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Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD Review
Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD - Unrivaled Plasma
If you are looking for great performance HDTV and ready to spend for it, you definitely have to take a look at the awesome Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD.
Words surely are not enough to describe the breathtaking performance of this top-notch HDTV from the most respected name in plasma TVs. It’s no wonder it’s the favorite piece of serious videophiles who know a great piece of equipment when they see one.
Design
The improvements in this HDTV are obviously in the electronics, rather than aesthetics, as this ninth generation plasma in the Kuro line basically looks much like its predecessors - simple minimalist frame with glossy finish, removable speakers and non-swiveling stand - a very clean look which is probably preferred by those who dislike being distracted from their TV viewing. Pioneer reconfigured the menu system and the remote but it seems the changes made it difficult to access some menus - such as the Picture menu which now takes about four button pushes. Along with the smaller and closely-spaced buttons, we didn’t find the changes adding value to this product.
Screen/picture clarity
The Kuro series is known for its deep blacks and the Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD surely doesn’t disappoint in this aspect. Truly exceptional blacks are rendered, making the screen come to life with deeper and richer colors. Even shadow details that are usually lost in ordinary HDTVs are observable in this TV set.
The Improved ASIC Video Processing and Scaling provides excellent video rendering and deinterlacing of different video sources. Even Blu-ray discs - often problematic in HDTVs due to the lower 24fps rate in which the discs are recorded - are scaled nicely in this TV and doesn’t present the usual jerky movements that are quite irritating. This set really delivers smooth, realistic pictures that are simply unparalleled in TV plasmas.
One of the things that can stand improvement is color accuracy - the tone is a little bit off in some cases which viewers may find distracting. Another negative thing is the limited tweaking options - something which dedicated videophiles would find annoying. Specialized controls for setting color temperature and sharpening images are almost de rigueur in this class of HDTVs, and Pioneer erred for not including these options.
Features
This Kuro is certainly packed with features, as can be expected from a high-end HDTV. One surely wouldn’t complain gripe about lack of connectivity with this HDTV, as it has four v1.3 HDMI ports, one USB port, one PC connector and an Ethernet port that can be used to link the TV to a home network. Burn-in problems are addressed by the Screen Protection system which allows you to control different features designed to prevent image burn-in. It also has SRS audio technology for sound reproduction that matches the clarity of the screen images.
For video and film enthusiasts who value the deepest black possible in HDTVs, this Kuro definitely delivers that and more, ultimately giving consumers new experiences in TV viewing. Of course, that depends if you have a lot of cash to burn in this pricey set.
<< Click HERE to Read The Latest Pioneer KURO PDP-6020FD User Reviews >>
Wow!
There is a noticeable picture improvement over 6010 (last year’s model). Even analog channels look great (considering).
Pros:
Lighter
Thinner
4th HDMI input on the side
Optical out (audio) works with HDMI inputs
Optimum mode (adjusts to room light)
Game Mode (supposedly better burn-in avoidance, faster updates)
Cinema Mode (24 fps)
Ethernet Port for Media Display via PC network
Cons:
4th HDMI input moved to the side. Only three on the back
Cable Card Slot gone
Remote is passable, but not able to be a useful Universal Remote
Small text on the remote
Media Display options not accessible from Apple Macs
Deleting analog and digital channels found via the autosearch is painful because the channel doesn’t change to the selected channel as you move down the list
HDMI control is problematic (one HDMI devices controls another - just use a universal remote instead)
Can’t change settings for an input unless you are currently on that input
A big item for me is that I’d like all my input to go to the TV first and only send audio to the AV Receiver if I choose to use its 5.1/7.1 sound. Otherwise I like to use the TV’s speaker. The issue is I don’t want to wake everyone up with the loud sounds if I want to watch something and the family is sleeping. The 6020FD makes this a little easier as the optical output produces audio for everything except “protected” content (whatever that means). I haven’t found any on my Blue Ray disks (via PS3). However I wish there were more HDMI ports on the back so I could hook all my (current and future) devices up directly.
Hopefully with the Ethernet port there will be a firmware update so I can access the display from my Apple Macs and maybe the new Amazon media store.
Pioneer has built a nice tuner. However the TV guide is now gone. Unfortunately the tuner is kind of a waste given that there is no point in buying this set unless you’ll have HD content from your cable or satellite provider.
So far, I’m very happy.
Now I just have to find a universal remote to control the 6020, Comcast STB/DVR, Mitsubishi DVD player and PS3 (and next an Apple TV).
P.S. The Onkyo SR606 AV Receiver works great with this set.
