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Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ85U 50 1080p Plasma HDTV
Product Description
What's New This Year?
Which Viera is Right For You?
Click here to see a comparison of step up features on each Viera series.Amazing color reproduction
The incredible black reproduction of a Panasonic High-Definition Plasma TV results in impressive contrast and beautiful, natural colors. So you'll get warm, accurate skin tones, gorgeous greens, breathtaking blues and vivid reds. For color that's as rich and bold as life itself, look to a Panasonic Plasma TV.Consistent brightness from any angle
A Panasonic Plasma combines anti-glare and anti-reflection technology with the natural light-emitting properties of plasma, to give you a super-wide viewing range with a crisp, beautiful image from almost any angle.Smooth, graceful motion
1,000,000:1 Contrast
More Colors
Deep Color
Connectivity
Viera flat panel HDTVs interact with an array of high-definition devices and services, making it easy for consumers to access and enjoy content as never before. As of 2008, Viera Link is compatible with Onkyo and Yamaha home theater systems.Long Life
Get Full HD with Blu-Ray Disc Players
Which is the Right Viera for You?
Measured
Diagonally
Full HD
1920 x 1080 pixels
Contrast
Ratio
Cert
Inputs
of Glass
Design
Base
of
Gradation
Codec
Cinema Color
Reference
Mode
Setting
Menu
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Product Details
Video Reviews
Customer Reviews
The TV is in our family room with several windows. Either we are all blind in my household or we are watching 2 different televisions.
I purchased the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ85U 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV towards the end of March. This TV has been nothing short of amazing. The picture quality is unbelievable. It has 3 HDMI ports. I connected our PS3 and Wii to it and I can tell you that playing games on this puppy is awesome.
The screen life is rated at 100,000 hours compared to last year's model of 60,000. So basically if you keep the TV on for 8 hours a day, the screen will lose half its brightness in 30 years.
Consumer Reports rated last year's model as the best 50 inch Plasma TV, and I have no doubt when they review this newer model the rating will stay the same.
The bottom line, for the price and Panasonic's excellent reputation for Plasma TVs you can't go wrong with this one.
This is my first flat-panel television and I switched from a 27 inch CRT Sony Trinitron.
Pricing, Ordering and Delivery:
I had been monitoring the price of this set ever since it got released earlier this year.
I had many opportunities to look at the set with my own eyes at Best Buy and other retailers but the price from most of these retailers was a little high, when considering that I would need to add sales tax as well as shipping (I found out that the box with the television would never fit in my car!).
So, when I saw the attractive price - with no sales tax - on Amazon, I jumped on it. Also, the free "while glove" delivery was a big plus as I had read too many horror stories about people getting a damaged or broken television and spending way to much time and energy to finally get a replacement.
The price on Amazon was several hundred dollars less than most local retailers.
Ordering was easy. I also ordered a Sanus VMPL50B tilt bracket (also from Amazon) to mount the display over my fireplace.
I placed the ordered on a Thursday and the product was delivered the following Thursday. Not bad!
The display was delivered by a shipping company called CEVA Logistics. Two persons carried the large box to the second floor of my condo where my living room is and unpacked the television so that I could make sure that it was in good condition, which was the case.
Installation:
I didn't use the stand provided with the television. Instead, I mounted the display on the wall over my fireplace using a Sanus bracket.
Initially, I was going to use the Sanus VMPL50B but, because of the position of the studs behind the wall, I decided to exchange it for a longer, adjustable one. I picked a Sanus VMPL3B which is basically the same, with the difference that the plate is 10 inches longer, when fully extended.
This way, I was able to mount the bracket using 4 studs instead of just 2 studs if I had gone with the VMPL50B. It gives me a peace of mind and I know that I am not going to find my plasma television broken into pieces anytime soon.
The installation was fairly easy and took about one hour total. My wife helped me carrying the display and securing it on the wall bracket since it is pretty heavy (approximately 80lbs).
