Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ85U 50" 1080p Plasma HDTV | 
 enlarge | Brand: Panasonic
Category: CE
Buy New: Too low to display
New (24)
Avg. Customer Rating:  20 reviews
Sales Rank: 466
Color: Black
Media: Electronics
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Batteries: 2
Batteries Included: Yes
Display Size: 50
Shipping Weight (lbs): 88.2
Dimensions (in): 49.4 x 3.7 x 32.8
MPN: TH-50PZ85U
Model: TH-50PZ85U
UPC: 037988241811
EAN: 0037988241811
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
|
| Features:
| • | 1920 x 1080 Resolution | | • | 1000000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio for the Brightest whites and darkest blacks | | • | 4096 Shades of Gradation for spectacular Color Reproduction | | • | Viera LinK™ HDAVI Control lets you operate all of your home theater components by pressing a single button on your TV's remote control | | • | GalleryPlayer allows you to enjoy the world's finest high definition art and photography on your Panasonic HD plasma TV |
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
50" widescreen HDTV (16:9 aspect ratio) * built-in digital (ATSC) and analog (NTSC) tuners for over-the-air TV broadcasts (antenna required) *
Amazon.com Product Description--March 10, 2008
With its 2008 Panasonic Viera Plasmas, Panasonic brings an astonishing 1,000,000:1 contrast ration to the table. advanced pixel resolution and image-processing technology with the plasma TV's natural ability to beautifully reproduce fast moving images, so every detail is rendered with amazing clarity, and all the action is delivered with a high degree of fluidity.
What's New This Year?
- Super Contrast--native contrast ratios on the PZ85, PZ800 and PX 850 series are 30,000:1, double last year's 15,000:1. Dynamic contrast ratios are up to 1,000,000:1.
- new anti-reflective filter; lead-free "Tough Under Force" panel is resistant to impacts and scratches
- Built-in SD card slot with Photo Viewer/Gallery Player software
- x.v. Color and Deep Color (HDMI 1.3 features)
- 24p native reproduction
- Game Mode auto-adjusts image quality suitable to games and includes anti-image retention
- Viera Link is now compatible with Onkyo and Yamaha home theater systems
- At least 3 HDMI inputs on all models (4 on PZ800 and PZ850 series)
- THX Certification on PZ800 and PZ850 series
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 When you're watching sports or movies with fast-motion graphics, you want a TV that can keep up with the action. With over 900 lines of moving picture, self-illuminating plasma displays eliminate afterimages in fast-action scenes. So whether you're watching a sporting event or an action-packed movie, you'll always get the most impressive viewing experience possible. |
 | 1,000,000:1 Contrast The Panasonic's Real Black system (a pre-discharge suppression system) and improved panel production processes combine to reproduce outstanding blacks with superb contrast. Each image is richly expressive, from bright scense, like scorching desert landscapes, to dark cave scenes. Compare the image produced by conventional HDTV on the left to the Real Black image produced on the right |
 | More Colors Viera HDTVs support the xvYCC color profile (Extended YCC Colorimetry for Video Applications), or "x.v. color" for short. Standard RGB color space allows the display of a portion of the colors that are viewable to the human eye. The next generation "xvYCC" color space actually offers an available range of colors that exceeds what human eyes can recognize. - Next-generation "xvYCC" color space supports 1.8 times as many colors as existing HDTV signals
- Lets HDTVs display colors more accurately
- Enables displays with more natural and vivid colors
|
 | Deep Color Where x.v. color expands the available range of colors your HDTV can display, Deep Color increases the number of colors your HDTV can display within that range, for smoother transitions from color to color.
- Lets HDTVs and other displays go from millions of colors to billions of colors
- Eliminates on-screen color banding, for smooth tonal transitions and subtle gradations between colors
- Enables increased contrast ratio
- Can represent many times more shades of gray between black and white.
|
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 Panasonic plasma panels are rated to last 100,000 hours, which is about 30 years of regular or 11 years of non-stop usage before the brightness of the display is halved. |
 | Panasonic High Definition (HD) Image Gallery -- powered by GalleryPlayer GalleryPlayer allows you to enjoy the world's finest high definition (HD) art and photography on your Panasonic high definition TV. Use the free GalleryPlayer software to purchase and download the images you like, then play them on your Panasonic HDTV right from your PC. Sign-up is easy and free. Plus, you get a free collection of high definition images to enjoy right away in your home or office.
Download GalleryPlayer absolutely FREE and get a collection of ten high definition images to enjoy immediately. Buy additional images for as little as $0.99 each.
