The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD plasma television was a marvel of display technology when it debuted. As a content creator for pioneer-technology.com, we’re diving back into the archives to revisit this iconic piece of home theater history and assess its legacy in today’s display landscape. While technology has marched relentlessly forward, the principles of excellent picture quality and user experience remain timeless. Let’s explore what made the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD a benchmark in its era and why it’s still remembered fondly by enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Elite PRO-940HD Plasma Television |
| Manufacturer | Pioneer |
| Display Technology | Plasma Panel |
| Resolution | 1,024 x 768 (XGA) |
| Screen Size | 42-inch Diagonal |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 Widescreen |
| Video Processing | Pure Drive II Video System, ACE IV |
| Media Playback | Home Media Gallery (LPCM, MP3, WMA, WMV9, MPEG1/2, JPG etc.) |
| Dimensions | 41” x 26.75” x 4.5” |
| Weight | 69.5 lbs |
| Tuners | Dual NTSC/ATSC, CableCard |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 (1080p/24 compatible) |
| Networking | Ethernet (LAN) |
| Audio | 13W x 2 Stereo, SRS WOW/FOCUS/TruBass |
| MSRP (Original) | $3499 |
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, a pioneering plasma television renowned for its exceptional picture quality.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
Pros:
- Stunning picture quality with deep black levels.
- Elegant piano gloss finish.
- Integrated TV Guide ON Screen.
- Built-in Home Media Gallery for media streaming.
- Dual ATSC and NTSC tuners.
- 1080p support via HDMI inputs.
- Extensive input options.
Cons:
- Limited navigation in Home Media Gallery.
- XGA resolution (1024 x 768) not Full HD 1080p natively.
Technology and Build Quality: A Deep Dive
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD was part of Pioneer’s 9th generation of plasma displays. At the time of its release, plasma technology was fiercely competing with LCD, particularly in the realm of picture quality. Plasma screens were celebrated for their superior black levels and color accuracy, and Pioneer was at the forefront of pushing these boundaries.
Pioneer emphasized “It’s all about the blacks!” and this mantra was evident in the PRO-940HD’s design and performance. The display incorporated several key technological advancements:
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First-Surface Pure Color Filter: This innovative filter reduced screen reflections by eliminating an extra layer of glass, directly enhancing contrast and picture clarity. This technology contributed to a claimed 20% improvement in contrast ratios compared to previous generations of Pioneer Elite plasma TVs. A welcome side benefit was a reduction in the overall weight of the display.
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Deep Encased Cell Structure: Pioneer’s unique pixel structure physically separated each pixel with four walls, creating deeper cells for phosphors. This design minimized light leakage between pixels, resulting in a sharper, more defined image and superior color control.
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ISFccc Calibration: Catering to videophiles, the PRO-940HD included ISF Custom Calibration Configuration Mode (ISFccc). This feature allowed certified professionals to fine-tune picture settings for both day and night viewing, ensuring optimal image accuracy.
The sleek front design of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showcasing its piano black finish.
Build quality was clearly a priority for Pioneer. The PRO-940HD boasted a beautiful piano gloss finish and a robust construction. Despite arriving in damaged packaging during the original review, the television itself remained unscathed, highlighting its durability. The aesthetic design included a low-profile, bottom-mounted speaker spanning the width of the display, covered by a refined metal grill. The included stand provided stability and positioned the screen at an ideal viewing height.
Feature Breakdown: Marketing Lingo Decoded
Pioneer packed the PRO-940HD with features, some of which required a bit of unpacking to fully understand:
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Pure Drive II Video System: This was Pioneer’s advanced video processing engine, designed to optimize picture quality from various sources.
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ACE IV (Advanced Continuous Emission IV): This technology focused on improving contrast and black levels by precisely controlling the plasma cell discharge.
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Active/Intelligent DRE (Dynamic Range Expansion): DRE aimed to enhance dynamic range, making bright scenes brighter and dark scenes darker, for a more impactful image.
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Advanced PureCinema: Addressing judder issues inherent in film-based content, Advanced PureCinema offered 3:3 film-to-video conversion at 72Hz. This process aimed to eliminate the 2:3 pull-down artifacts commonly seen in standard displays, resulting in smoother motion, particularly in film content.
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Home Media Gallery: This feature allowed users to stream digital media content (photos, music, and videos) from networked PCs. It supported various file formats and was DLNA compliant, making it an early step towards smart TV functionality.
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Intelligent Color Enhancement & Selectable Color Zone Mapping: These features provided finer control over color reproduction, allowing for adjustments to color saturation and hue for different areas of the image.
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Comprehensive Noise Reduction: The PRO-940HD included multiple noise reduction technologies (Digital Noise Reduction, MPEG Noise Reduction, Block Noise Reduction) to clean up various types of video noise and improve image clarity.
Connectivity and Inputs: A Hub for Home Entertainment
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD was exceptionally well-equipped in terms of connectivity. It offered a wide array of inputs to accommodate various home entertainment devices.
