Pioneer PDP-LX508D Kuro

The basics

Pioneer PDP-LX508D Kuro is an 8th generation plasma screen made by Pioneer. Kuro means 'black' in Japanese. It has screen at 1270 mm with a digital tuner, and uses the Nicam sound system. Contrast ratio is at 20,000:1. Added features are DNR, Pure Drive 2HD, and Direct Colour Filter 3.

The good

Spelling is important: Kuro is Pioneer’s range of premium plasma tellies, whereas kuru is an incurable brain disease caused by cannibalism. The one letter difference between this plasma and the plain old 508XD is less life-threatening, although no one will complain when you unleash the LX508D’s stunning 20,000:1 contrast ratio, razor-sharp detail, fluid motion and impeccable construction. Forget gimmicky 240Hz LCD panels, plasma still delivers the richest colours and smoothest action, and Pioneer’s Kuros are still the best of the best.

The bad

Shell out the full retail price of this Kuro and you may well be reduced to surviving on human flesh (avoiding the spinal column and brain tissue will help you avoid kuru). The good news is that it’s getting older now so there are some good deals out there. Also, remember that plasmas aren’t quite as bright or light or energy efficient as LCD.

The bottom line

The combined technological prowess of the globe couldn’t make a better television than this. Buy it, polish it and pamper it, but desecrate it with an episode of Holby City and we’ll be around with baseball bats.