Examples of some of the many images available through the Panasonic HD Image Gallery
 |
 | Get Full HD with Blu-Ray Disc Players A Panasonic 1080p plasma television is able to render 1920x1080 pixels, but standard DVDs have a resolution of just 720x480. Blu-ray discs output true 1080p High-Definition resolution and have a storage capacity ten times greater than standard DVDs, so no pixel gos to waste. |
| Screen Size
Measured
Diagonally
| 1080p
Full HD
1920 x 1080 pixels
| Native
Contrast
Ratio
| PC Input
| THX
Certification
| 24p
Native
Reproduction
| Speakers
| HDMI
Inputs
| One Sheet
of Glass
Design
| Swivel
Base
| Shades
of
Gradation
| H.624
Codec
| Digital
Cinema Color
| Studio
Reference
Mode
| Pro
Setting
Menu
| Serial
Port
| Standard Features | TH-42PX80U
| 42 inches
|
| 15,000:1
|
|
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096
|
|
|
|
|
| - 480 Hz Sub-field Drive Technology
- Anti-Reflective Filter
- Viera Link HDAVI Control
- Built-in SD Card Slot w/Photo Viewer and Gallery Player
- Deep Color Technology
- x.v. Color
- 3D Color Mangement
- Sub-Pixel Controller
- Motion Pattern Noise Reduction
- Anti-Image Retention Mode
- Game Mode
- Scratch and Impact Rsistant Panel
- 100,000 Hours to Panel Half-Brightness (>30 years @ 8 hours/day)
- Lead-free Panel
| TH-50PX80U
| 50 inches
|
| 15,000:1 |
|
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-42PZ80U
| 42 inches |  | 20,000:1
|
|
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-46PZ80U
| 46 inches | | 20,000:1 |
|
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-50PZ80U
| 50 inches | | 20,000:1 |
|
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-42PZ85U
| 42 inches | | 30,000:1 | |
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-46PZ85U
| 46 inches | | 30,000:1
| |
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-50PZ85U
| 50 inches | | 30,000:1 | |
|
| 2
| 3
|
|
| 4,096 |
|
|
|
|
| TH-42PZ800U
| 42 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120
|
|
|
|
|
| | TH-46PZ800U | 46 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 |
|
|
|
|
| | TH-50PZ800U | 50 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 |
|
|
|
|
| | TH-58PZ800U | 58 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 |
|
|
|
|
| | TH-46PZ850U | 46 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 | | | | | | | TH-50PZ850U | 50 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 | | | | | | | TH-58PZ850U | 58 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 | | | | | | | TH-65PZ850U | 65 inches | | 30,000:1 | | | | 4
| 4
| | | 5,120 | | | | | |
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 15 more reviews...
 Terrific TV!!! May 9, 2008
I've had it for roughly a week now with no complaints! Great picture!
I bought a Bose sound system, as I knew the spearkers within the TV wouldn't suffice. Honestly I could have done without the Bose system, but it's a nice addition.
I'll post updates later, but so far I have no complaints with the Panasonic Plasma!
Initial Impressions; "White Glove Shipping" May 9, 2008
Initial impressions of the set are very positive - great blacks, contrast, viewing angle. 1080i OTA broadcast is spectacular, 480i is good, and analog is fine. Will definitely require image tweaking after break-in, probably with ISF's high-definition disc. Menu structure is straightforward and easy to use. I will need to provide an update regarding imaging performance at a later time after I have experimented with more sources.
In our viewing area, which is not especially "light controlled", reflections are not an issue at all with this set.
Interestingly, Panasonic's online 'Plasma FAQ' mentions a 100-hour break-in period... and nothing I find in the documents provided with the set itself mention this. The FAQ site is:
http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/support/FAQs/details-FAQs+for+Plasma+TVs-UCM_PRD_CNT_001993
Now about that "white glove shipping"... I guess I read more into it than it actually says. The sentence...
"At your home delivery experts will place the carton in a room of your choice on the ground floor, unpack the product, and remove all packing materials from the residence."
...means just that. It does NOT mean that the delivery personnel (experts?) will in any way help set up the television... including putting it on the fairly simple stand. The result was that the unit was set on the floor, propped against my television stand, and powered on to show that it indeed worked. Again, it is true that the delivery process was exactly as specified; probably better than having the carton left at the door! Just manage your expectations. And, by the way, the "delivery experts" were a couple of guys from a local general delivery company. Nice enough, but certainly not _A/V_ delivery experts ;-)
Know your TV and install area before you buy May 3, 2008
6 out of 6 found this review helpful
I've read many reviews complaining about this TV yet it seems the majority of these people would've been better off had they done some research prior to purchasing a Plasma vs. an LCD. First, my review of this TV: This Panasonic is one of the best Plasma's I have seen. I won't bore you by restating the specs that you can read in the details of the listing but trust me when I say that the picture is absolutely beautiful. So why trust me? I've owned HD TVs for the past 5 years and have kept up with current models, always planning my next purchase. My first was an LCD. While the detail and colors were fantastic compared to SD, the lack of ability to show motion clearly was aggravating. After much research my next purchase was a Panasonic 720 two years ago. While the black levels, contrasts and motion ability were far superior to the LCDs I looked into, including my own, the reflective glass panel was irritating as I had the TV in a room with a lot of light. (Finding the best seating position was essential.) After yet more research, and a need for yet another TV in a room that previously contained a 13 yr. old 32" Sony that went out, I decided on this TV. The Panasonic brand of Plasma, 720 or 1080, is by far the best TV you can buy for the price. They are of equal quality to the Pioneers that will run you 50%-70% more. This particular Panasonic Plasma does a much better job at not reflecting light but there still is some reflection. I can say, however, that it reflects less than any of my old tube TVs. Now for the skinny on Plasma vs. LCD: It's very simple, Plasmas will give you the better picture but will reflect more light. LCDs do a great job of not reflecting light but are poor on motion...even the new 120Hz refresh rate LCDs. Before you invest in either, make sure you know what you're buying and where you're going to be placing the TV. It will save you much frustration.
Best Plasma for the Money April 25, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
The black levels onthis TV are phenomenal, it has pleanty of inputs/outputs for anything that you might need to do. If you need more you should by a receiver with HDMI switching capabilities. I ordered this TV through Amazon, on April 19, 2008 as it turns out they stock this one. I was shocked when Wednesday the 23rd the shipping company called me to tell em they have my TV ready for delivery. I received it and wall mounted it yesterday. I am about 5 hours into the recommended break-in period for a Plasma. I will be getting it Calibrated once I hit 100-150 hours. I will add more information later if there is anything I can add. I have never been more satisfied with a product or an online service. I highly recommend Buying it through Amazon. 3 Days and it was on the wall!
One of the best deals on one of the best TV's April 25, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I had to write.. one guy said that the TV had stuck pixels, you can't have a stuck pixel on a plasma TV, that's an LCD thing.
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!
|
|
|