The display sits only 2.5 inches from the wall but it was actually hard to tilt because of the HDMI connectors in the back. The problem is that the panel in the back where all the connectors go is not recessed enough. I just wish there was an extra 1/2 inch of space.
What I did is that I purchased a couple of HDMI "right-angle" adapters (from an excellent Internet store called MonoPrice). This way, the HDMI cables run along the back of the plasma set and it is way easier to tilt the display.
Operation and Picture Quality:
I am truly impressed by the TH-50PZ85U. Not only it performs well but it looks great on the wall.
The only connectors I have are HMDI. I have one HDMI cable running from my digital cable box (Time Warner - Scientific Atlanta) to the TV and one HDMI cable coming from my SONY DVP-NS3100ES DVD player (up-converting DVD player, not Blu-Ray).
HD channels are simply outstanding, even in Standard mode. It is such a pleasure for the eyes to watch anything. I surprised myself at watching a full hour of an animal documentary on Discovery HD, even though I have never been a fan of animal TV show.
The level of details is amazing.
Standard cable looks very good too but obviously not as good as HD. My only concern is that currently I only have 22 HD channels (and 3 or 4 of those don't even have regular programming). Time Warner can't beat satellite in my area but I am not ready to switch yet. There are some reports that new HD channels will be added soon so I just need to be patient.
The remote control is easy to use and it can also operate other devices such as a cable box, a DVD player and more. With my configuration, this is pretty much the only remote I use now.
I like the fact that there are some extra video inputs (including HDMI) located on the side of the display. I use them to plug my video camera.
Several settings for the sound can be adjusted as well (balance, treble, bass and some other effects I am not really familiar with yet). Overall, the sound is excellent but when watching a DVD movie, I use my home theater system (I have a 5.1 speaker system with a SONY STR-DA3100ES receiver).
The great thing about HDMI is that it only takes one cable for both video and audio signals. I can always use the TV speakers while playing a DVD or watching a cable program. When I switch to the receiver, all I have to do is mute the sound from the TV.
Note on "break-in" period:
I know there are many forums talking about the 100-hour "break-in" period. There is no mention of it anywhere in the user's manual. So I went on the Panasonic website and I found some info. Basically, for the first 100 hours of operation, it is advised to watch television in Full Mode or Zoom Mode only (to avoid black bars on the side) and to avoid prolonged period of time of static image or channel logo.
Since I had read many threads dealing with playing a "Break-in" DVD, I called Panasonic Technical Support direclty. The person told me that it was not necessary as long as the above rules were followed for the first 100 hours of usage and that it wouldn't make any difference in the end.
SO I watched different shows in Full format mode as well as DVDs. Whenever I would watch a channel with a logo on the bottom-right corner for over 30 minutes, I would use the "Anti-Static Retention" feature for a few minutes (accessible with the remote in the Main Menu). What it does is that it displays a scrolling white bar over a black background.
Bottom Line:
The TH-50PZ85U is an incredible set for the price. I have been reading reviews and comparing with other existings sets (including LCD sets) for the past 6 months almost and I think that, for this size, this is the best option in terms of price and quality.
Panasonic is a reputable manufacturer and no one can go wrong with this display.
In terms of the black level, although it's 30,000:1 native contrast ratio, I agree with another reviewer that it probably was not much blacker than last year's model (PZ700U), but even so, it's still much better than the best LCD TVs and minus the motion blur and other negative effects of LCD TVs.
If you are not ready to spend $2000 on this TV, wait for a couple of weeks and see how CNET reviews will be. I am confident that this Panasonic model is top of the line plasma out there for the price (Pioneers are simply too expensive).
