Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ80U 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV
See it at Amazon.com for $1,999.99Average Customer Rating
(5.0 out of 5)
Amazon Customer Reviews
Most Helpful First | Newest First (5 out of 5)Wow! What a picture!
This is just an incredible set, I can't rave about it enough!
We did a ton of research on LCD Vs. Plasma and decided to go with Plasma because of the sharper picture quality and the fact that Plasma's are better at handling high speed images which comes in handy since I watch a lot of sports.
Like other reviewers have mentioned, last years model was among the highest rated Plasma's out there and although the reviews are just starting to come in this set seems to have picked up where last years models left off.
3 HDMI inputs allow you to hook up just about everything you could want without sacrificing quality and one of the many great features of this set is that it allows you to independently setup your picture quality for each input so you're not constantly adjusting settings when you switch inputs. Switching also couldn't be easier and you can customize the menu so you know that you're switching to Game, DVD, etc. instead of input 1, input 2, input 3, etc. You can even disable unused inputs so you're not scrolling through "dead" inputs when you're switching devices. The set also has 1 set of inputs in front which are also very convenient for a quick hookup.
For those that are worried about image burn in, this set has 2 other nice features not in last year's model (that I'm aware of) which is built in pixel shifting and a scrolling bar. Pixel shifting subtly adjusts the pixels (your eye won't pick this up) so an image doesn't get burned into the screen since the pixels don't remain static. This isn't foolproof but it does help reduce the chances. And what if you do ever get an image burned into the screen? Well, this set has a white scrolling bar you can run. This runs a white bar across the screen for up to 15 minutes that should eliminate any image that gets burned in.
On top of all the other features that I can rave about, the most important is the picture quality and I must say the image is GORGEOUS. I have HD through DirecTV and I am simply amazed at the quality of the picture, it's absolutely stunning! This set is in our living room and we do get sunlight in the room during the middle of the day and I see no glare, reflection, etc. Amy time of the day the picture is just incredible.
Of course do your research, go to some stores and take a look but I think anyone who gets this set will be absolutely floored by everything it offers and the truly incredible picture it gives. I really couldn't be happier having decided to purchase this set.
(4 out of 5)Great for the money, but know what you're buying
I own the 2007 version of the TH-50pz80U, which was the TH-50pz77U. I'm very pleased with my plasma, and it was great value for the money. So I'm confident you'll have the same experience with this very slightly upgraded 2008 model (mainly, three HDMI inputs instead of two). However, the pz77U had been misrepresented in customer reviews, and I really didn't understand what I was buying. It's clear from reading these reviews that the same misunderstandings persist.
Many customer reviews say that this model is the new version of the model that got top marks from Consumer Reports last year. That isn't true. That last year's model was the TH-50pz700U. I was misled by similar customer reviews last year. If you want the 2008 version of that model, you will need the TH-50pz800U at 50% higher cost than the pz80U.
The online retailers describe all of the features of the most expensive Panasonic plasmas in the listing for every model, creating the impression that the least expensive models have all of the features of the most expensive models. Again, not true. Compared to this pz80U, the pz800U adds 30,000:1 native contrast ratio compared to the 20,000:1 of the pz80U, native 24p playback, a brand new panel construction ("one pane of glass"), display of 5,120 shades of gray vs. 4,096 for the 80U, and an upgraded speaker system.
Again, I'm pleased with my pz77U and probably wouldn't have paid to upgrade to the pz700U even if I had been given better information. But know what you're getting. I had the opportunity to see the pz77U and the pz700U side by side after the return period was over, and the pz700U was noticeably superior.
(5 out of 5)Absolutely awesome TV
I have only had this tv for a few days but so far it is awesome. I looked for almost six months before buying this baby and it is everything my wife and I had hoped for. I would recommend this tv to everyone.
I can also recommend buying it from 6ave through Amazon as I did. They were GREAT!! I ordered it on Sunday and it was in my living room on Friday. Even the freight carrier they use (ICAT Transportation) was awesome. The driver was incredibly helpful and would not let me sign until we opened the box and verified there was no physical damage.
Everything about the entire purchase and the product was perfect.
(1 out of 5)Stay away from 6AVE!!!!
Ordered product. Got email verification on the estimated ship & delivery date. Next day got a cancellation notice from 6ave with no explaination. Checked Amazon site and 6ave was now no longer a seller for the TV but it was available on 6ave website for $700 more! Called them and they said they were out of the item and the system automatically cancels orders. Asked if I could keep my order on backorder and was told "No" the system will not allow it. Told them the TV is on their website and was told the website did not keep up with the orders and was indeed out of stock. RIGHT! Called Amazon and even though the credit card had a hold put on it for the amount, they would not honor the A-Z warranty. They said they would put a note in 6ave file for others to see. Don't see it anywhere. This was 2 weeks ago. I will NEVER buy from 6ave either direct or through amazon. As for amazon..... stand behind your warranty or remove it!
(5 out of 5)Panasonic TH-50PZ80U
I researched different brands and types of flat screens for several weeks before settling on the Panasonic plasma tv; I was pleased to see Consumer Reports recommended this particular set as well. We purchased our Panasonic plasma set from 6th Ave Electronics because of the online excellent rating they have as well as their fantastic price. The set arrived in pristine shape, and in one hour we had the base mounted and the set interfaced with a Panasonic SC-PT1050 Home Theater in a Box (HTIB). The sets interfaced with minimum problems (always read the instructions!) The picture is absolutely vivid and razor sharp and the DVD & TV surround sound is amazing!
We didn't know this when we ordered the tv, but Panasonic offers a lifetime "Concierge" service where you can call and get product support and have installation questions answered (they're very knowledgeable, too!) (Um... did I mention, "Always read the instructions"?) They also guarantee they will have someone at your home to repair problems within 48 hours if needed.
The antireflective surface is pretty good, and within a few minutes of daytime watching, you will find that outside reflections are soon ignored. We had looked at other sets without the reflective coating at an electronics store next to a Panasonic, and were impressed at how well the Panasonic coating cuts down on picture interference!
Bottom line.. We are extremely pleased at the quality of our investment as well as the comfort knowing that Panasonic will provide worry-free support over the life of our set. The worry-free shipping offered by 6th Ave Electronics (through Amazon) was an unanticipated benefit!