Like many home cinema enthusiasts, I was thrilled to acquire a Pioneer Kuro PDP-LX5090H in late 2020. Securing this iconic television in perfect condition for around €250 felt like a steal. For years, the Kuro has delivered picture and sound quality that rivals many modern TVs, providing a truly cinematic experience at home. However, time, as it inevitably does, is beginning to take its toll on my beloved Pioneer Kuro.
For several months, a worrying issue has surfaced: the dreaded blinking blue light. This isn’t just a minor flicker; it’s a persistent eight-blink sequence that signals a deeper problem. Initially, disconnecting the HDMI cable from my Apple TV 4K, then power cycling the Kuro, would temporarily resolve the issue.
Unfortunately, this temporary fix is becoming less reliable. In recent days, the problem has escalated to the point where getting the TV to power on at all is a struggle. My suspicion points towards the recent high summer temperatures exacerbating an underlying hardware issue. Intriguingly, when the living room cools down overnight, the Pioneer Kuro sometimes springs back to life without protest.
This intermittent functionality, however, is unsustainable. I need a television I can depend on, regardless of the season. This brings me to a crucial decision: should I invest in repairing my cherished Kuro, or is it time to bid farewell and embrace the world of OLED televisions? My deep attachment to the Kuro makes this a particularly difficult crossroads, prompting extensive research into the best path forward.
Self-repair is not an option I’m considering. While online forums suggest a faulty voltage regulator might be the culprit, my technical skills are simply not up to the task. Furthermore, there’s a significant risk that the issue is more complex, and I could inadvertently worsen the problem or waste valuable time without a solution.
Therefore, professional repair is the logical alternative. My research has consistently pointed towards a highly-regarded, internationally recognized repair service located within driving distance. Reluctantly, given the sentimental value of my Pioneer Kuro, I’m leaning towards entrusting them with the repair. They’ve quoted an estimated cost of around €300, including VAT. Factoring in fuel for the journey, the total investment would be approximately €350.
The repair technician expressed confidence that post-repair, my Kuro could provide years of further service, especially with adjusted brightness settings to mitigate future issues. However, as not being the original owner, I lack the means to verify the Kuro’s accumulated usage hours. My own usage is moderate, but the previous owner’s usage intensity remains unknown.
While €350 isn’t a negligible sum, it’s a worthwhile investment if it restores my Pioneer Kuro to reliable working order. However, this cost also brings the option of upgrading to a modern OLED TV into sharper focus. My budget is constrained, and my viewing preferences are quite specific, making the search for a suitable OLED a focused endeavor.
My television use is exclusively for watching movies and series. Smart TV operating systems are irrelevant as I rely on my Apple TV 4K and laptop via HDMI. My priorities are purely cinematic: accurate color reproduction, inky blacks, and smooth motion that eliminates the jarring “soap opera effect” and motion judder, immersing me in the filmmaker’s vision. Exploring 4K content is also a significant draw, something currently beyond the Kuro’s capabilities. HDR is desirable, particularly for contemporary films and series where creators intentionally utilize it, but less crucial for older SDR content. Audio quality is also a key consideration; I want to match or surpass the rich, deep sound of the Kuro’s integrated soundbar. A 55-inch screen size is currently ideal for my living room, although potential future moves to larger spaces add a layer of uncertainty to this decision.
My research into OLED alternatives has narrowed my focus to Sony and Panasonic. Debates persist about which manufacturer offers superior picture quality. Panasonic often receives less attention, potentially leading one to assume Sony is the default superior choice. However, it’s important to note that much online information originates from the US market, where Panasonic TVs are no longer sold. Philips OLEDs have also surfaced as a possibility, though information is comparatively scarce.
The models currently on my radar are the Sony XR-55A80J, the Panasonic TX-55LZ980B, and the Philips 55OLED907. My budget is around €1500, and I’m open to both new and pre-owned options. While models like the Panasonic TX-55LZ2000B or the Sony XR-55A95K are undeniably appealing, they are significantly beyond my financial reach. A second-hand, near-new Sony XR-55A80J, priced around €900, is a particularly tempting prospect.
I am eager to hear opinions and insights. Part of me is strongly inclined to repair the Pioneer Kuro and continue enjoying its unique picture quality for as long as possible, perhaps until QD-OLED technology matures further. There’s a undeniable element of romanticizing the Kuro, but I also want to avoid potential disappointment with a new purchase. The decision hangs in the balance.
