
The tuner interface on the PRO-940HD is professional-grade and logically organized. Initial setup prompts for country and zip code, and cable/OTA signal configuration. The TV Guide system offers local cable provider selection and prompts for VCR/recorder connection for optional recording control via the G-Link port and IR emitter.
Channel setup menu on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, allowing for auto-scanning and channel management.
Manual tuner setup, accessed via the Home Menu, allows channel auto-scanning and logging. This menu also provides access to parental ratings, CableCard info, and closed captioning options. Recording functions were not tested as external media center and DVR solutions were preferred by the reviewer.
PRO-940HD as a Display
Beyond TV functionality, the Pioneer Elite plasma excels as a display for external source components like DVD players and Home Theater PCs. Paired with a Denon DVD-3910CI, the display provided exceptional picture quality. Even with a 480i component video signal, all of the plasma’s advanced processing features, including PureCinema and noise reduction, were accessible. The extensive range of picture enhancement features is a hallmark of this Pioneer Elite TV.
Basic Picture Adjustments The Picture Menu offers standard controls: 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 (Movie mode default), Tint: 0, Sharpness: -10.
Pro Features and Advanced Adjustments
Pro Adjust Menu of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, revealing advanced picture settings and calibration options.
The Pro Adjust Menu unlocks advanced “money” features. PureCinema settings control deinterlacing for DVD sources (detailed further below). Color Detail submenu offers Color Temperature controls (5 presets plus custom RGB gain/cut). Color temperature analysis revealed: Low: 6000K, Mid-Low: 6800K, Mid: 7700K, Mid-High: 8700K, High: 9700K. Mid-Low appears to be the optimal default for HDMI inputs, approximating D65 white.
RGB Adjust Menu of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, allowing for precise color temperature calibration.
Calibration using Manual Color Temp resulted in the following settings for night viewing: R High: +1, G High: +3, B High: -7, R Low: -1, G Low: 0, B Low: -1.
The Color Detail submenu includes CTI (Color Transient Improvement), enhancing color edges without ringing by processing the input signal to steepen color transitions. While not full 4:4:4 color, the effect is subtle but noticeable, particularly in magenta/yellow and red/blue transitions.
Color Management functions are considered less practical, primarily for amusement or visual impairment compensation. Intelligent Color exhibited minimal effect after calibration, suggesting subtle or conditional operation.
Noise Reduction features are excellent. NR and MPEG NR settings are best kept at Low or Mid to avoid motion smearing. BNR (Block Noise Reduction) had no visible effect on tested sources, designed for high-definition “mosquito” noise reduction. Dynamic Contrast and Black Level modes are available for experimentation, particularly given the slight s-curve gamma response. Automatic Contrast Limiter can raise white levels in dark scenes to increase dynamic range, a useful feature depending on viewing conditions. Gamma modes (Gamma 1-3) offer progressively brighter curves, with Gamma 1 (measured at 2.12) recommended for richer, darker images.
Using the Television Continued and Remote Control
PureCinema Mode – A Lesson in Judder
Pioneer’s PureCinema mode, enabling 72Hz refresh and bypassing 2:3 pull-down for 24fps film content, was tested with high anticipation. In ADV (72Hz, 3:3) mode, artifacts and subtle jumpy lines were observed during slow panning shots, like the Coliseum tilt in Gladiator (Chapter XIV). Standard (2:3) mode eliminated jaggies and appeared pristine, though judder remained.
Comparing ADV (3:3) and Standard (2:3) modes reveals the difference in frame processing. ADV mode generates 72 frames per second (3:3 pulldown – each film frame repeated three times):
AAA BBB CCC DDD EEE FFF GGG HHH III JJJ KKK LLL MMM NNN OOO PPP QQQ RRR SSS TTT UUU VVV WWW XXX
Standard mode produces 60 frames per second (2:3 pulldown – alternating frame repetition):
AA BBB CC DDD EE FFF GG HHH II JJJ KK LLL MM NNN OO PPP QQ RRR SS TTT UU VVV WW XXX
ADV mode provides more visual information, generally beneficial. However, artifacts can occur in CG animation and detailed wide pans due to the interpolation of frames where information is lacking in the original 24fps film. 2:3 pulldown can mask these issues through judder and fewer total frames. In theaters, 24fps motion blur is intended, while frame interpolation can introduce unintended artifacts.
