The Pioneer PDP-435FDE in the 43-inch format already received excellent grades in the extensive practical test - reason enough for us to put the €6,799 expensive 50-inch model in the upscale XDE equipment variant - "FDE" is not available here - just as carefully under the to take a magnifying glass.The version called PDP-505XDE is capable of displaying native 720p signals with a resolution of 1,280 (horizontal) x 768 (vertical).€6,799 isn't too much for a high-tech 50-inch plasma, although the sum still represents a sizeable investment.The plasma panel itself and the newly designed media receiver are included in this purchase price, but the loudspeakers must still be purchased as an option, as must different stands for accurate installation.As far as the loudspeakers are concerned, boxes are available that are mounted only on the sides (320 EUR, new "Acoustic Swing Speakers", used here) or both on the side and under the plasma screen (short version, 200 EUR).Pioneer also has different stands available, each costing EUR 999, as well as a swiveling (EUR 299) and a rigid (EUR 149) table stand and a rigid wall bracket (EUR 280) as well as an angled wall bracket (EUR 860) so that the user can choose the right one for his purposes choose the best type of accommodation.If the length of the system cable supplied ex works is not sufficient (example: media receiver is on the AV system in a corner of the listening room next to the couch, plasma is hanging on the wall at a greater distance in front of the couch), you can - but against little restrained surcharges - get longer variants.You can choose between 30 m (EUR 1,400) and 10 m (EUR 320).The equipment differences between the XDE model and the FDE model, which is not available in 50 but only in 43 inches:DVB-T tuner plus analogue tuner (FDE model only analogue tuner), optical digital output for connection to external Dolby Digital decoders, DVB-T module with common interface slot for PAY TV cardsMedia receiver with extended range of connections (VGA PC input, headphone output on the front)Dual screen (any combination of input signals possible, adjustable picture size in dual screen mode) and Picture in Picture (PiP) function.With PiP, the display can be changed by pressing the "Shift" key on the FB.Dual Screen and PiP - Arrangement of Main and Sub can be changed with the "SWAP" buttonEPG (Electronic Program Guide, seven-day electronic program guide)Home Gallery function (slot on the front of the media receiver under the flap): With this, Pioneer offers another application for plasmas, because "Home Gallery" enables the playback of digital still images.The following memory cards are supported via the PC-CARD Type2 slot: Smart media, Compact Flash, SD, Multi Media Card, Memory Stick, Micro Drive, xD-Picture card and PC-Card flash memory.Images with up to 2400*1800 pixels can be displayed.Furthermore, a maximum of 2000 files per folder and a maximum of 500 folders per memory card are supported.The XGA resolution display guarantees impeccable image quality.If image viewers are integrated into the DVD player, the often long access times are a problem.You can avoid this if you display the images directly via the plasma via the memory card.Only 3 s access time to display a 1600 x 1200 picture - no comparison to jpeg viewers in DVD players, which sometimes need half an eternity for large picture files and thus spoil the fun of the slide show.More expensive, aluminum-plated remote control (as known from the PDP-434HDE)Media receiver in an even more elegant look with a higher proportion of silverAs far as the processing quality is concerned, the Pioneer owner cannot complain about the G5 versions either, as the PDP-435FDE already proved in the test.The display itself impresses, as is usual with the other Pioneer plasmas, with its extremely clean, meticulous workmanship and elegant optics.When changing from the G4 to the G5 generation, the now slightly wider frame made of deep black piano lacquer was retained, which ensures that the PDP-505XDE is also an exclusive design piece in the living room with a noble ambience.If you use the long loudspeakers for side mounting, which are available for an extra charge, you get a slightly different visual impression than with the previous series, because the boxes are black instead of silver and look very elegant, the workmanship is visibly higher quality than with the cheaper silver counterparts.What you like better is, as so often, a matter of taste, and if you prefer the black-silver contrast, you can still order the silver, slightly shorter side speakers as an option.If you like to look very closely, you should probably use the more elegant black speakers.Very elegant: The media receiver of the XDE models.Below is the DVR-920H, the