Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Review!
I researched HDTVs for a couple of months, and decided to pull the trigger on the 50pz800u. I am very pleased with my decision. I think the 800u is the best high-end plasma for the money.
After reading countless CNET reviews, Amazon reviews, and AVSforum comments, I narrowed my decision to the Samsung LN46A650 LCD, Pioneer 5020FD Plasma, and the Panny 800u. After watching a couple of football games at Best Buy, I decided that plasma was the way to go–sports looked incredible.
The Pioneer Kuro line has the best picture quality and black levels, but I feel that they have poor value. In my opinion, the differences in quality are not worth the premium you must pay for the Kuros (especially the Elites).
Having said that, the Panny looks far better at home than it does in any store. This is especially true in the THX mode. The THX mode was a major selling point for me, and it looked mediocre at best inside many brick & mortar stores. I knew that I would never have my HDTV calibrated and the 800u has a very accurate picture right out of the box with the THX mode.
Additional thoughts:
- After you watch the THX mode (especially at night) it is hard to go back to vivid. I never realized just how cartoonish colors were in the vivid setting.
- Viera link is a great feature. To control my surround sound (Panny HTIB) or Blu-ray player, I can conveniently use the TV’s remote–a very underrated feature.
- 24 fps. I was excited about the 24 frames-per-second feature, hoping it would be a more film-like experience. As so many have noted–there is definitely flicker that is clearly visible in bright scenes. Flicker seems the least-noticeable when you are looking directly at the tv from a distance. If this is a major selling point for you–try and find an 800u at a store that is hooked up to a Blu-ray player and watch. I can’t handle it, some can.
- Shipping. Amazon’s shipping (through Pilot) was great. I received the television 5 days before I thought I would, in perfect condition. Pilot called me twice to notify me of the TV’s delivery. Do not let ordering such a valuable product online scare you (its a LOT CHEAPER). This was my first major purchase ($1000+) from an online retailer–and I am extremely pleased.
- Value. As I mentioned before, I wanted a high-end HDTV with a lot of relevant features (the Samsung’s 650 series hooks up to the internet for news on your TV–but who really uses that?) and a great price/value ratio. If money isn’t an option, get an Elite. Otherwise, spend the money you save on surround sound.
I wanted the best HDTV I could possibly buy for under $2000—and I made the right decision going with the 800u.