I can’t express how much I love this TV. The deep blacks makes the picture pop with a rich dimension. Watching movies on Blu-Ray on this set is now one of my favorite pass times. I just purrrr with happiness when I sit and watch movies and sports on this. You won’t regret your purchase if you cost is not an option.
Have only had this Kuro plasma for a week, but sure enjoying the World Series & all the HD channels.
We don’t have a BlueRay yet but that’s coming soon.
If you can’t decide between this and the Elite, and if money is no object, go for the Elite BUT if you are over 50, like us, save your money and just get this one as older eyes can hardly detect any difference in picture quality. Yes, there are a couple more bells and whistles on the Elite, but this is one amazing tv. It does give off some heat so be prepared for that. You will need a special cable wire and a surge protector, so expect to add another $150 for those.
Go for it and you’ll feel rewarded each time you turn it on.
Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD - This Plasma is one of the greats. Detail, depth, quality of resolution are superb. It makes you wonder why everyone is jumping on the LCD wagon.
Honestly, LCDs have very nice pictures in the upper end models, however,
I do not see LCDs being close to the smoothness, depth, and just plain
delivery that this plasma can put out…and Pioneer is the paradigm
of this technology.
We love our new TV. Got it in time to watch football on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the weekend. The HD channels are spectacular and we are looking forward to upgrading our movie collection to Blue Ray as we now have the set to do them justice.
I can’t begin to explain how impressed I am with the Pioneer PDP 6020FD. I have purchased Pioneer compenants before and this is the first Pioneer TV that I purchased. The colors are amazing, the it is easy to operate.
The white glove service I got with the item, was amazing. They brought the TV, set up, made sure everything worked, and went on their way. I’m sure I could have done this myself, but it was good to have someone who knew what they were doing.
I would recommend this TV to anyone as a first time Plasma buyer or looking to upgrade. I upgraded from a 50in Mitsubishi Plasma to the Pioneer 60in. I liked my Mitsubishi, but it did not offer all the features this Pioneer TV has now. Highly recommend Pioneer Kuro, you will not regret this. Even my friends that see my TV are impressed and are now sold on this item.
blah blah blah… you have seen all the reviews about how great this tv is… they are all correct. I’m amazed at how nice this tv is. Of course I was upgrading from a 1986 27inch Sony TV so I guess any HD tv would blow me away but I had done a lot of searching before buying this on. The picture is amazing! I find myself standing in front of the tv looking at the images…
I bought this TV wanting the best I could afford. I didn’t buy this at Amazon but another online vendor. Anyways I’m comparing this TV to my Sony SXRD (DLP) TV. It looks so much better maybe due to the fact that I could see the “screen door effect” on my older TV. I love the fact the speakers are optional since I already have my theater setup. The appearance of the TV is excellent, very beautiful to look at first hand. Once setup at the house, it looks so good. I’m sad to see Pioneer discontinue making TVs cause I’m shocked or blown away at how good this TV performs on HD content. Just an overall fantastic TV, I hope it lasts me for the next decade or at least until OLEDs are practical and affordable.
This is such a good TV. Picture is beautiful and the sound is ok too. I bought this tv through amazon and got the white glove delivery. All went smoothly and the tv arrived one day ahead of schedule. I advise you do turn on the tv to make sure it works and check for scratches etc.. Only negative comment is (for videophiles) that every option as far as temperature control and some advanced options for picture adjustment aren’t available (for 90% of us the extra money for the elite wont make a difference/or we wouldn’t notice any difference anyway)and it was missing the screws to connect the speaker which I ended up running to lowes to get. Other thoughts.. my 6020 does not run hot (which I have seen other people mention) nor does it have any humming noises. If you buy this tv it will not dissappoint.
I bought this knowing that this is the end of the line for Pioneers’ big-screen TVs, and also knowing that this TV is approaching almost 2 years old since it’s original release date. But from all the reviews, the KURO ‘20-series was the one to get for its deep “blacks” as well as its vibrant, rich colors.
After a month, I have not been disappointed neither. The picture is absolutely STUNNING. No pixelation, blockiness or graininess, nor ghosting or strobing. Just breathing taking detail and fluid motion. I’ve looked at Sony Bravia’s and Panasonic’s, but after watching the latest in Blu-Ray movies on this stunner, I have been taken aback by its crystal clear and silky beauty of its 60 inch video presentation. None of the others has compared next to this majestic beast. And it hasn’t yet been calibrated, which is scheduled in a couple weeks.
I won’t go into all the technical reviews of this machine as I’m sure you can find much more eloquently and technically accurate writings elsewhere.
However, I will go into a little nitpicking that was not mentioned by anyone else during my research.
