Panasonic Viera TH 42PX80U 42 Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH 42PX80U 42 Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Treat yourself with the new Panasonic Viera plasma 42″ HDTV, you’ll enjoy watching your favorite shows and sporting events on the large 42″ screen TV in high-definition. The Panasonic Viera Plasma gives you intense colors and the sharpest images. You can use this to display all your favorite photos from your digital camera with the built-in SD card slot, giving you your own photo galley inside your living room. 1000000 - 1 Dynamic, 15000 - 1 Native Contrast Ratio 16 - 9 (Widescreen) Aspect Ratio G11 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel Type Motion Adaptive 3D-Y/C Digital Comb Filter Two Full-range (L,R) Speakers, 20Watt (10% THD)(8ohms, 70Hz-17kHz) Integrated ATSC Tuners ATSC / QAM / NTSC Receiving System SD Card Slot, Photo Viewer Input Ports - 3 x HDMI (1 Front), 2 x Analog Audio Input (for HDMI), 2 x Composite Video (1 Front), 2 x S-Video (1 Front), 2 x Audio Input (1 Front) (for Video), 1 x Composite Video output, 1 x Audio Output, 1 x Digital Audio Out Approximate Unit Dimensions - 28.6 (H) x 40.2 (W) x 15.2 (D) with Stand Approximate Unit Weight - 61.8lbs with Stand

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great value for the Price
I bought last year’s 50 inch version of this tv (Panasonic TH-50px75u) and loved it. Last year I did months of research to find the right tv, and decided plasma was right for me. I liked the darker blacks, and plasma handles sports better than HDTVs at the same price level. The 720p resolution was great from more than 10 feet, so the price was right. I really liked the Pioneers too, but the premium pricing was too much for me. Samsungs were similarly priced, but I didn’t like the frames and that distracting blue light on the front.

So when I wanted to get a tv for my bedroom, I came back to Panasonic. I looked at several models (1080p versions, bigger versions) and ultimately decided for the price and since it was for my bedroom, that I would be happy with this version. I couldn’t justify spending 200 or more extra to get a 1080p version when cable is broadcast in 720p or 1080i.

I am very happy with the choice. Yes, if you stand within 4 feet of the set, you will see a screen door effect from the 720p resolution, but back off further than that (I am about 10 feet away in bed) and the picture is crisp and clear. At 42 in (and even 50 at normal seating distance), it is very hard to discern any resolution difference). The blacks are rich and the colors are vibrant. I also like that Panasonic was more thoughtful about where they placed the connections on the back this year, which make it a bit easier to get to them. And I find that the speakers are better quality than last year (and again, for the bedroom, just fine). I have my larger set hooked up to a receiver and speakers to manage sound in the living room.

The drawbacks: this tv doesn’t resolve some of the deep color gradients like a more expensive set would. For example, when there is a sun on the tv, you can see the rings of color subtly rather than the tv solving those into more of a smoothing effect. Not a big deal, but it is noticable. Also, I am not a fan of the stand this year as opposed to the previous year. It just seems a little cheaper, but still does it’s job.

So, bottom line, a great tv in its class. If you want top of the line, you will have to spend significantly more. But this set is still very good.

3 Stars “White Glove Service” Opinion
I recently purchased this TV for $699.00 with Amazon’s Free “White Glove” Delivery Service. While the overall ordering experience and price through Amazon was great, the “White Glove” delivery service was truly disappointing.

The set was shipped through CEVA and as promised, they called me in the morning to set up an evening delivery appointment. However, the deliveryman was alone (despite the “Dear Customer” letter he handed to me that clearly said that there were to be two deliverymen); nearly 1-1/2 hours late; and was very hesitant to unpack the tv set as promised by Amazon’s White Glove Service. He clearly wanted to get home as it was nearly 9:30 pm. If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought this tv down the street and carried it over myself. The promised deliver service was a big letdown.

Bottom line: Think twice about Amazon’s “White Glove” Service.

4 Stars Good quality product
Taking heed of previous reviews’ problems with installing the base stand, my wife and I took extra care in maneuvering the screen onto the prongs of the stand (two people are required unless you’re Charles Atlas). The quick installation guide misled us into thinking the attachment was external, but the user’s manual cleared up the confusion.

Channel setup was easy but not perfect. The automatic program missed the analog signal of one station and the digital signal of another. I still haven’t been able to manually achieve those channels. We are in the fringe area of both stations, but analog and digital signals of another station broadcasting from the same location were registered properly.

A DVD player/recorder/digital tuner & analog converter hooked up easily, and now I’m pondering how to hook up a VCR when analog signals cease in February.

5 Stars Wow!!!
Having read countless reviews of HDTV’s by new owners, I recognize that we all have similar stories of agonizing decision making. I have also noticed a tendency to gush about whatever TV has been purchased. Sometimes there are thoughtful critical and reflective reviews. I’m going to gush!