The side panel provided convenient access to composite and component inputs, along with S-video and a USB port. However, the rear and bottom panels revealed the true extent of its connectivity:
- Dual HDMI Inputs (1080p compatible): Supporting the latest high-definition sources.
- Component Video Inputs (x3): For legacy devices and high-quality analog video.
- Composite Video Inputs (x3): For standard definition devices.
- S-Video Inputs (x2): Another option for older video sources.
- PC Input (RGB D-Sub): For connecting a computer.
- Ethernet Port: For networking and accessing the Home Media Gallery and TV Guide.
- CableCard Slot: For simplified cable TV access.
- Dual Antenna Inputs (NTSC/ATSC): To receive both analog and digital over-the-air broadcasts.
- RS-232C Port: For advanced control and system integration.
- G-LINK Port: For external device control via IR emitter.
A detailed view of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s extensive rear input panel, highlighting its comprehensive connectivity.
[](resolveuid/508f20804c626dbfcc35eddb0ab737f2/image “PRO-940HD-bottom-inputs”)
The bottom input panel of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, showcasing additional ports including HDMI and Ethernet.
This abundance of inputs positioned the PRO-940HD as a central hub for a sophisticated home entertainment system.
User Experience and Performance: In Practice
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD was designed for ease of use and offered a range of features to enhance the viewing experience. One notable aspect was its input configuration flexibility. Each input could be independently calibrated, a crucial feature for serious enthusiasts wanting to optimize picture settings for different sources. Direct input selection via the remote further simplified operation.
The on-screen menu system was well-organized and intuitive. The television offered distinct modes: TV, Display (for external A/V sources), and Media Gallery.
[](PRO940HDmenu.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-menu”)
The user-friendly menu interface of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, providing easy access to settings and features.
As a Television
The PRO-940HD excelled as a television, thanks to its high-quality tuners. The review noted that cable TV signals looked “pristine, almost digital-like,” demonstrating the strength of its tuner section. The inclusion of TV Guide ON Screen was a significant convenience, providing an interactive program guide with up to two weeks of listings. While channel numbers weren’t directly integrated into the guide, the system was user-friendly and enhanced the overall TV viewing experience.
[](PRO940HDTVGuide2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-TVGuide2”)
The integrated TV Guide ON Screen, a standout feature for browsing and scheduling programs on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD.
As a Display for External Sources
When used with external sources like DVD players and home theater PCs, the PRO-940HD truly shined. It offered extensive picture adjustments, including basic controls for brightness, contrast, color, tint, and sharpness, as well as advanced “Pro Adjust” menu options.
The “Pro Adjust” menu unlocked features like:
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PureCinema: With modes like “ADV” (72Hz, 3:3) and “Standard” (2:3), PureCinema aimed to optimize deinterlacing and reduce judder from film-based content.
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Color Detail: Providing color temperature presets and custom RGB gain/cut controls for precise color calibration.
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CTI (Color Transient Improvement): Enhancing color edges for improved sharpness.
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Noise Reduction: Multiple levels of noise reduction to minimize video artifacts.
The review highlighted the “Mid-Low” color temperature setting as a good starting point for accurate color, and provided calibrated settings for optimal night-time viewing.
[](PRO940HDpromenu.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-pro-menu”)
The “Pro Adjust” menu, offering advanced picture settings for fine-tuning the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s display performance.
PureCinema and Judder: A Closer Look
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s PureCinema mode was a key feature for film enthusiasts. The “ADV” mode, utilizing 72Hz refresh and 3:3 pulldown, aimed to eliminate judder by displaying each film frame three times. While generally effective, the review noted that in certain scenes, particularly those with complex CGI or fast panning shots, the 72Hz mode could introduce subtle artifacts or strobing. The “Standard” mode (2:3 pulldown) might mask these issues in some cases, though at the cost of introducing judder. Ultimately, the choice between modes came down to personal preference and content type.
Audio Capabilities
While not a primary focus for a high-end display, the PRO-940HD’s integrated audio was surprisingly capable. The built-in stereo speakers, driven by a 13W x 2 amplifier, offered decent sound quality for everyday viewing. SRS WOW, FOCUS, and TruBass enhancements provided options to improve the audio experience, with features like “Focus” to virtually elevate the soundstage and “TruBass” to enhance low-frequency perception.
As a Media Center
The inclusion of a Home Media Gallery transformed the PRO-940HD into a basic media center. By connecting to a home network, users could stream music, photos, and videos from PCs running Windows Media Connect. Setup was straightforward, and the interface allowed browsing and playback of various media types. While playlist management was somewhat rudimentary, and format support was limited (primarily to WMV and MPEG formats), the Home Media Gallery was a valuable addition, eliminating the need for separate media players for basic streaming.
[](PRO940HDmediagallery.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-media-gallery”)
The Home Media Gallery interface, enabling media streaming from networked PCs on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD.
