Pioneer will begin shipping the world’s first 50” 1080p plasma display today.

The new Pioneer Elite® PureVision™ PRO-FHD1 is a technological milestone with images that burst off the display for a near 3-D effect. Built by and for those who demand the very best high definition experience, the new plasma features double the pixel density of previous plasma displays with a 1920 X 1080 native resolution. It produces fine detail and vibrant color for the entire range of high definition signals including 720p, 1080i and 1080p.

The challenge in creating a 50-inch plasma display with a 1080p signal was to reduce the pixel size by half in order to fit more than 2 million pixels in the screen. Pioneer used its 15 years experience developing plasma technology to manufacture the world’s smallest pixels measuring .576 millimeters which results in a stunning on-screen picture. The depth of picture, particularly when viewing original content in 1080p/24Hz, such as a movie on Blu-ray Disc, gives a truly 3-D effect. Viewers can see tiny beads of sweat on an athlete’s face as well as the stitches on the football as it flies through the air. Some say it makes it easier to tell when the lead actor takes a break and lets the stunt double take over.

A high precision video scaler is used to up-convert 480i, 720p, 720i and 1080i signals to 1080p, increasing the resolution and virtually eliminating the interlacing motion artifacts seen in some other displays. The display also relies on Pioneer’s many proprietary technologies including deep encased cell structure, crystal emissive layer and improved phosphors to create the sharpest, brightest images with excellent color accuracy.

The Pioneer Elite® PureVision™ PRO-FHD1 is now available at specialty retailers for a suggested price of $10,000.

Pioneer's Home Entertainment and Business Solutions Group is a leading manufacturer of plasma televisions and monitors, Blu-ray Disc® and DVD products, A/V receivers, speakers and other audio and video accessories. Its focus is on the development of new digital technologies including Digital Network Entertainment™. The company markets its products under the Pioneer and Pioneer Elite® brand names. When purchased from an authorized dealer, consumers receive a limited warranty for one year with Pioneer products and two years with Pioneer Elite products.