I didn’t start out to buy a 720p Panasonic 42 inch plasma. My original target was a 1080p LCD in the 37 to 42 inch range. The price range was $750-$1000. I did my internet home work and created my short list of 7 TV’s. Then I started visiting showrooms.

If you can afford a 1080p set, get it. But I’m convinced that the difference with a 720p set is only visible with larger screens, and when sitting very close to the screen.

It is hard to find a knowledgeable, helpful sales clerk. I got lucky at Sears. This clerk convinced me to add the Panasonic plasma to my short list. One of the attractions of the plasma was its ability to represent motion with a minimum of blurring or smearing. Also there have been significant improvements in plasma technology. But I still wasn’t sold on the idea of a plasma set.

Then I went to another store which had an amazing display comparing sets with a 60hz refresh rate and a 120hz refresh rate. The sets were arranged vertically and displayed the same sweeping panoramic images. The difference in clarity was astonishing. Yet I could not justify paying the premium (several hundred dollars) for the 120hz refresh rate.

My understanding is that the plasma’s 450hz refresh rate produces a motion image equivalent in quality (some say better) to that of a 120hz LCD. After doing some more internet research, I concluded that buying this set was a no brainer.

I bought mine at Sears the next day, picked it up, took it home, and had neighbor help me lift it and set it on my TV stand. I could have saved money buying it online, but I had to have it NOW! (The price on Amazon fluctuates, but I could have saved $100 to $150.)

Attaching my SONY upconverting DVD player ($80) was very simple, as was connecting my old SD satellite box. The whole process took about an hour, and I was quickly watching my first DVD, the avian documentary Winged Migration with its jaw dropping cinematography. Watching my cats react to the bird images was amazing in itself.

I had some frustrations with screen images after my new Dish Network HD satellite box was installed. There are several “format” settings on both the TV and the satellite box: zoom, full, just, 4:3, etc. At first the images for SD TV channels were larger than the screen and of poor quality. It took me a couple of hours to begin understanding the concept of formats, to discover the “format” button on the satellite remote, and to figure out the right combination of TV and satellite box settings to get images to display correctly.

The HD channel images are extra-ordinary. The SD channel images are better than I could ever have imagined. These, in combination with the novelty of an image twice as big as my old TV is still producing a “wow” effect for me.

As I said at the beginning, you will probably be ecstatic with whatever set you buy. But you should give serious consideration to the Panasonic line of plasma TV’s.

5 Stars Want the latest Panasonic HDTV? Here’s how to get it for five bucks
Christmas is coming so save your cash! Why purchase something you can get for five bucks.

Go to gifts4xmas.info and sign up. Complete ONE offer - I would recommend Netflix

All companies are well known so there is no risk involved- give it a go! I got my Panasonic HDTV and many other things this way, so don’t miss out.

I was a skeptic once but now I am SO glad I gave it a chance.

Many items to choose from: TVs, DVD players, Hi-Fi and many more.

They send your gift Free of charge

Enjoy!

Buy/More Info

Panasonic Viera TH 50PZ800U 50 Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH 50PZ800U 50 Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

The PZ800 series meets the THX Certified Display specifications, signifying the highest standards of performance and quality. The PZ800 Plasma televisions feature an improved native contrast ratio of 30,000:1; Game Mode; VIERA Link; a PC Input, four HDMI connections and an all new one sheet of glass design concept.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Beautiful picture
Beautiful picture. Easy setup. Love having so many inputs. Also have Viera DVD setup. Saved hundreds off retail price.

5 Stars Beautiful Picture
A buddy and I both researched this TV and he bought it about 4 months before I did. WOW. I never thought I could feel pleasure in watching a TV

The blacks and color depth are awesome and there is hardly ever any blur when watching fast action sporting events (others say they don’t see it but I do at times.) For 2K there is nothing better out therre!

5 Stars A Great Choice For My First Plasma TV
After considerable investigation of the TV’s available in the Plasma HDTV market, I chose the “Panasonic TH-50PZ800U” based on a combination of features, performance, and price. An added bonus is that it is projected as possessing a 100,000 hour lifetime–seldom heard of in this market presently. It has 4 HDMI inputs that will allow for future growth. After one month I am delighted with the television and feel comfortable recommending it to anyone in the market.

It is a beautiful television with a very dark screen (when off) surrounded by a black classy, nonintrusive bezel. Mine sits on a swivel stand that comes with it although it could be easily mounted on a rear stand or wall. It has a p.c. input and an SD card slot with Photo Viewer/Gallery Player software. It also has a game mode function that automatically adjusts the image quality appropriate to game needs.

