Pioneer Electronics today announced a new Signature Series of Elite KURO 1080p monitors tailored specifically for custom installers.

While Pioneer has long boasted some of the most rigorous inspection standards for reliability and performance in the industry, Pioneer’s Signature Series of Elite KURO plasma monitors exceed an even stricter examination process. Many parts of the Elite monitors are hand selected and hand assembled, making the monitor even more unique and distinct in its own right. This meticulous attention to detail is further reinforced by an accompanying certificate confirming the superior level of panel performance and near flawless aesthetics for every serial number created in this exclusive line of monitors.

In addition to the Signature Series of Elite KURO monitors, Pioneer is introducing two Elite KURO high-definition flat panel televisions that upgrade current and new home theaters with industry-leading picture customization features that ensure pristine picture performance of films, sports and primetime shows. Employing an enhanced “Optimum mode” feature, the new displays will seamlessly examine the sound, picture and room light conditions at the same time and adjust the audio and video settings by the slightest variation to deliver a near flawless viewing experience based each type of programming.

Designed for entertainment connoisseurs, the new televisions offer industry-leading calibration features as well as allow users to switch between six picture and sound pre-set modes. The new televisions complete the high end entertainment with Pioneer’s exclusive Home Media Gallery home networking functionality that allows users to view digital music, images and even directly stream Internet videos from a home PC.

The following is U.S. information. Canada has not made any announcements regarding price, availability or warranty.

Size / Model / Price / Availability

50 Inch - PRO-111FD - $5,000 - June
60 Inch - PRO-151FD - $6,500 - June
50 Inch - PRO-101FD - TBA - October
60 Inch - PRO-141FD - TBA - August
All sets carry a two year warranty

Canada prices still suck

Pioneer Canada MSRP prices are apparently going to be

5500$ for the 111FD
7500$ for the 151FD.

http://marketnews.ca/news_detail.asp?nid=3709

Close...$5000 for the 50", $7500 for the 60". Saw both today...beautiful sets as expected. Word has it, that the 60" price may fall after the leftover PRO-150's are all gone.

Just got home with my 151FD. It will be replacing my 1540 HD.

Tomorrow she goes up! Quick question though, I sold my receiver along with my 1540HD. Can I use my front speakers (Paradigm Studio 40's) by using the Speaker out option on the TV? Or are the provided speakers special in any way?

I dont want to open the speaker box If I don't have to and I think the speakers ruin the look of the TV.

Cant wait to try it tomorrow.

the provided speakers are pretty decent, but nothing to write home about. I installed mine without the speakers. Now I'm contemplating exchanging my PRO-1150 with the 50" Signature Series coming in September/October timeframe.

The speakers make the TV look cheap.

Did you try the "optimum" mode yet? Not too crazy about the pic but holy cow the technology is amazing.

The Optimum mode is actually quite astounding. I'd recommend it for watching cable. For movies, of course, get your display properly calibrated.

Cannot wait to see the 151FD (and 141FD) combined with the new BP-05FD! Neither are available here yet.

The first Pro Monitor came into the store today!!! Unfortunetly, it's already sold so I couldn't crack open the box to have a peak...darn!!

Noticed something odd however...the box it came in is about 25% smaller than the box the PRO-151 comes in. Same size panel length/width, but the monitor is slimmer (2.5") This shouldn't make a difference in the carton size to that degree. I had to look twice at the model number...thought it was a 50" at first!!

Maybe our friend David Susilo here can answer this one??

Maybe our friend David Susilo here can answer this one??

LOL, I think he works for Pioneer, LOL.

Precisely!

It might have to do with the weight.

If the unit is significantly lighter then they may have reduced the packaging size since it's not carrying as much weight.

I think the 141 also lacks the table top stand which would reduce the weight and dimensions required for the box.

I think you might both be correct....really wish I coulda opened the carton to see. Next week I guess!!

Do you have dimensions of the box? The website doesn't for some reason. Also, what is the normal shipping costs for such a big box (within the GTA). I live in Oakville, how much would Canadian Sound charge to ship to Oakville?

You could call them...they're also in Oakville!!! Lucky you.

Might want to swing by see if they have one still in box...you could bust out a tape measure then. I didn't bother measuring the box...I just noticed a large difference between it and the PRO-151.

It's such a beautiful piece I don't care if I have to drag it back to Etobicoke on a skateboard with a Sherpa guide!!!

There are also no speakers with the signature models.

Of course...it's all coming together now!

There are unexpected reports of buzzing, dead pixels and blotching issues with new 141 panels - it's interesting to track it here.

Any similiar reports for the 151? Should be 99% the same panel...no tuner, a few more pro adjustments, but overall I think you'd here of the same issues.

Obviously I can't say for sure, but Pioneer (especially the Elite series) is HIGHLY scrutinized for quality and screw ups. I find it tough to think problems like this have surfaced with these particular panels. An LG or equally crappy brand no problem.

I'll see if my guys at the shop have heard the same...