current top-of-the-line DVD recorder model in the right design (test to follow)The extremely low depth, which is again slightly reduced compared to the previous model, also contributes to the elegant appearance.The media receiver has undergone an extensive optical revision - with an effect that is particularly visible in the XDE version.The media receiver, which is rather clumsy and stuffy in the G4 generation, appears in a completely new, elegant guise.It goes perfectly with the new high-end HDMI DVD-RW recorder DVR-920H with a 250 GB hard drive.Of course, the 505 XDE comes with the elegant remote control with aluminum cover that is already familiar from the G4 generation.HDMI interface with separate input (input 3)Component input (PAL/NTSC Progressive) on input 2 - must be switched in the menu3 x SCART: Scart sockets 1 and 3 with RGB, Scart sockets 2 and 3 with S-VideoS-Video Hosiden input and 2-channel audio input on front panel media receiverAnalogue PC connection on the front media receiverHeadphone jack on the front of the media receiver2 x digital sockets for DVB-T tunersBehind the flap on the front of the device is a rich arsenal of connection and plug-in optionsOverall, the connection equipment of the PDP-505XDE is decent, but criticism is still appropriate.Because the customers who buy such a high-end plasma, at least in part, certainly want a second set of YUV inputs or, even more future-proof, two HDMI interfaces.Both make much more sense than three Scart sockets, Pioneer has to put up with this criticism.If dual HDMI inputs are too expensive, we would have preferred to omit the entire PC Card slot and the Home Gallery feature, both of which are features that a high-end home theater plasma doesn't need.Differences G4 and G5 plasma generation:Advanced Super Clear Drive: Representation of 7 billion colors (in standard mode 100 Hz, there are exactly 7.08 billion colors) possible.G4: 1 billion) and 1,920 gray levels, Dynamic Bright Up processing for image brightness optimization.Optimized Pure Cinema circuit with more precise adaptation to the source material"Direct Color Filter": According to Pioneer, the first "Film Type" front filter that is applied directly to the plasma display.The advantages of this new technology are better contrast in brighter surroundings - Pioneer speaks of a 20 percent increase compared to the G4 models - higher color purity, a reduction in reflections due to fewer transitions (glass, air) and higher edge sharpness.In addition, there is a reduction in weight and a reduction in the depth of the plasma display.While the last two parameters are certainly also very interesting, but are not necessarily decisive for the true home theater fan, we have examined the first promises in particular - and have found that improvements can actually be found: the picture is particularly clear in daylight more clearly structured, fewer details are lost in very bright or very dark areas of the image.The colors also appear a bit richer and stronger than with the G4 plasmas.With the PDP-505XDE, the positive benefits of the innovation are surprisingly clearer than with the PDP-435FDE.Weight has been reduced 5mm thinner (Depth down from 98 to 93mm) Frame 5mm wider"Direct Color Filter": According to Pioneer, the first "Film Type" front filter that is applied directly to the plasma display.The advantages of this new technology are better contrast in brighter surroundings - Pioneer speaks of a 20 percent increase compared to the G4 models - higher color purity, a reduction in reflections due to fewer transitions (glass, air) and higher edge sharpness.In addition, there is a reduction in weight and a reduction in the depth of the plasma display.While the last two parameters are certainly also very interesting, but are not necessarily decisive for the true home theater fan, we have examined the first promises in particular - and have found that improvements can actually be found: the picture is particularly clear in daylight more clearly structured, fewer details are lost in very bright or very dark areas of the image.The colors also appear a bit richer and stronger than with the G4 plasmas.With the PDP-505XDE, the positive benefits of the innovation are surprisingly clearer than with the PDP-435FDE.5mm thinner (Depth down from 98 to 93mm)Innovative: For a (heavy) surcharge, Pioneer offers loudspeakers with variable radiation angles.The picture above shows the bracket, which makes these different angles possible due to its comparatively more complex structure Audience Outside/10 degree angle for larger audience)New "Acoustic Swing Speakers", long loudspeakers for side mounting with five different mounting options (e.g. Inside/20 degrees angled to the seat, for few spectators Outside/10 