PureCinema mode preference is subjective. For most content (95%), ADV mode was favored for its judder-free motion, despite occasional artifacts.
Audio Performance HDMI audio is passed through in 2.0, and onboard speakers are surprisingly capable. While not suitable for large rooms or deep bass, they are functional. The low-profile speakers feature a Focus option to “elevate” sound to the center via DSP. SRS and TruBass options are also included. SRS creates an immersive, though slightly “phasey” surround effect, useful without a surround system. TruBass enhances lower frequencies within the TV’s speaker range, simulating deeper bass. Subwoofer users should disable TruBass.
Screen Size Adjustments
Screen aspect ratio modes on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, demonstrating options for viewing different content formats.
Five aspect ratio modes are available:
- 4:3: Adds side bars (configurable to gray or zoomed B&W content, but not black, likely to prevent burn-in).
- Full: Plays 16:9 anamorphic content correctly, expands 4:3 to full screen.
- Zoom: Evenly zooms letterboxed content towards full screen.
- Cinema: For 14:9 letterboxed content, offers a different stretch level.
- Wide: Logarithmic scaling, stretches edges more than center. Unsuitable for 4:3 sports.
PC modes include Dot by Dot for pixel-perfect resolution matching.
PRO-940HD as a Media Center
Home Media Gallery interface on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showcasing network media browsing capabilities.
The Pioneer PRO-940HD integrates media center functionality, networking with PCs on a home network. Compatibility requires Windows XP SP2 PCs with Windows Media Connect 2.0 (or Windows Media Player 11). Setup involves installing the software and configuring shared files.
Media Gallery music browsing on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showing music library access over the network.
Accessing the Home Media Gallery allows browsing music, movies, and photos from networked PCs. Music and images streamed successfully, but unsupported AVI video files (e.g., from Pentax Optio cameras) did not play. Workarounds include USB playback or direct AV connection from the camera.
Media Gallery playlist interface on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, displaying music playlists from networked sources.
Media Center access is via the “Home Menu” button on the remote. The Media Navigator browses videos, music, photos, USB drives, and playlists. A setup menu manages network settings and firmware updates. Wireless connectivity would enhance the media center feature.
Media Gallery photo browsing on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, displaying photo thumbnails and folder navigation.
Music playback is straightforward, though features like album art and playlist management are less refined than dedicated media center software. Simple playback functions (fast forward, rewind, repeat, shuffle) are available. Photo browsing is effective, displaying folder names, image names, and thumbnails. Slideshows can be initiated for folders, and image resolution scaling is excellent, even with high-resolution photos exceeding the plasma’s native resolution.
Remote Control
Remote control of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, featuring backlit buttons and a functional layout.
The included remote is functional, although perhaps not exceptional for a high-end product. Menu navigation is easy, with a dedicated “Return” button. Less frequently used buttons are located under a flip-up cover for a cleaner look and to simplify operation for basic users. However, this design choice complicates PIP/POP function use, requiring frequent cover flipping to access related buttons.
Direct input selection is a commendable feature. The remote is fully backlit (except buttons under the cover), though the backlight duration is a short 5 seconds. Any button press reactivates the backlight. The dedicated light button is less conveniently activated than other buttons. Overall, the remote is functional and capable of controlling other devices.
Calibrating the Television
Datacolor’s Colorfacts Professional 6.0 software was used for calibration. The Pioneer calibrated well and maintained calibration settings accurately, unlike some budget TVs exhibiting “rubberband” calibration. “Black levels” remained a key strength, compensating for plasma’s inherent brightness limitations with exceptionally dark blacks and impressive real-world contrast ratios (661:1 ANSI pre-calibration).
CIE Chart – Color Reproduction & Saturation Potential
CIE color chart for the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, illustrating color gamut coverage before and after calibration.
The CIE chart shows the HDTV color target range (black triangle) and the display’s color range (white triangle). Closer proximity of the white triangle to the black indicates richer colors. Using an AVIA Pro DVD as a color source and minimizing Intelligent Color and Color Space settings may have contributed to diminished greens in testing. However, in practical viewing, colors remained vibrant.
| Before Calibration | After Calibration |
|---|---|
| Initial color temperature starting point was ‘Mid-Low’. Pre-calibration measurements showed excess blues and reds across luminance range, still better than many default settings. | Calibration produced excellent, consistent results across the luminance range. Grayscale was significantly improved with no “rubberband syndrome”. |
| Initial gamma luminance curve was brighter than desired, with grayish blacks. | Post-calibration, black levels were improved, maintaining a slight s-curve gamma response, but with pleasing results and detailed shadow information. |
| Pre-calibration color temperature was approximately 6800K. | Calibration achieved near-perfect D65 color temperature across the entire range. |
Brightness uniformity was an impressive 98%, surpassing LCD displays and many other plasmas.
