Best new 70" to 80" display

Sony's largest and supposedly "best" is the 65" XBRhx929. As a long-time XBR guy, I was really hoping to like and buy it, but it left me totally unimpressed. Lots of blooming and arguably a step backward from Sony's NX line.

The PRO Elite 70 is a different animal, being a joint venture between Pioneer and Sharp. The combination of Sharp's adding yellow to the RGB pixels and Pioneer's processing and local area LED dimming (apx 6x the number of zones as the Sony) make this a pretty spectacular TV. The support is outstanding and the factory warranty is 2 years and 3 months. Although Pioneer is no longer in the TV business, this TV has been in joint development with Sharp for the past 2 1/2 years, finally out this September. The goal was to build the best TV on the planet, with Pioneer contributing lots of technology and processing power gleaned from its Kuro series.

Admittedly, this is an expensive TV and probably a bit overpriced in today's market. I've decided to go with the superior technology and larger screen, ordering my 70" Pro Elite this past weekend. I'm sure it will cost less in 6 months, just like everything else, but I don't want to wait. It is replacing a Sony 60" KDL-60A3000 SXRD TV in my living room and should be here in a week or so.

I would at least try to see this TV before making any decisions. I just found out about it a week ago!

Fplanner,

NOT a joint venture, Sharp bought the right to use the Elite name on their TV's, Panasonic has much of the Kuro technology already.......

I've heard it as Kennyt has posted. The Pioneer's Elite's that were so well regarded were plasmas, the Sharp Elite's are LEDs.

That's fine - and others have heard it as I have posted. Regardless, the point is that the Elite PROs are worth considering, or at least being used as a measuring stick against which to compare other LCD/LED TVs. Reviews have been outstanding so far.