degrees angled, for larger audience)Of course, the technologies already tried and tested in the G4 models are also used in the G5 plasma screens.Here is the overview:Pure Drive - Digital to the final imageThe "Pure Drive" technology should also benefit from improved image quality."PURE DRIVE" works digitally throughout, so it offers direct processing without conversion.Conventional plasma screens normally convert the image signal just before the end of the signal path, because an analogue signal is required to control the individual pixels.This also gambles away part of the lead that digital video interfaces such as High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) and Digital Visual Interface (DVI) bring with them in principle: Although the image signal is fed into the plasma digitally, it is also scaled to the native resolution of the screen takes place on the digital level - but a D/A conversion at the end is still necessary for the reasons just described.Pure Drive, on the other hand, controls the pixels digitally and thus prevents D/A conversion, which increases image quality.No more D/A conversion before image output: Pioneer's "Pure Drive" technology guarantees a pure and clean imageBut Pure Drive can do even more - the technology consists of various equipment features that complement each other to form an image-enhancing overall concept.Here is an overview of the Pure Drive key technologies:PURE Drive dynamic HD converter (see image above for how it works) that converts terrestrial PAL signals or DVD signals to progressive images with 1280 (1024) x 768 resolution.The system scans 84 pixels around each pixel to achieve a clearer and sharper image by reducing raster lines.PURE Drive dynamic HD converter (see image above for how it works) that converts terrestrial PAL signals or DVD signals to progressive images with 1280 (1024) x 768 resolution.The system scans 84 pixels around each pixel to achieve a clearer and sharper image by reducing raster lines.PURE Drive: Natural Enhancer (see image above for how it works).According to Pioneer, conventional bandwidth expansion also has negative effects on the image.The newly developed digital extension eliminates negative influences and cleanly expands the bandwidth.PURE Drive: Dynamic Range Expander (DRE).By expanding the dynamics, unused areas of the histogram are “stretched”;This creates more dynamic and high-contrast images.PURE Drive: 10-bit digital color decoder - compared to the analogue color decoder, there is a visible reduction in horizontal noise PURE Drive: Digital CTI (Colour Transient Improvement) improves the transitions when changing colors and makes the color edges clearer and sharper - an annoying "bleeding" of the Colors where a small part of the red is visible in the already blue image area, for example in the case of red-blue transitions, can be avoided in this way.PURE Drive: Natural Enhancer (see image above for how it works).According to Pioneer, conventional bandwidth expansion also has negative effects on the image.The newly developed digital extension eliminates negative influences and cleanly expands the bandwidth.PURE Drive: Dynamic Range Expander (DRE).By expanding the dynamics, unused areas of the histogram are “stretched”;This creates more dynamic and high-contrast images.PURE Drive: 10-bit digital color decoder - compared to the analog color decoder, there is a visible reduction in horizontal noisePURE Drive: Digital CTI (Colour Transient Improvement) improves the transitions when changing colors and makes the color edges clearer and sharper - an annoying "bleeding" of the colors, where, for example, in red-blue transitions, a small part of the red is in the already blue image area becomes visible can be avoided in this way.All in all, hardly any other provider offers such well thought-out, complex and future-oriented technology, and it is not for nothing that Pioneer is continuously expanding its market share.rating serviceHigh quality and easy to use remote controlThe PDP-505XDE is just as easy to use as the PDP-435FDE - because of the combination of a successful graphical user interface (Pioneer-typical, the basic menu is called "HOME MENU", as is also known from the company's DVD players) and a remote control that is excellent in terms of operation ensures handling that continues to secure the Pioneer's top position among the plasma operating concepts we are familiar with.Very good: In contrast to the G4 plasmas, the HDMI input now has a separate input (input 3) and is no longer combined with the component input (input 2).This means that the HDMI input does not have to be deactivated if you want to feed in additional component signals.The handling compared to the 435 in the FDE version is further improved by the