Update: I have had this TV wall mounted along with Onkyo 7.1 Channel SR800 speakers, I could not be happier with the TV and the entire home theatre system. Please make sure you break-in the Plasma TV for the first 100 hours or so. Use either a break-in DVD (see www.avsforum.com) and you should always try to watch full-screen TV and movies and avoid those with top/bottom or side bars. Once the 100 hour break-in is completed, you can then set the TV to Cinema mode and enjoy.
Secondly, I guess I'm the odd man out because I think the new anti reflection screen is awesome. I don't have alot of light coming in but there is light and I have had the lights on while watching it. Hell, I even shined a flashlight into the screen only to have a very soft dim reflection shine back at me, no different than shining the same flashlight it into my computer's LCD screen. However, the benzel is very shiney and you do see reflections in that.
Overall, this was my first time to purchase something like this through Amazon and I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I was a little nervous, but just like other reviewer's have said, the delivery team took my TV in my house, then help me unpackage it, helped me assemble the stand and we turned the set on to make sure everything worked ok before they left.
I very very pleased with this purchase.
Now on to performance. The picture is clear, crisp, vibrant and all the other brochure type adjectives included. The most impressive thing about this set is its black levels, they are AMAZING. Whether in the daytime or night nighttime scenes in movies look great. Colors are very vibrant. Watching the Planet Earth series Blu Ray on my PS3 I sat in amazement. I won't even mention how ridiculously good Ratatouille looked on Blu Ray. This set was an upgrade from my 42" Panasonic EDTV and I couldn't be happier. Regular cable looks good, DVD's look great and of course the ultimate is Blu Ray movies. Sound is above average when watching regular TV but of course the home theater comes on when it's movie or game time. Playing games on this set is awesome and not a hint of any burn in or motion blur.
Panasonic has outdone themselves with this line. This is definitely top tier quality for second or even third tier price. The only competition this set honestly has is a Pioneer. But even Cnet.com stated that the difference in black levels between this line and a Pioneer had to be measured with equipment to be noticed. To me that's not worth an extra grand or more. So if you're on the fence about this set don't think about it anymore. Click "Buy" or head to your local retailer, get it home then invite all your friends over and try not to rip your shirt while you poke your chest out.
P.S. Like I stated in my review of the Yamaha RX-V663 receiver I paired with this set, you do not need $100 Monster Cables. I have 3 HDMI cables total and the most expensive one was about $20. I get a full 1080p signal and full PCM recognition from my PS3.
A lot has been discussed about plasma vs. LCD. To me, the difference between the two technologies is quite simple: LCDs are "day" TVs, whereas plasmas are "night" TVs. During the day, my Viera TH-50PZ85U reflects quite a lot, particularly if I watch it from far in a wide angle, in a position opposed to the window (that happens when I watch it from my kitchen, which is opposed to the living room window--The TV is positioned perpendicular and close to the living room window, farther from the kitchen). The LCD Sharp Aquos that used to be in the exact same location had no reflections at all and I could easily watch it from the kitchen.
I am very picky when it comes to image quality when I am watching my movies at night, though. I just don't care about the reflections during the day, when my daughter is watching Elmo or Barney, but at night I want the most impeccable image. That's when my Viera shines. The image is not as bright as the LCDs, which is good in a dim room, and the contrast and black levels are just amazing, much superior to LCD. The image has more of a cinema feel and also feels more "analog" than an LCD screen. The image of an LCD screen can be also very beautiful, but it has more of "digital" feel, like a computer screen. The plasma resembles the feel of the old tube TVs, but in flat screen and high definition, which I like better for movies.
For those who want a multi-purpose TV that works great during the day and OK at night, the choice becomes very personal. I, for example, hate seeing my own reflection on the TV when I am watching it (which happens quite often with this set during the day, particularly in the black zones of the image, which look so beautiful at night). But my wife, on the other hand, does not even notice the reflections. My wife cares enough about image quality to appreciate this TV's blacks and strong contrast, but because the reflection's focus distance is different from that of the image, most people unconsciously just filter out those reflections. And it is true that reflection is much less noticeable when the TV is on. When it is on, sitting in front of the TV, the only reflections you see are in the black zones of the image. Even I forget about them, if I am just casually watching regular TV programming.
