Scott Wilkinson

When Pioneer first introduced its Kuro plasma TVs a couple of years ago, everyone was amazed at their deep blacks, stunning detail, and gorgeous colors. Those first Kuro models represented Pioneer's eighth generation of plasma TVs, including the 50-inch <A href="http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/308pio110fd/">PRO-110FD</A> from Pioneer's upscale Elite line. The current offerings are referred to as 9G and include the 50-inch <A href="http://ultimateavmag.com/flatpaneldisplays/808pio111/">Elite PRO-111FD</A>, which exhibits even deeper blacks than the previous generation.

To borrow a line from <I>UAV</I> reviewer David Vaughn, CES 2009 is now receding in the rear-view mirror. It was a grueling week during which we all put many miles on our shoes&#151;and cars, since Gary Altunian, Kim Wilson, and I all drove to the show and around Las Vegas, avoiding what we thought would be long cab lines. (We would have all driven together to be more eco-friendly, except that each of us was heading in a different direction after the show.)

I was surprised to see Haier in a huge booth in the middle of the convention center's Central Hall. This Chinese company has been at CES in years past, but until now, they've had a smaller booth somewhere in the back. Based in Qindao (or Tsing Tao, where the beer of that name is brewed), Haier is one of China's largest appliance manufacturers, and it's been selling LCD TVs in the US market since 2006. Where are they sold, you ask? Mainly independent appliance and TV stores such as BrandSmart; they are also big on the QVC shopping network.

I agree with Kim Wilson that the wall o' TVs at the entrance to the Sharp booth was impressive, but I thought the Samsung "wing" was even more so.