higher-quality remote control with an even better key pressure point.The navigation cross is also located centrally on this remote control.Nubert nuWave 125, CS-65 and AW-75In principle, there are many different ways to connect the PDP-505XDE to the DVD player.HDMI (which can also be connected to a DVD player with DVI using an appropriate adapter cable), component (YUV) and scart are up for debate.Scart, on the other hand, also offers various options: Starting with the worst-quality video variant (or FBAS, composite) through the S-Video connection option to RGB signal transmission.Some users will still swear by the "good old Scart socket" as a connection, even if they have a modern picture display device such as the PDP-505XDE in the house.Since even older DVD players are equipped with RGB-capable scart sockets, one can assume that this type of connection will be chosen.S-Video and FBAS, we suspect, are hardly ever used alternatives. For this very reason, we want to explain our visual observations with this connection variant in detail - as well as the HDMI and component connections, but not without first highlighting a few factors .The fact is that with some types of connection, a lot of resources have to be made available by the display - here we take the analogue feed of Scart RGB signals as an example.The background to this statement: As has almost become a tradition, Pioneer also uses fully digital image processing internally for the G5 plasma screens, to which the PDP-505XDE belongs.This means that even the panel itself is controlled digitally and no conversions from the digital to the analog level take place during the signal processing carried out within the plasma system (media receiver, panel itself).From the analogue Scart socket to the modern, more flexible digital counterpart called the High Definition Multimedia Interface, which, like Scart, is responsible for the joint transmission of image and sound: This is precisely the advantage of an HDMI signal feed compared to the analogue alternatives - here even the input signal no longer has to be digitized.Exactly this is necessary with a 576i video RGB signal, which is fed in analog through the scart input of the media receiver.But the A/D conversion alone is not enough, because the incoming signal is still available in half-frames - unsuitable for processing in a plasma system that requires full frames.So the so-called de-interlacing must be carried out, which creates full images correctly assembled from half images.Or better - should create, because the de-interlacing is a complex matter.If a component (YUV) signal is fed in - which many users are probably doing in practice at the moment - then it depends on whether the output of the DVD player is full-frame or interlaced.Even very inexpensive current DVD players have the option of outputting the component signal in full frames.However, since the performance of the internal de-interlacer is usually below average due to the simple structure, it is advisable to use the scaler of the Pioneer plasma when connecting to a high-tech device such as the PDP-505XDE.In practice, however, we estimate that only a tiny proportion will connect a very cheap player with the noble plasma.With expensive DVD players, we recommend comparing whether the PDP-505XDE or the DVD player with better de-interlacing qualities can serve.Not enough of the tasks for the plasma, the extrapolation of the lower-resolution signal to the physical or native resolution of the panel still has to be carried out, and this basically applies to the input of analog signals, regardless of whether they are via the YUV or Scart input income.Only those who introduce signals via the HDMI input can also have de-interlacing and upscaling carried out by an external device.Expensive, current DVD players in particular have an internal scaler and a good de-interlacer.Even DVD players that only have a DVI interface can send the signal to the HDMI device PDP-505XDE, since HDMI and DVI are compatible with each other.Only an appropriate adapter cable must be procured.While the de-interlacing of the DVD player can also be used as an alternative to the de-interlacing of the plasma panel via an analogue component connection, the scaler is only available for the digital signal output via DVI/HDMI, since effective copy protection is available here (HDCP , High Bandwidth Digital Content Protection).Only players with HDCP can be connected to the PDP-505XDE.That's all well and good, but if you only have a player with an RGB-capable scart socket or a connection via component interlaced, you have to go the analogue route and let the plasma do its work.We also tested the quality of the PDP-505XDE with such an analogue connection for another reason: even if a