The PDP-427 XD is perfectly suited for home-theater fans - they can have the screen calibrated by the dealer, and so get the last sliver of quality out of it. Those who can do without that (along with the DVB-T tuner and the second HDMI input) can save 250 GBP by opting for the otherwise identical PDP-4270 XA.

Three Scart sockets, an HD-capable component input (YUV, called YPrPb by this manufacturer) and a front-mounted AV input (S-Video/composite) cover all standard analog video inputs. Two HDMI inputs are a little meager, however, and there is no extra DVI-input for computer signals; Pioneer has chosen instead to equip the set with an analog VGA input.

The PDP-427 XD receives PAL-DVB-T, and gives the user an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) for it. The Pioneer does not have an EPG for the analog cable input, however, NextView would have provided a similar service (in Europe anyway). Separate antenna connections are provided for both analog cable and DVB-T services.

The user has the main functions readily at hand:
The menu structure is intuitive and the remote is clearly laid out, but it is a little large and bulky even for big man-hands.

Some labels in the Pioneer's menu are badly translated. For example, the option to switch the frame rate (75 or 100 Hz) is called the "Drive Mode" in English, which does not really make it clear what the function actually does. The user is not burdened with these inconsistencies too much - the Pioneer's picture is already well calibrated if you choose "AV Selection" > "Movie".

One feature though that is not really spectacular, but useful all the same, is that the set's remote can also control many external satellite TV receivers, DVD players and video recorders. The main functions of these types of devices can be controlled even if the products are from competing companies.

The PDP-427 XD offers a convincing, detailed and natural TV picture from the built-in receiver. Pioneer has chosen not to use the current "Trick" settings that actually distort the original signal (e.g. sharpening effects, noise filters or artificial contrast enhancement) - this is a purely natural picture. Fast picture movements, i.e. in football games or banner texts for example, are crisp, and have only light colored shadows on edges. Despite the inherent limitations of plasma technology, the PDP-427 XD's picture is bright and powerful.

What is irritating for the customer in certain circumstances, and which Pioneer can do nothing about, is that the signal quality of DVB-T in various countries in Europe is rather mediocre. On relatively large screens, these defects are particularly obvious (especially block artifacts).

DVDs are largely immune to these problems. Current, well-mastered feature films are reproduced excellently on the Pioneer - on the analog Scart-RGB or YUV inputs, as well as on the HDMI inputs, the picture quality is impressive. Camera pans are displayed with no stepping or noisy edges (line flicker), and dark shades look clean, but other plasmas do manage to get an ever-so-slightly deeper black.

The colors on the Pioneer's screen are neutral and faithfully reproduced, and faces look natural. Black and white sequences from "Dawn of the Mummy" are clean and without discoloration. The somewhat low color temperature of the PDP-427 XD (6,300 Kelvin instead of the correct value of 6,500 Kelvin) is only noticeable in direct comparison with correctly calibrated studio monitors, and is not bothersome in practice.

Blu-ray films at the 24 Hz frame rate are rendered flicker-free on the Pioneer. In direct comparison with full HD screens, the Pioneer does show a distinct lack of detail resolution despite the subjectively strong picture. The lattice section of the crane, for example, in the opening sequence of "Casino Royale" shows rough stepping effects and lacks fine details. Its other virtues - the clean colors and relatively full black - are kept up for HD material, so it is enjoyable to watch even with the Pioneer's low detail resolution.

Computer Operation:
The Pioneer is of only limited use as a computer monitor. It will accept PC signals in 4:3-format, up to a maximum of 1360 x 768 pixels. Photos are displayed with gray bars down the sides, and text is so hard to read that this set will only do as an emergency standby for a more capable PC monitor.

Sound Quality:
Precise: Dialogue or newsreaders' voices are reproduced crisply and clearly, and are easily understood. The developers could not, however, tease a deep bass out of the casing. If you want to have the room shaking, you will need to get hold of an extra subwoofer (the required RCA output is provided), or a more fully fledged home theater audio set up.

AV Selection: Movie

Brightness: 2

Color: -2

Color Space: 2

DNR: Off

MPEG NR: Off

BNR: Off

Dynamic Contrast: Off

* applied to realistic playback from HD DVD/Blu-ray material through the HDMI interface in a darkened environment. Manufacturing and HDMI playback device deviations may necessitate slight adjustment.

Simple but stylish: Neat manufacturing and an elegant design combine with an excellent picture to make this Pioneer a great choice for home-theater fans.

Respectable: This set covers all the bases when it comes to analog video connections, but we would have like to see a third HDMI input.

Very practical: The remote control feels a bit bulky to hold, but its neatly-arranged buttons can also control other manufacturers' devices.

Handy: A second connections panel on the device itself means you can quickly change channel or adjust the volume, even if you've left the remote by the couch.

Versatile: The side-mounted video inputs will also keep camcorder users happy.

Excellent: The TV's gamma response shows only slight deviations from the ideal values.

Impressive: The Pioneer PDP-427 XD produces highly accurate, natural-looking colors.