Confused about resolution metrics in Pioneer 435HDE (Elite810 HD in USA)

[Vicente]

Hello to everybody. I'm new to this forum and I wanted some advice from you.

I'm interested in buying a 42" plasma and the one that has my preferences is the Pioneer 435HDE (Elitepro 810 HD in USA) that has won the 2004-05 Eisa award "Plasma of the Year" in Europe.

The only thing that dissuade me for the moment is the fact that its resolution is only 1024 x 768 when there are many others in the market with a resolution of 1024 x 1024 or more for much less money.

Pioneer says that this TV is HDTV ready and complies with 720p standards but the resolution for 720p is 1280 x 720 pixels. Or am I wrong?.

One Pioneer dealer told me that plasmas with 1024 x 1024 (Sony or Loewe) are the same as the Pioneer but measured in a different way ????? and another one told me that Sony was using a last generation display that Pioneer would probably launch in a few months (I don't think so either. This model dates from end 2004).

So I'm really confused. I saw the Pioneer and in my opinion it deserves the EISA award. It looks wonderful, has rich colour and a deep contrast, but I dont want to buy a very expensive unit that will be outdated in a few months.

Can someone explain me what resolution should I ask for a real High Definition Plasma and why.

Is this Pioneer the best choice or should I check another brand in your oppinion?.

Eelco 74 I know that you were studying this model. Can you give me your feedback and oppinion?.

Thanks to all.

Regards

Vicente

[eelco74]

I can tell you that the 720p and the 1080i have more pixels than both the 1024*1024 and 1024*768 can handle. Futhermore the problem is that scaling the PAL into 1024*1024 is a bit more tricky than 1024*768.

I would not worry about the resolution of both the Pioneer as well as the Loewe. I really like the new Loewe A42 plasma. It looks very nice indeed and has a good userinterface. Pioneer als has a stunning picture and a lot of connections. Loewe has only 2 scart connectors.

Anyway I finally ended up with the toshiba 32LD5200. I descided that vieuwing the news in 42" in my livingroom was not very nice. So I have now a 32" and will buy a DLP projector for movies next fall.

As far as new models form Pioneer, the 434 lasted about 1 year. You are right that the current 435 is ony 6 month on sale. However I see a lot of price drops on the 435. This might suggest a new model is coming. But personally I think it is too soon, so it will probably on sale untill the end of the year.