good DVD player with scaler and de-interlacer is available, the Pioneer Plasma manage this job practically as well.Starting with the de-interlacing of film and video material, our test candidate should be able to offer a lot here: And we were not disappointed either.Video material is perfectly processed by the PDP-505XDE, disruptive effects are reduced to a minimum.Other plasmas offer decidedly less here, and not only that: Even some noble DVD players cannot show a visibly better performance.Image calmness and image cleanliness are just as convincing as the movement management; pixel formation does not occur even with camera pans or fast movements.The PDP-505XDE doesn't let up when it comes to film material either (see, for example, "Gladiator", beginning of chapter 9, running time 44:09): Even with all movement processes, only a little sharpness of detail is lost, and there are hardly any smearing effects either.In a direct comparison, our Onkyo DV-SP1000E acts even more precisely (no stair step formation even on complex object edges, here slight effects can be seen from time to time with the 505), but the difference is by far not as great as one might think spontaneously.In any case, the 505 display is currently the sole dominant position in the plasma world.What many other manufacturers do not take to heart, but Pioneer does, is the guiding principle according to which you should invest in high-quality upscaling and in very good A/D converters for such an expensive device: The upscaling properties and also the quality of the built-in A /D converters are excellent, as can be seen from various test image sequences.The PDP-505XDE produces a very fine-resolution, low-noise picture even with Scart-RGB. Practically all other plasma screens that we know of can hardly keep up here.In a direct comparison, the "completely digital" image, which is fed in via HDMI (coming from the first-class Onkyo DV-SP1000E player), appears only slightly cleaner and more clearly defined.In this case, however, the Pioneer still has to do the upscaling, since we deliberately only played the HDMI signal in normal PAL resolution in order to obtain reliable information about the quality of the internal electronics.The high visual quality of the PDP-505XDE can be seen, for example, in the "Neon Rain" test image on the Professional Test DVD (DVD No.1), here the 505 plasma achieves a highly authentic representation.The real test image with the ripe strawberries, which is also included on the Professional Test DVD, is also transmitted with excellent image sharpness and outstanding detail.Image stability is even better via HDMI, no part of the image tends to tremble, and the image also looks a little cleaner and more homogeneous.The differences, which are visible but not dramatic, prove various things: Pioneer didn't skimp on the A/D converter, the picture is clear and almost free of disruptive effects (double contours, shadow patterns, blurring) that occur when using an inadequate D/A converter could detract from the image impression.In both cases (HDMI with PAL resolution, analogue 576 lines PAL) the upscaling is very successful, the picture is very detailed, doesn't look too inhomogeneous and there is practically no hissing.The representation of the snow-covered landscape is also very nice, the trees are well detailed, although it should be noted that an HDMI feed is very worthwhile for this test image.Small details in particular are worked out sharper and more concisely, this plus in quality can be attributed to the purely digital way.Now what happens if we let the DV-SP1000E upscale the image (to 1280x720p)?The PDP-505XDE now receives an almost completely "finished" signal, which should show the display qualities without the internal computing and digitizing electronics.But first something very surprising: The upscaling of the PDP-505XDE is hardly worse than that of our "masterpiece" player Onkyo DV-SP1000E!A real small sensation, at least for high-quality still images, which shows how well the 505 works internally.The very clear, high-contrast and true-color image is always impressive, all of which makes it clear how far Pioneer has come in the development of plasma screens.The test image with the checked fabric is also excellent.The dreaded effects, which include flickering and inappropriate color fringes, are not to be found on the PDP-505XDE either with the HDMI or with the Scart-RGB connection.The test pattern with the bald eagle also illustrates the high quality of the Pioneer electronics.Above all, the sharpness of the image is impressive, but the level of detail is so good that you have to look twice to discover that the image processed by the Onkyo appears a little more vivid and tangible.In terms of color reproduction, we