The Pioneer PDA-5002 Video Card is an optional video card that can be used by the Pioneer PDP-503CMX and PDP-433CMX Plasma TVs allowing Video, High Definition and digital RGB inputs. If you have a High Definition Satellite receiver is will decode it so you have a true HDTV.

This is a video card not a TV Tuner, you can connect a VCR or cable box and use it as a Tuner or a Satellite Dish receiver and use the Satellite receiver as a tuner. The card is made for connections of other components that you may wish to view on the Plasma TV. They do make an optional TVP-1000 TV Tuner Expansion Video Card at about twice the price of the PDA-5002 Video Card. So if not going to use a TV antenna then the PDA-5002 Video Card is the best choice for the price.

The prices seem to vary depending on where you buy it, I found prices from $229 to $599 so shop around. Some places that sell the Pioneer PDP-503CMX Plasma screen include the PDA-5002 Video Card and some don’t because it is an option.

Why make this video card an option? Because as explained earlier some people will need just a video card and some may want the higher priced Tuner card. Plus the future changes all the time, so if something new comes out in a year or two all you have to do is take the PDA-5002 Video Card out and replace it with the up to date technology.


Installation
Installation is a snap, just place it in the slot of the Plasma screen and tighten down two screws. It kind of reminds me of adding a card to your computer. Now just connect what you wish and it is ready to go.


The Connections
The back of the card shows inputs 3, 4 and 5.
Input 3 has an S-Video in and a left and right RCA jack for audio.
Input 4 has a left and right RCA jack for audio, a BNC input and a BNC output.
Input 5 has Digital RGB Input Terminal


The Specifications
A Composite Video Signal for Input BNC x 1 Output BNC x 1
A Y/C Separate Video Signal: Input S-terminal x 1
A Digital RGB Input Terminals DVI standard
A Digital RGB Signal for Input DVI-D 24-pin x 1
Individual resolution of VGA, SVGA, XGA and SXGA should apply to a vertical frequency of 60HzAudio Input Terminals for Audio Signal: L/R Input (pin x 2) x 2
Resolutions of 640 x 480, 800 x 600, 1024 x 768, 1152 x864, 1280 x 768, 1280 x 960 and 1280 x 1024.
Vertical Frequencies from 56 Hz to 60 Hz
Horizontal Frequencies from 31.5 KHz to 64 KHz
The card is 9 19/32 inches x 1 3/32 inches x 5 7/8 inches and weighs 11 ounces.


Overall
The Pioneer PDA-5002 Video Card is an option for their Plasma screens, the only problem I see is there is not enough inputs to cover all my components. If you have a lot of components you may need to add a video switcher that allows several connections out of one connection.

Quality wise the picture from the Satellite Receiver is beautiful with crisp, clean, clear colors. This is not a HDTV Satellite Receiver. The DVD movies also look great!


Please read my review about the Pioneer PDP-503CMX 50 in. Flat Panel Television.



Recommended: Yes