Remote Control and Usability
The included remote control was functional and well-designed for its time. It offered direct input selection, a dedicated “Return” button for menu navigation, and full backlighting (except for buttons under a flip cover). While some PIP/POP controls were located under the flip cover, potentially complicating their use, the remote was generally user-friendly and capable of controlling other devices.
[](resolveuid/49b27b83eb6fd6cd37b7072b1278e856/image “PRO-940HD-remote”)
The backlit remote control of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, designed for ease of use and comprehensive control.
Calibration and Picture Quality: The Science of Greatness
Calibration was a key aspect of optimizing the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s picture quality. Using professional calibration tools, the review highlighted the display’s excellent grayscale tracking and color temperature accuracy after calibration. The PRO-940HD exhibited impressive black levels and contrast ratios for a flat panel display of its time.
[](resolveuid/4a2dd1dd0bbc66eba7d0aab61201275e/image “940HD-CIE”)
CIE chart illustrating color reproduction and saturation potential of the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD.
Pre-calibration measurements revealed a color temperature slightly off the ideal D65 standard, but calibration brought it remarkably close. Brightness uniformity was measured at an outstanding 98%, showcasing the panel’s consistent performance across the screen.
Bench Testing: HQV Scores
The PRO-940HD underwent rigorous HQV benchmark testing, achieving a score of 85 out of a possible 130, which was considered excellent for a flat panel TV at the time. It excelled in noise reduction, jaggie elimination, and film detail tests. However, it showed weaknesses in cadence and flagless error correction, and failed the horizontal scrolling text test when PureCinema was enabled. This indicated a trade-off: engaging PureCinema improved motion and judder reduction but could introduce artifacts in specific scenarios like scrolling text.
Viewing Evaluation: The Proof is in the Picture
The viewing evaluation section underscored the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s strengths with real-world content. Movies like “Lord of the Rings,” “Pirates of the Caribbean,” and “Serenity” were used to assess its performance with dark scenes, color reproduction, and detail.
[ ](PRO940HDLOTRTT1.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-LOTR-TT1”)[](PRO940HDLOTRTT2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-LOTR-TT2”)
[Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers] showcased on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, demonstrating detail and depth in complex scenes.
[ ](PRO940HDLOTRTT3.jpg “PRO-940HD-LOTR-TT3”)
Detailed imagery from [Lord of the Rings], highlighting the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD’s ability to render fine textures and visual effects.
The consistent theme was the exceptional black levels and detail in dark areas. The reviewer emphasized that while other displays might brighten dark scenes to reveal details, the PRO-940HD achieved this without sacrificing black depth or turning blacks into grays. This capability to render true blacks and shadow detail was repeatedly highlighted as a key differentiator and a major contributor to the display’s lifelike and three-dimensional picture quality.
[](PRO940HDPirates1.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Pirates1”) [](PRO940HDPirates2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Pirates2”)
[Pirates of the Caribbean] scenes displayed on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, emphasizing vibrant colors and deep blacks in cinematic content.
[](PRO940HDSerenity1.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Serenity1”) [](PRO940HDSerenity2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Serenity2”)
[Serenity] showcased on the Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD, demonstrating excellent shadow detail and contrast in darker, sci-fi settings.
Even with standard-definition cable TV content, the PRO-940HD impressed with its tuner quality and scaling capabilities. Various screen size modes were tested, and the display maintained smooth lines and clean images even when stretching or scaling content.
Burn-in Resistance
The review briefly touched upon burn-in, a common concern with plasma TVs. It noted that the 9th generation panel in the PRO-940HD was significantly more resistant to burn-in than earlier plasmas. While caution was still advised against prolonged viewing of static 4:3 content, the reviewer concluded that users were unlikely to experience significant burn-in issues with normal use.
Conclusion: A Diamond Among Displays
The Pioneer Elite PRO-940HD plasma television was unequivocally praised as a top-tier display. Its exceptional picture quality, particularly its black levels and shadow detail, set it apart from competitors. The comprehensive feature set, including the Home Media Gallery and TV Guide, along with extensive connectivity options, added to its appeal. While it carried a premium price, the review concluded that the PRO-940HD justified the cost for those seeking the best possible viewing experience. It was deemed a “diamond among other precious stones,” establishing a high benchmark for display performance against which other televisions, regardless of technology, should be measured. The legacy of Pioneer Elite plasma TVs, exemplified by the PRO-940HD, continues to resonate with enthusiasts who value uncompromising picture quality.
Scorecard
| Metric | Rating |
|---|---|
| Detail and Resolution | |
| Contrast and Black Levels | |
| Color Reproduction | |
| Calibration Options | |
| Build Quality | |
| Ease of Setup | |
| Remote Control | |
| Performance | |
| Value |
Note: Ratings are based on the Audioholics rating scale and reflect the product’s performance and value at the time of review.
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 [](PRO940HDPirates2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Pirates2”)](PRO940HDPirates2.jpg/image){kind=link}
 [](PRO940HDSerenity2.jpg/image “PRO-940HD-Serenity2”)](PRO940HDSerenity2.jpg/image){kind=link}