Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U 50-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

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.

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

Exceptional tv. Love the accurate color. Only complaint is minor green ghosting. But much better than smearing of lcds

I've had this TV since 9/25/08. [...].

PICTURE - I've only watched upscaled standard DVDs (via HDMI from a very fine Oppo player) on it and the picture has been outstanding. I am seeing details in movies that I've never seen though I've watched them several times. I use CNET's settings in THX mode, toned down while the screen is breaking in (the first 100-200 hours).

AUDIO - Is good for TV speakers.

INSTALL - Make sure that you don't set the TV down when you first open the box unless you're setting it on the stand. There were no directions on this so I was (unpleasantly) surprised when the 100 pound set wouldn't balance on the bottom edge and nearly crushed the lower "lip"!

NOISE - There is a buzzing noise that comes from the circuit boards in back, below the fans. The noise varies depending on what's on screen, it's loudest when the screen is bright. I called Panasonic and a technician examined the set and said the noise was normal for a plasma. He said LCDs are quieter. I welcome any solutions anyone might have to this problem.

I can only give this otherwise excellent TV three stars because such an expensive and high quality AV device should not emit a background noise that interferes with its normal use. If I had known about "plasma noise" I would have bought a high-end LCD but now I am stuck with this TV. Beware of plasma's dirty little secret.

I spent alot of time researching this particular purchase. months, years in fact. The shortage of funds in the ship's entertainment chest meant a number of models of plasma TV came and went in the meantime and that, luckily for the crew, the prices came down. Alot. Reviews and general internet wisdom held that the King of the Hill of the 42-60" class in October 08 was the Pioneer Kuros - kudos for the Kuros if you will. However the hefty price tag precluded it from my shopping list. This Panasonic came second to the Pioneer in a number of reviews and represented a considerable saving on the manufacturer's advertised price at the Amazon store. If you haven't had a plasma TV before, let me warn you, this 50" model is ENORMOUS. You will need help putting it on its stand, but when you do and connect to a HD service or a Blu Ray player.... WOW! Totally worth the huge amount of money. Sharpness, great levels of black- yes it does make a difference. It's like watching TV for the first time. I have mounted mine on the wall via an expensive mount ($300) Don't buy a cheaper one and see your pride and joy fall to the floor.