1) The audio Digital Out (optical) only passes 2-channel (stereo) Dolby Digital or PCM. I was annoyed when I first hooked up my PS3 HDMI to the KURO, then the KURO digital out to my AV receiver only to hear stereo. After contacting Pioneer, I discovered to my disappointment that the KURO only passes 2-channel. In fact, I found out that practically all TVs that include a digital out send only 2-channel. (sigh) I had to connect an optical cable from my PS3 directly to my AV receiver to enjoy anything beyond 2-channel. Unfortunately, I do notice just a slight audio timing shift from the video image. Almost imperceptible (and for most people, unnoticeable), but I do notice it. On top of that, I have more cables to mess with, as I have a DirecTV box and Xbox 360 in addition to my PS3, which means I have to have 3 optical cables going directly to my AV receiver (and ensure I switch to the right input on the AV receiver), which I’m lucky to say has more than enough optical inputs to handle this mess. If the Digital Out could pass the full, unaltered audio stream then it would require only 1 cable going to the AV receiver and setting it to the same input regardless of what I was showing on the KURO, or maybe it’s time to invest in a multiple-HDMI-input AV receiver (money, money, money)…
2) The programmable remote is rather unremarkable and difficult to read in low-light situations (especially for those that are far-sighted). But who are we kidding; if you are one of those that spends $4k+ on a TV then you probably also have a high-dollar third-party remote (the Harmony One for me) to control all your big ticket toys. I keep the factory remote safely tucked away for emergencies.
3) The on-screen interface is spartan. There aren’t too many features to change on this machine. I do wish that it had auto-sensing inputs, like the Sony Bravia’s, which would clearly indicate which inputs and type have connected devices on them. When I initially powered-up the monster, I had to go to the back and refresh my memory which ports are the HDMI ones I used (the back HDMI inputs are 4 through 6, with port 7 HDMI on the left side).
4) Sound quality was very good for two-speakers, but no where near capable of a true 5/6/7.1 surround system. Again, if you forked over $4k for this behemoth, you probably also have a killer audio system to go with it. I do wish that the front speakers could be set as an input to handle the center channel, like my deceased Mitsubishi Diamond 65″ RPTV. Instead, I have to hang an independent center speaker below the built-in speakers (I don’t usually use my audio system when watching regular TV so I need the built-in speakers to work).
5) Be careful what you wish for. The blacks are the “blackest” I have ever seen in a TV. Unfortunately, I also noticed that some scenes can get too dark to discern certain details (for instance, the bold black headline of a newspaper in the shadow such as in the movie, “The Watchmen”).
Besides those points, I am completely satisfied with its video performance. And with the “discontinued” signs beginning to be foisted on this last-of-its-kind, killer deals are sure to be had for those wanting the best.
What can I say that hasn’t been said? This TV beat my picky expectations by far! If your one to notice over hyped colors, bad shadow detail, poor blacks, washed out colors, hyped motion “anti-blurring” sets, you’ll love this TV.
This is my first HD TV but I have been looking to buy for 6 years. My wife bought me a Blu-ray player ( Oppo BDP-83 recommend ) so I made the leap…so glad I did.
I am very picky about picture quality. I shoot large format photographs, I tend to notice digital artifacts, bad skin tone, bad contrast, pixilation etc. This TV has no artificial look to it. It seems to spit out what it gets with out adding anything. Off air 1080i broadcasts are stunning. Blu-Ray is outstanding. It may not be the best TV for converting from SD, but even converting from the lowest of resolution it still show no artificial digital artifacts. Meaning, no hyped colors, no rainbow effects, off color shadows etc.
The color depth is also stunning. May be a bit strong on reds and greens but seems to be pleasing to the eye. As advertised the black levels and detail are where it’s all at. Making colors rich, deep, accurate and shadow detail solid. Blacks are inky black. For Plasma is does have a decent anti reflective coating. Reminds me of anti reflective coating on video lenses. Day time viewing is not a problem at all. TV speaker is better than the average TV speaker. I use 5.1 surround system for Blu-ray and HD TV but, for average TV viewing it’s decent.
LCD and LED sets are using fast motion reproduction ie…120hz, 240hz to help stop motion blur. To me this makes 24fps film look like video. 24fps is supposed to show motion blur at certain speeds, and trying to make everything look sharp makes the picture look unnatural. This set show no signs of this artificial “fix”. Blu-ray, broadcast 1080i shows (sports) look amazing. Smooth, fluid…the way they were meant to be seen. My first viewing of NFL HD was like anything I had ever seen.
I’m glad I waited for a TV like this. It’s one of those things you know you’ll want to keep for as long as possible because it performs so well.
