Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic TH-50PZ77U 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

I had been researching HDTVs for the past 6 months before finally, settling on this model. I decided to go with the Plasma over the LCD mainly, because plasma offers much better PQ and motion for the money and I didn't want to sacrifice size. The new Pioneers are very nice but way too expensive if you ask me. So it came down to the Samsung 5084 or one of the Panasonic 1080p models. For a long time the specs of the Samsung had me leaning that way. However, after seeing one in person I was not that impressed, it looked cheap. Panasonic also has a much better track record for reliability when it comes to Plasmas (they are rated for 100,000 hours vs. 50,000 - 60,000 hours of other manufactures). No knock on Samsung they make great LCDs check out there 71 or 81 series.

The 3 current Panasonic models are the PZ77U, PZ700U, PZ750U. The 3 models can all be purchased within about $250 of each other (MSRP range from $2800 to $3500). The 77U and 700U are almost identical with the exception that the PZ77U has an anti-glare screen and the PZ700U has a slightly upgraded speakers package (who buys a 50" plasma for speakers anyway?). The 750U adds to the 700U a third HDMI input and more picture settings (I was going to go with this model but the HDMI input is right in the middle front of the TV?). Panasonic has a very highly rated anti-glare screen, not to be confused with anti-glare coating found on the 700U and 750U; they are not the same thing. I went with this model because the anti-glare screen actually increases the contrast. So far I have had it for 3 months and been extremely happy with my purchase from 6ave.

This was on sale at Circuit City for $2k. I almost thought something was wrong, but that was indeed the sale. I picked it up and almost immediately was disappointed by the lack of pop in colors compared to my LCD 4665.

Turns out that I was just watching a bad source, in daylight. Once the night came, and HD channels were on...things got better - a lot better. I went to the store again to compare the picture on this to the 700 which has a glossy screen, and I honestly couldn't not tell a difference when looking at them from dead on. One looks like it has glass, and that's about it.

The whites are not pure white on this, or hardly any other plasma. But the darks are yummy and perfect. SD stinks, but HD sources really shine. If you can get a good deal on this - you can't go wrong!

I would like to see more control over the tweeking features, but the picture looks great, so I'm not complaining too much.

I definitely prefer this to my old LCD...the motion on it is smoother - no blur when the camera pans. The darks are REALLY dark and uniform. At 50" it's a movie experience!

After a lengthy research period, I finally settled on the 50" PZ77U. I'm happy to report that after two weeks of use the experience has been fantastic. First off, the picture is just gorgeous. Of course I expected that with HD cable and a Blu-Ray (PS3) player -- it's jaw-droppingly great -- but I was very impressed with the SD picture of this unit. Sure, it pales in comparison to HD, but the SD channels don't have that processed look that makes everything appear like it's been through a photoshop watercolor filter. I've seen that on a number of LCDs and plasmas before and it drives me nuts. Remember, they never will show a SD signal to you at most stores-- it's always a sharp HD signal. The good SD clarity is even more impressive for a 50" model.

I'm still in the break-in period-- trying to make sure the phosphors burn in easily; I downloaded a burn-in disc from eaprogramming.com, which has been helpful.

Lastly, a few nice words for the purchase experience via Amazon and 6ave: The unit was shipped to my home in Michigan within a week; upon delivery the unit was inspected as required; everything was great. I'd certainly use 6ave again.

After much research and actaully seeing the 700U, 750U, and 77U in person I settled on the TH-50PZ77U. The anti-glare screen works excellent in my environment. I have a fair amount of indirect light during the day, with light colored walls and hardwood floors there is high possibility of glare. This TV handles it brilliantly and I no longer have any issues watching during the day.

I was able to view all 3 models at a local Best Buy Magnolia so I had pretty much decided on the 77U when CC dropped the price down on sale to 2k after the Super Bowl. It was a no brainer and I do not regret it one bit.

I have an Onkyo TX-SR705 so I did not need the additional HDMI input of the 750U. I ran a break in disc when I wasn't watching it for 150 hrs then had it calibrated and WOW does the picture pop on this thing! I can't believe how good the black levels are either. As good as it looked on the show room floor it looks even better now. Unless you have an extra couple grand to throw at a Pioneer you can't do any better than a Panny plasma in my opinion.

Connected devices: Onkyo TX-SR705, Panasonic DMP-BD30, Xbox 360 Elite, DirecTV HR-20

I highly recommend this TV... first of all, why buy LCD for the same size when you can buy plasma for $1000 less? if u are worried about light reflection on the plasma TVs this panasonic has anti-glare in it... and the colors are jaw dropping....
This panasonic in specific I highly recommend because Panasonic is the 2nd best in Plasma after Pioneer (which is way over priced)... the 50PZ700U has better speakers than this one (but who buys a 50 inch TV without seperate speakers anyways) and u can hook your laptop to the TV and use it with the TV, but you would have to pay $300-400 more for it... if u need a 3rd HDMI input then go with the PZ750U nd play $600 more for it (I am sure 2 HDMI is more than u need)... so if u dont need to hook ur laptop to the TV and don't need a side HDMI cable that u probably wont use, then save urself $300-600 by buying this awesome TV right here, because the technology is the same...
I have an LCD Samsung and I have this 50PZ77u and i love my panasonic more.. with w panasonic blue ray (which uses the same remote control and is way better than the sony blue ray or samsung blue ray) then you wont go wrong... add some nice surround sound system and u will be amazed ...