Another limitation of the plasma technology is the viewing angle. As I said above, wide angles are a problem during the day, because of reflection. But at night, the image itself reflects on the glass panel of the TV. That is particularly noticeable in wide angles when you have sharp image contrasts, like subtitles against a dark black background. The effect is one of double subtitles if you are watching it from a wide angle.
As for the glossy frame, it can indeed be distracting during the day. At night, it is a very beautiful frame, particularly if mounted on the wall.
Although this review may sound more negative than positive, this really is a very fine TV set. It beats LCD TVs in a home-theater setting, that is, dim rooms and narrow viewing angles. (It does not require a completely dark room and indirect light does not affect the image quality.) It does a very good job in bright rooms and narrow viewing angles and not so good a job in bright rooms and wide viewing angles, when the reflections take over. So it really depends on how the TV is going to be used. In home-theater settings, it is practically unbeatable.
Also, I have no problem with refelection. I bought this as a replacement for an LCD Projection Sony Wega 50" 720p, and while yes, you can see reflections when the TV is off, It has NEVER bothered me or been noticable with the TV on. And glare(not reflection) bothered me on the LCD display I had in the exact same location.
Oh, and I'm very picky!
My only complaint with this TV is the lack of 'fine tuning' that can be done by the user from the menu for calibrationf. I understand you can still get into the sevice menu to do this. But to me, this isn't a big deal for the price. The details are increadable, the black levels are fantastic.
Best deal available, especially at the price offered on this site!
In terms of Amazon itself, they have been great. Even made a prompt refund when the price dropped.
Cliffhanger looked a little bit dull as compared to my previous Sharp Aquos D64U. It may have something to do with the brightness level being low. But otherwise the picture was just brilliant. I loved the black levels and now i understand what everyone was talking about. cliffhanger has some scenes which i have never observed before, but because of the black level , it improved the overall experience.
I also watched 16 blocks (HD) and ICE AGE 2. I have seen the older generation of plasmas in the stores and somehow their whites were not as white as this set. Their whites where more blue but this set had nice whites.
I loved the music channel in HD but i cant watch that just yet because it has huge logo. I briefly connected my Wii and i must say it looked a lot crisper on the Sharp Aquos but i have not played around with the settings. I am confident that i will be able to fix that after break in. I am still using composite video. I had a sharp for close to 2 months. i am very happy with my decision of returning that and jumping over to plasma. In a home setting i dont think the brights of the lcd make much of a difference.
With respect to reflection, i did see some reflection but with picture on i didnt see it once in 10 hours. I had a huge window 2 feet away from the tv at a 90 degree angle. At some level, if you pay enough attention you might see some of the background detail in the set but it was nothing close to what i saw at BB. Compared to my sharp i believe the sharp was obviously better but i dont think the sharp will compare to this set when it comes to picture. I think panasonic did a good job with the coating. Coming from the sharp thread where people believe that non uniform back lighting is inherent to technology and that you have to live with it .. etc etc.. i felt relieved after i popped in my tv blink dvd and observed absolutely uniform grayscale images.
So far i am loving this set. I think i stand by my decision to return the Sharp and also very satisfied that i didnt go for the Sammy 71 series. I watched the playoffs on hd for a few minutes and it looked good. No smearing of the ball and what not.
Update: Having now owned this for more than 4 months, im still a very satisfied customer. I have watched countless HD movies and even SD movies and i have been very happy. The sound is bad but with such a nice tv, you have to get an external sound system. I had left a static image on the tv for over 2 hours. Thankfully my tv was 75 hours through break in and the retention was cleared out in just 30 minutes of regular tv. Great product from panasonic
I have now owned this TV for almost 18 months and given a chance i would buy this tv all over again.
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