Home > Consumer Reviews > Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

If you're looking for a 50 inch TV, don't let the 720p display scare you away from this TV. The picture is superb; great blacks and realistic fleshtones and other colors. There are lots of theoretical arguments for buying a 1080p and certainly the 1080p difference gains importance once you exceed the 50 inch threshold. But with TVs 50 inches and smaller, it's my belief that you won't see the difference between 1080 and 720, all else being equal.

I've only noticed one shortcoming: there are only two HDMI and only one composite video hookups on the back of the TV so if you have more than two HDMI accessories or more than one accessory with composite hookups (Wii and a VHS deck), you'll need to hook something up through the front. This is accomplished by dropping open a door which is rather unslightly. This won't be an issue for those who have a surround sound setup because they can then run everything through the receiver.

I recommend this TV to anyone who's looking for a TV this size.

I went in shopping for a 58in Panasonic or 60in Pioneer plasma with a $3000-4000 budget that I'd keep for at least five years like our last tv. While comparing how the picture quality in person looked, the price of this 50in Panasonic TH-50PX80U caught my eye at $1300. Sure it's 720p, but we're at least another year or two out for content in 1080p to be more available especially via cable. I already had a bunch of non blue-ray dvd's and I simply didn't value the improvement that blue-ray dvd's offer to either buy or even rent them. Yes, the blacks looked better on the Pioneer, but only when you're comparing side by side.

I almost still went for the newest 58in Panasonic just because the exterior design is a lot slicker with it's large continuous flat surface. However, when Amazon randomly dropped the price to just below $1000 with free shipping, I couldn't resist. Combined with the $250 in Amazon certificates I already had, I got an awesome 50in Panasonic plasma for $750.

I just received my TH-50PX80U and the delivery went very smoothly. Picture is incredible and all thoughts of 720p vs 1080p and black levels are gone. Only surprise is the location of the 3rd hdmi port which is in the front. I planned on plugging in my cable, dvd player, and apple tv via hdmi but I don't' want any wires out front. So for now my apple tv is plugged in via component cords which isn't bad actually. If I really want a larger screen in the future, the $2000+ I saved now should be about what the 58in Panasonics will cost next year.

My previous TV was a 20 year old 30" Toshiba CRT; like so many previous reviewers, this is my first HDTV. All I can say is "WOW"! My DVD player is a 5 yr. old Pioneer Elite DV-47Ai, running 480i via component; and this is the best my DVD collection has ever looked. And as good as DVD is, the 7 HD channels I get through basic/classic cable (local HD channels) look phenominal! My next purchases will definitely be a PS3 for Blu-ray movies/HD games, and the Xbox 360. Kudos also to Eagle Shipping, whose deliveryman was a great help with unpacking/setup. Very highly recommended!

I've owned one of these 50" Panasonics for about 4 months. I'd been watching a 32" Sony for 13 years and what a difference. Like a lot of people, I struggled with the 720p/1080p decision and decided to go with the lower 720p resolution for several reasons. The TV is about 10 feet away eliminating being able to see a difference between the two, I won't be buying Blue Ray DVDs or equipment, and $999 was a good price to spend on a TV. I'm happy with my choice. I've read many reviews that say 720p and this TV in particular handles SD broadcasts/DVDs very well. Go to a store and compare your options and I think any Panasonic will come out ahead.

To the person who experienced a popping noise from their TV. I've had the same noises from the beginning. After extensive research on this, the concensus feels it is related to the plastic housing reacting to heat by expanding and contracting. Not everyone's TV does this! If you loosen the screws that hold the back on, it may help. I also flexed the backing at the top a few times and I hear it a lot less. Wth a little more attention, I'm sure I can fix it completely.

Don't let this deter you from buying this TV. I don't think it's the norm. Many people have bought it and are pleased with it's performance!

Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U
Has anyone who owns this TV experienced any random electrical "popping" sounds coming from the back of the TV? I've had this TV for about 7 months now and it has always made these sounds. I always hoped they would eventually go away but they aren't. The most frequent ones are faint but about once an hour or so a loud one occurs that can be quite startling. I verified that these sounds are not coming from the speakers by turning them off. They happen whether the TV is plugged into a Monster power conditioner or directly into the wall outlet. Can anyone give me some advice?
Aside from this problem though, this is a great TV with an amazing picture and great sound. I don't want to scare off any potential buyers of this TV. My problem is most likely with my particular TV. Maybe it was defective from day one.
I do recommend this TV and it's at a very low price right now here on Amazon, $1000. I paid a lot more for it 7 months ago. So if you buy it and have a problem with it, deal with it immediately and you can't go wrong. I believe Amazon has a 30 day return policy. Thanks for reading.