Audioholics/HQV Bench Testing Summary of Test Results
Perfect Score is 130
Pioneer PRO-940HD Benchmark Score: 85 (one of the better 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 settings, smearing is minimal. ***Horizontal scrolling text overlays tear when PureCinema is enabled.
Comments on HQV Testing
The failed Scrolling Horizontal test was unexpected given the PRO-940HD’s overall high score and performance. Combing artifacts appeared in horizontal scrolling text overlays, regardless of IP settings. Disabling PureCinema resolved the issue but also deactivated jaggie reduction and 2:3 pulldown. Noise reduction was exceptional, but settings above ‘Low’ can introduce smearing and motion artifacts. ‘High’ settings reduce detail.
Moving Zone Plate tests showed excellent low and high-speed 2:3 pull-down deinterlacing. Standard Zone Plate and 2:2 tests were less impressive. Cadence and flagless error correction support could be improved.
Viewing Evaluation and Conclusion
Viewing sessions focused on dark program material and vibrant colors to assess the Pioneer Elite plasma’s black level performance. Measurements indicated exceptional performance, which was confirmed with real-world content.
DVD: Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Battle sequences, armor detail, facial and landscape textures were rendered beautifully. The display’s ability to reveal detail in shadows and highlights enhanced the viewing experience.
Stills from Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, showcasing the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s detail and black level performance in dark scenes.
Clean CG like Gollum and detailed special effects makeup on orcs demonstrated the TV’s ability to render lifelike, three-dimensional images. DVD viewing on the Pioneer Elite plasma was notably more immersive than on brighter or washed-out displays.
DVD: Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl This film also highlighted excellent black detail, along with surprisingly vibrant colors. Bright reds in English military uniforms demonstrated the plasma’s strong color reproduction, despite CIE chart results suggesting slight green diminishment.
Stills from Pirates of the Caribbean: Curse of the Black Pearl, highlighting the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s color accuracy and black depth.
The consistent theme: black levels. While LCDs and lesser plasmas can brighten dark scenes, the PRO-940HD rendered detail at low IRE levels without compromising black depth, a premium feature.
DVD: Serenity Serenity, Joss Whedon’s sci-fi film, offered excellent color, film quality, and plasma-testing scenes. The film’s depth on the plasma surpassed previous DLP front projection viewing. The ending fight scene in the Reaver-infested hallway showcased shadow detail in dark areas, details lost on subpar displays.
Stills from Serenity, demonstrating the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s ability to render detail in both bright and dark scenes.
Television: Misc Shows A variety of TV shows reaffirmed the Pioneer Elite’s exceptional analog cable TV tuner. Even analog cable channels benefited from the high-quality processing. Watched content included CSI: Miami, Futurama, Discovery Channel, and History Channel programs.
Stills from various television programs as viewed on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, highlighting its tuner and scaling capabilities.
Even news broadcasts showed a noticeable improvement over entry-level flat panels. Screen size modes demonstrated excellent scaling capabilities, maintaining smooth, clean lines in Full Mode and asymmetric stretching.
Temporary Burn-in Effects
No burn-in effects were observed during normal use, even with extended viewing sessions. This 9th generation plasma panel appeared significantly resistant to burn-in. While prolonged 4:3 content viewing is not recommended for any plasma, the PRO-940HD’s technology and design mitigate burn-in risks, unlike some earlier or entry-level models.
Conclusion
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD plasma television stands out as a premium display. While more affordable flat panels exist, the Elite PRO-940HD’s features, quality, and picture performance justify its higher price. “It’s All About the Blacks…” but the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD offers a comprehensive package of features and performance that elevates it above entry-level models. Highly recommended as a benchmark for display quality across various technologies. This Pioneer Elite TV remains a reference point for picture excellence.
The Score Card
The scoring is based on equipment performance relative to its intended function and price.
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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Like This? Check out our other HDTV Reviews!
About the author:
Clint Deboer was terminated from Audioholics for misconduct on April 4th, 2014. He no longer represents Audioholics in any fashion.