have to give the PDP-505XDE particularly good marks for other reasons.In theory, it should be the case that the color reproduction via the analog and the digital input should be identical.Should - practice taught us otherwise.For example, unsuitable color casts (e.g. yellow or green cast) were observed, which occurred with the digital video connection.Nothing of the sort with the PDP-505XDE, which was able to impress with practically the same deep, rich and pure color reproduction (color test images of the Professional Test DVD with 100% pure colors).Difficult tones such as magenta were also reproduced excellently.Since we are on the subject of "difficult", we have to go straight to the black value problem: Pioneer has also made significant improvements here with the PDP-505XDE as well as with the already tested 435 in FDE specification, which also explains why the plasticity is so good.With the 505, the black value also deserves top grades, it even seems a little better than the 435 - here, too, the 505 doesn't give the assembled competition a chance.The contrast of the Pioneer is also worth a closer look.For this purpose we have selected the relevant sequences on the Professional Test DVD: There is a beautiful scene here in which an attractive woman in a white dress moves in front of a white background.It's amazing what the Pioneer screen achieves here: A very nice differentiation of the dress from the background, the folds in the fabric of the dress are also perfectly reproduced, no detail is lost.A top performance that further confirms the leadership position of the PDP-505XDE.Everything that the PDP-505XDE can do is illustrated in the test image, which shows a red rose on a black background: the color edges are drawn precisely, and the contrasting parts of the image are shown to their best advantage.The water drops on the rose are plastically incorporated.The 505 works out fine details of the leaves excellently.There are practically no differences to the HDMI image (720p).The Skyscraper test image on the DVD Discovery looks a bit sharper and clearer if the signal from the Onkyo is fed in ready-prepared via HDMI.The faces of the two boys on the associated test image for analyzing the quality of the reproduction of skin tones are nuanced more plastic.All in all, however, the 505 delivers an absolutely exceptional performance.In summary, the picture can inspire without reservation with the Scart-RGB, as well as with the component connection (progressive) or HDMI (source resolution or external upscaling to 720p).The color representation is clear and genuine and exemplary neutral and identical for all three connection types.Contrast, overall image sharpness and detail are beyond reproach.The low image noise also clearly speaks for the PDP-505XDE.Let's get to the additional functions of the PDP-505XDE.Contrast optimization can be done with "DRE", which can also be handled really well depending on the source material. This function works out contrasts a little better without negatively affecting the image harmony.The MPEG noise reduction works very effectively (switchable in three stages), example: Paramount logo, due to the age of the material clearly noisy, at the beginning of "Top Gun" (Code 2): If you (with moving material you get even in the highest Level only slight blurring or streaking effects) sets the noise reduction to "high", the noise is excellently removed.Also good to see in chapter 2, running time 2:45.The smoke thrown up by the starting jets is very noisy.The image is hardly recognizable after using the noise filter: The result now appears more homogeneous.Regarding the other adjustment options: The color temperature can also be changed.Setting options for the color temperatureThe color management of the PDP-505XDEThere are 2 different options here: 1) Use of the ready-made programs for the temperature (high, medium-high, medium, medium-low, low) and a manual change using the color management.The latter requires patience, skill and experience.The ready-made programs are graded according to practice, the "medium" setting actually fits almost everything.Optionally, in addition to manual optimization using video EQ, other pre-programmed image modes (dynamic, film, game) are available in addition to the standard factory settings.Depending on your taste, you can use the eye-friendly film mode with a pleasant contrast and brightness display for feature film software, which is particularly recommended in the evenings.However, the color reproduction may seem a bit bland to some, especially feature films with strong colors are "restrained in their temperament" here.The dynamic operating mode with harder image transitions is recommended for fans of live sports broadcasts, for example.non-binding