Pioneer's PDP-4280HD review

Pioneer's PDP-4280HD looks like a very nice product when it comes to high quality HDTVs. It came out fourth during the tests on image quality. Although this is just a 720p model, it proved to be one of the best in its category by showing a great image with amazing details. Unfortunately, the price for this product is about $2700 dollars so it might turn out to be too pricey for a HDTV that hasn’t got 1080p resolution.

The features that come with this product are amazing: it has USB port that you can use to see photos or listen to your favorite Mp3 music, four HDMI ports, Cable Card slot which help your TV receive broadcasts that are scrambled without using a set-top box. Also, you can use your headphone if you like because it comes with a headphone jack, especially if you don’t want to scare your neighbors at night with your horror movies.

The picture-in-picture video option might prove to be a bit hard to use if you don’t read the manual first. Unfortunately, the PDP-4280HD doesn’t allow watching two programs at once but you can watch, for example, a movie on a DVD and a TV show.

Another wonderful aspect when talking about this device is the fact that it supports HDMI CEC; this option lets you control each of the components that are connected through the HDMI. Actually CEC means Costumer Electronics Control and can be easily accessed with your remote. Also, this amazing HDTV also has an option for TV Guide, so you can be sure that you don’t miss your next favorite show.

The TV guide has an on-screen option that will help you find whatever you wish to see. This guide has many options that you can use to plan and record your favorite television shows and movies. Other useful options include the Power Save which is very important if you care about your carbon footprint; this option will turn off your TV after 15 minutes without signal have passed.

When it comes to sound, Pioneer has it all: connections for an amplifier and external speakers. So if you really want to scare those neighbors, you can upgrade your audio system and make some noise without using an external receiver. Although you won’t obtain great sound quality because the terminals are only for speakers and a subwoofer, the noise you make can be pretty satisfactory.

The whole design complicates the setup because the coaxial and HDMI are facing down making things really hard to install. Also, you will find them at the back of the model, so you might need more time with the physical setup. When setting up things in the menu, you might find that they are a bit too complicated and it tends to keep your progress slow.

The text is tiny and the instructions will definitely make you ask for a second opinion because they are very confusing. It also comes with a manual, but it will rather make you tired than teach you anything because they made it too complicated. If you wish, you might like to get a copy of the online manual. At least there you can use the search option in the PDF. Keep in mind that you need to register on the site if you want to take a peak in that online manual.

Now on to the remotes: the Pioneer remote is one of the most comfortable you can get your hands on. It can be programmed and has large buttons that glow in the dark. With its great design, older buyers and those with problem eye sights can easily use this remote with a minimum of trouble.

The Pioneer PDP is a good option for people who can afford a $2700 HDTV with only 720p. Although, at first, it may seem a bit average, this HDTV is top quality, at least when it comes to the image.