I am not a techie so I will just mention that it 1920 X 1080 resolution with 5120 shades of gradation. It represents a 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio which is part of what Panasonic calls its “Real Black” system which seems highly impressive. It has 24P native reproduction which will most be appreciated while watching Blu-Ray movies.

For me, I find the contrast between a program or sports event on regular mode versus the same scenes on HDTV mode to be an incredible difference–a difference that makes the additional cost of a plasma screen to be well worth the cost. There is amazing color reproduction with extremely high contrast ratios that produce brighter” whites” and darker “blacks”.

My Panasonic is slightly recessed where it is mounted so I have no problem with screen reflection of any kind; indeed, I find consistent and distortion free brightness from any viewing angle. Similarly, as promised in Plasma screen televisions, there is very fluid, smooth and graceful movement in any program, sports event, or action sequence.

This Panasonic carries the prestigious THX certification and once you watch an event in that mode you will not want to watch any other mode. The “Panasonic TH-50PZ800U” has four speakers that provide decent quality sound reproduction when you are not running the TV through your sound system or a receiver.

I can heartily recommend the “Panasonic TH-50PZ800U” to anyone seeking value, multiple features, and great performance in the current Plasma HDTV market.

5 Stars Cognitive Dissonance
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.

5 Stars Want the latest Panasonic HDTV? Here’s how to get it for five bucks
Christmas is coming so save your cash! Why purchase something you can get for five bucks.

Go to gifts4xmas.info and sign up. Complete ONE offer - I would recommend Netflix

All companies are well known so there is no risk involved- give it a go! I got my Panasonic HDTV and many other things this way, so don’t miss out.

I was a skeptic once but now I am SO glad I gave it a chance.

Many items to choose from: TVs, DVD players, Hi-Fi and many more.

They send your gift Free of charge

Enjoy!

Buy/More Info

Panasonic Viera TH 42PX80U 42 Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH 42PX80U 42 Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

Treat yourself with the new Panasonic Viera plasma 42″ HDTV, you’ll enjoy watching your favorite shows and sporting events on the large 42″ screen TV in high-definition. The Panasonic Viera Plasma gives you intense colors and the sharpest images. You can use this to display all your favorite photos from your digital camera with the built-in SD card slot, giving you your own photo galley inside your living room. 1000000 - 1 Dynamic, 15000 - 1 Native Contrast Ratio 16 - 9 (Widescreen) Aspect Ratio G11 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel Type Motion Adaptive 3D-Y/C Digital Comb Filter Two Full-range (L,R) Speakers, 20Watt (10% THD)(8ohms, 70Hz-17kHz) Integrated ATSC Tuners ATSC / QAM / NTSC Receiving System SD Card Slot, Photo Viewer Input Ports - 3 x HDMI (1 Front), 2 x Analog Audio Input (for HDMI), 2 x Composite Video (1 Front), 2 x S-Video (1 Front), 2 x Audio Input (1 Front) (for Video), 1 x Composite Video output, 1 x Audio Output, 1 x Digital Audio Out Approximate Unit Dimensions - 28.6 (H) x 40.2 (W) x 15.2 (D) with Stand Approximate Unit Weight - 61.8lbs with Stand

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Great value for the Price
I bought last year’s 50 inch version of this tv (Panasonic TH-50px75u) and loved it. Last year I did months of research to find the right tv, and decided plasma was right for me. I liked the darker blacks, and plasma handles sports better than HDTVs at the same price level. The 720p resolution was great from more than 10 feet, so the price was right. I really liked the Pioneers too, but the premium pricing was too much for me. Samsungs were similarly priced, but I didn’t like the frames and that distracting blue light on the front.

So when I wanted to get a tv for my bedroom, I came back to Panasonic. I looked at several models (1080p versions, bigger versions) and ultimately decided for the price and since it was for my bedroom, that I would be happy with this version. I couldn’t justify spending 200 or more extra to get a 1080p version when cable is broadcast in 720p or 1080i.

I am very happy with the choice. Yes, if you stand within 4 feet of the set, you will see a screen door effect from the 720p resolution, but back off further than that (I am about 10 feet away in bed) and the picture is crisp and clear. At 42 in (and even 50 at normal seating distance), it is very hard to discern any resolution difference). The blacks are rich and the colors are vibrant. I also like that Panasonic was more thoughtful about where they placed the connections on the back this year, which make it a bit easier to get to them. And I find that the speakers are better quality than last year (and again, for the bedroom, just fine). I have my larger set hooked up to a receiver and speakers to manage sound in the living room.

The drawbacks: this tv doesn’t resolve some of the deep color gradients like a more expensive set would. For example, when there is a sun on the tv, you can see the rings of color subtly rather than the tv solving those into more of a smoothing effect. Not a big deal, but it is noticable. Also, I am not a fan of the stand this year as opposed to the previous year. It just seems a little cheaper, but still does it’s job.