Amazon was great at communicating shipping info. Personal e-mail to connect with me about who was shipping, contact info etc. TV was set up and turned on to make sure all was %100. I was a bit hesitant about ordering such a large item on line, but Amazon was on top of everything.
There is a similar Kuro by Pioneer that sells for $1,000 more. It has controls over every aspect of the video output. If your a Pro, super amateur enthusiast etc. with knowledge way beyond highlight, shadow, sharpness, color depth control… than you may like the “higher” model. Otherwise this set is pretty perfect right out of the box with out the bigger price tag.
(Don’t forget if you live near TV stations…50 miles or less, you can get free HD 1080i broadcasts.)((separate antenna required))
So I’ve had the 6020FD for a few months. First off, the ‘top of the line’ Samsung LCD that maxes out at 55 inches is the UN55B8000. It currently (today) costs $3600. I purchased my Kuro for 3697 all in and is listed at 3700 today on Amazon. So that’s $100 difference. Half the price is a comment made by an idiot. It is half the wieght of the Kuro - certainly not half the price. The differnce in the 5 inches (55 to 60) is 19% larger area for the Kuro screen-wise. For me, I did not want anything smaller than 60 inches.
The picture of the Kuro is near perfect out of the box. Put it on Optimum and you are good to go. Digital looks pretty good and HD looks amazing. All visitors comment on the HD picture. 90% of what I watch is HD or blu-ray so it works for me. Right now I am watching a digital channel (Fox Soccer) and it looks very good - not perfect, but very good.
I have watched various movies from a PS3 on the Kuro - Iron Man was stunning, Star Trek II (daytime) looked perfect, even upconverted dvds look excellent.
Lighted conditions is where I was surprised - this TV works very well in lit conditions, anti-glare screen works very well - I have light bouncing off it now and there is 0 reflection on the screen.
It is very heavy - so I have not wall mounted it yet. That is going to be a project and I likely will have to hire a couple of insured installers to do the job. Keep that in mind.
Also, my wall mount did not fit - so make sure your wall mount fits the specified holes on the 6020.
There are screen splotches when it is off - no big deal - part of the plasma experience I suppose.
Do not touch the screen - you are only supposed to clean with the supplied cloth - does not perform miracles. So, try to keep the screen pristine.
I have used the movie mode settings found on internet, like from here and CNET - they work very well - so does simply putting it in optimum mode.
Optimum is great and is one of the truly awesome aspects of this model.
HD is almost 3 dimensional, almost. It is stunning from 1 inch to 12 feet away at any angle.
I have not used the included sound bar so can’t comment on sound.
Laptops look great on monitor - I have used VGA (Windows-based) and HDMI (macbook pro) - both looked very good - even watched a TV show off of netflix via the VGA - it was fine, not blu-ray, but good enough.
I cannot get split screen to work the way I would want it to.
TV is almost too easy to operate - Once I discovered how to power it on, the picture looked great and continues to.
If picture looks bad, make sure you are on HDMI option and not simply the cable feed (if you have a cable feed going to it for some reason like I do [trying to get split screen to work])
I would not use other modes other than optimum and movie, I do not see any reason to, but hey, that’s me.
P.S. - nobody who has seen the screen thinks it is ‘dim’ - this screen is quite bright. For those who own it and think it is dim - there are control settings you can manipulate to make it brighter - mine, however, is perfect and not dim at all - the whites in fact are very solid and not ’smokey’ in the slightest - something is wrong perhaps with your connection or input if any of your colors, white included, look ’smokey’ on this plasma.
Nice TV, a little heavy. You can buy an top on the line Samsung 55 super thin ledtv, very light everything you want in a TV and more. Also, 1/2 the price for this Pioneer. Which it’s cool and 5 in bigger. It’s ok, if you have $4300 to spend.
If picture quality is important to you, and you don’t want to spend significantly more, this is your display. It doesn’t get better than this at this price point. It’s got 4 HDMI inputs, you can hook a computer up to it, as well as the usual array of monitor options. Contrary to popular opinion, this TV can be calibrated through it’s service menu, using software from ControlCal, so it’s not worth the premium for the Elite. Enough has been written concerning the stellar picture quality, but an underappreciated feature of this display is its sound quality, especially using the SRS options. Obviously, you’ll want to run this through a dedicated surround system, but in a pinch, the supplied speakers are surprisingly good. I would also recommend running a burn in CD (check out AVS forum, settings for KURO 6020) for 150 hours, then doing the ControlCal service menu calibration (you can use the suggested settings from AVs forum). You will then have an uncompromised-in-any-way killer display that is state of the art!