This advanced internal processing allows the screen's comparatively low XGA resolution (1,024x768 pixels) to display all high-definition formats including the latest 1080p signals -- although both 1080i and 1080p signals are downscaled to fit. Pioneer maintains it's the processing not the number of pixels that influence image quality and picture performance supports this argument.
Integrated analogue and digital TV tuners offer flexible convenience for terrestrial viewing and there's a CI card slot at the rear, which allows you to receive some subscription-based channels from TopUp TV services. Digital broadcasts are accompanied by a decent seven-day electronic programme guide that doesn't appear overcrowded and lets you easily search for listings by date or genre.
The menu system is colourfully presented using detailed graphics secluded at the side of the screen. As the technology suggests there's a seemingly endless amount of adjustments. Lethargic users can choose between various presets including specific modes for watching films, games and sport. It pays, however, to persevere with the advanced adjustments featured in the manual and Pro Adjust menus.
You can fine-tune images by applying a variety of systems including advanced colour management, noise reduction and specific adjustments for controlling elements such as dynamic contrast, black enhancement and gamma levels.
Average users may find this all too confusing and there's an option to have the screen custom calibrated using ISF 3. At a cost, a professional engineer will visit your home and precisely adjust your settings according to your ambient environment. Settings can be calibrated for day and night uses and then stored and locked separately from the main menu, which can still be used.
Typical sound settings are supplemented by various SRS WOW audio enhancement technologies. These include a pseudo-surround function, Focus and TruBass control, which can be further enhanced by connecting the screen to an external subwoofer using a dedicated output at the rear.
Performance
Picture performance impresses whether you're watching TV, standard-definition DVDs or high-definition sources. The integrated digital tuner is the finest we've seen from a plasma display, with off-air broadcasts that are beautifully controlled and detailed with well-balanced colours.
You may not get the same meticulous detail that LCD offers, but outstanding black levels create dense definition and superb contrast, while colours appear more natural -- especially with subtle gradations between shades. Even with analogue connected sources using progressive scan you'll struggle to see any picture noise or disturbing digital artefacts.
High-definition sources are equally impressive with sumptuous colours, cohesive movement and even more detail. We did, however, notice that 1080p sources did appear more precise using a 'Full HD' resolution LCD like Samsung's LE46F71BX -- so Blu-ray devotees have something to think about.
Nonetheless, this screen's outstanding all-round ability (including excellent sound performance) means Pioneer retains its title as the class-leading plasma in our reviews.
Edited by Mary Lojkine
Additional editing by Kate Macefield
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User reviews11
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avit 17 February 2008
Good: picture quality amazing
Bad: very little
Comment: Top quality picture on standard def, very good sound, very sexy, would recomend to anyone.
Ryan L 10 May 2007
Good: Is it metal? Is it plastic? Who cares when it looks this good & performs this well! Plasma or should I say Pioneer still lead the way....
Bad: Soon to be outdated & replaced by a 42-inch 5000-EX??
Comment: My God...its finally coming. Did you pre-order it? Does it need a 1080p tv? Is it Black? Is it shiny? Only if the answer is yes to all the above can you or SHOULD YOU consider purchasing this Pioneer or any Pioneer for that matter.
I am off course considering this plasma purchase for my PlayStation 3 simply because if like the million other European PS3 owners who have just forked out up to £500, obtaining the best possible picture and performance while looking Icy Cool is your top priority!
I am happy to report that the 427XD excels in all these areas, up to the point in fact, that you could stand up naked on the roof of your home and get away with shouting the words, 'I'm better than you!'
How?
Design: Experiencing 'real' quality products in these times of economies of scale and Chinafication makes you remember why shopping should be listed as a 'Class-A' drug. Built from a combination of steel and shiny (but not cheap) black plastics, Pioneer have created, as with all their products, a piece of timeless technology that wont go amiss in the Tate.
Performance: LCD's have been taking the limelight recently due to their decreasing cost and increasing size & ability to produce brighter and in some cases sharper images then there plasma competitors. Obviously they never met the 427XD...
The black frame is able to produce deeper and REAL black images far more realistically then any of the best LCDs and more importantly (especially for a games console/Blu-ray player) produce smoother fast moving video on screen thanks to faster response times. IN ENGLISH: This means more natural looking images and smoother flowing visuals!
Pioneer has (even after a decade of plasma existance) been able to produce yet again a product that still surpasses the best of LCD. I know it cant play full 1080p correctly and that has been the only limiting factor to it getting a Perfect 10/10. However, if it is too be used for HD Digital TV, it doesnt matter as broadcasters will only ever go up to 720p. If used for games such as my case... no matter as majority of current releases max out at 1080i; but for those small majority of 1080p-ers... rest assured as you honestly cant tell the difference at this screen size between the two 1080 formats! ITS TRUE!
IGNORE the slightly cheaper LCD, dismiss the image that Plasma technology is out of date & that Pioneer's are too expensive... Buy the 427XD or if you really want to be blown into the neighbours garden... the 5000-EX and see why plasma not only still has got it but why it OWN's it!
Andy Bolas 24 April 2007
Good: Looks, HD picture, SD picture, price
Bad: Nothing
Comment: I spent 2 months reading reviews on this TV and then a month of standing in TV shops comparing pictures of various models in different formats (SD, HD, DVD, sports programmes, movies etc). The Pioneer beat all the other TVs in the same price bracket, particularly when it comes to watching sport. On top of all that it looks great.
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