So, bottom line, a great tv in its class. If you want top of the line, you will have to spend significantly more. But this set is still very good.

5 Stars Want the latest Panasonic HDTV? Here’s how to get it for five bucks
Christmas is coming so save your cash! Why purchase something you can get for five bucks.

Go to gifts4xmas.info and sign up. Complete ONE offer - I would recommend Netflix

All companies are well known so there is no risk involved- give it a go! I got my Panasonic HDTV and many other things this way, so don’t miss out.

I was a skeptic once but now I am SO glad I gave it a chance.

Many items to choose from: TVs, DVD players, Hi-Fi and many more.

They send your gift Free of charge

Enjoy!

4 Stars Good quality product
Taking heed of previous reviews’ problems with installing the base stand, my wife and I took extra care in maneuvering the screen onto the prongs of the stand (two people are required unless you’re Charles Atlas). The quick installation guide misled us into thinking the attachment was external, but the user’s manual cleared up the confusion.

Channel setup was easy but not perfect. The automatic program missed the analog signal of one station and the digital signal of another. I still haven’t been able to manually achieve those channels. We are in the fringe area of both stations, but analog and digital signals of another station broadcasting from the same location were registered properly.

A DVD player/recorder/digital tuner & analog converter hooked up easily, and now I’m pondering how to hook up a VCR when analog signals cease in February.

5 Stars Wow!!!
Having read countless reviews of HDTV’s by new owners, I recognize that we all have similar stories of agonizing decision making. I have also noticed a tendency to gush about whatever TV has been purchased. Sometimes there are thoughtful critical and reflective reviews. I’m going to gush!

I didn’t start out to buy a 720p Panasonic 42 inch plasma. My original target was a 1080p LCD in the 37 to 42 inch range. The price range was $750-$1000. I did my internet home work and created my short list of 7 TV’s. Then I started visiting showrooms.

If you can afford a 1080p set, get it. But I’m convinced that the difference with a 720p set is only visible with larger screens, and when sitting very close to the screen.

It is hard to find a knowledgeable, helpful sales clerk. I got lucky at Sears. This clerk convinced me to add the Panasonic plasma to my short list. One of the attractions of the plasma was its ability to represent motion with a minimum of blurring or smearing. Also there have been significant improvements in plasma technology. But I still wasn’t sold on the idea of a plasma set.

Then I went to another store which had an amazing display comparing sets with a 60hz refresh rate and a 120hz refresh rate. The sets were arranged vertically and displayed the same sweeping panoramic images. The difference in clarity was astonishing. Yet I could not justify paying the premium (several hundred dollars) for the 120hz refresh rate.

My understanding is that the plasma’s 450hz refresh rate produces a motion image equivalent in quality (some say better) to that of a 120hz LCD. After doing some more internet research, I concluded that buying this set was a no brainer.

I bought mine at Sears the next day, picked it up, took it home, and had neighbor help me lift it and set it on my TV stand. I could have saved money buying it online, but I had to have it NOW! (The price on Amazon fluctuates, but I could have saved $100 to $150.)

Attaching my SONY upconverting DVD player ($80) was very simple, as was connecting my old SD satellite box. The whole process took about an hour, and I was quickly watching my first DVD, the avian documentary Winged Migration with its jaw dropping cinematography. Watching my cats react to the bird images was amazing in itself.

I had some frustrations with screen images after my new Dish Network HD satellite box was installed. There are several “format” settings on both the TV and the satellite box: zoom, full, just, 4:3, etc. At first the images for SD TV channels were larger than the screen and of poor quality. It took me a couple of hours to begin understanding the concept of formats, to discover the “format” button on the satellite remote, and to figure out the right combination of TV and satellite box settings to get images to display correctly.

The HD channel images are extra-ordinary. The SD channel images are better than I could ever have imagined. These, in combination with the novelty of an image twice as big as my old TV is still producing a “wow” effect for me.

As I said at the beginning, you will probably be ecstatic with whatever set you buy. But you should give serious consideration to the Panasonic line of plasma TV’s.

3 Stars “White Glove Service” Opinion
I recently purchased this TV for $699.00 with Amazon’s Free “White Glove” Delivery Service. While the overall ordering experience and price through Amazon was great, the “White Glove” delivery service was truly disappointing.

The set was shipped through CEVA and as promised, they called me in the morning to set up an evening delivery appointment. However, the deliveryman was alone (despite the “Dear Customer” letter he handed to me that clearly said that there were to be two deliverymen); nearly 1-1/2 hours late; and was very hesitant to unpack the tv set as promised by Amazon’s White Glove Service. He clearly wanted to get home as it was nearly 9:30 pm. If I had to do it all over again, I would have bought this tv down the street and carried it over myself. The promised deliver service was a big letdown.

Bottom line: Think twice about Amazon’s “White Glove” Service.

Buy/More Info