Hello AVS gang....I'm new to this forum. Plan to buy a Panasonic Plasma in the next few weeks.

Either the 50PX75U or the new 50PX80U.

Comments on differences btwn these two appreciated.


BUDDY

Myself for only a "Few Hundred" dollars more I would go for the PX80 over the PX75. Here are some of the biggest differences:

PX75 / PX80:
Contrast Ratio - 10,000:1 / 15,000:1
Color Grdauations - 3,072 / 4,096
Colors - 29 Billion / 68.7 Billion
Screen - Anti-Reflective / New Anti-Reflective
HDMI Inputs - 2 Rear / 2 Rear 1 Front

The PX80 is also going to cost you a few dollars less to operate each month so maybe in the long run it will work out to cost you less or the same as the PX75.

As far as the Anti-Reflective screens go from what I've seen there doesn't seem to be much difference between them but the older PX77 & PZ77 models did have an LCD type screen that Panny called "Anti-Glare" which they have droped from the 2008 lineup.

Actually, the 75u has the anti-reflective, too: it was the 77u models that had the anti-glare.

Both are great TV's, so don't beat yourself up too much over the decision. The new PX80 will have slightly better blacks and slightly improved processing, but those are pretty minor improvements over the old model, so you have to decide for yourself if they warrant an extra couple benjamins. Both are still listed on Panasonic's website, so you can do the full spec comparison yourself.

thanks for the input - that's what I needed...basic overview

I couldn't find the 75U on Panasonic's web...I'll look again.

I was concerned the newer 80U might only be a marketing upgrade to increase Panasonic's margins. Newer but rather cheaper to manufacture (higher margins for the company = less features for consumer sometimes)

thanks

If you go to crutchfield.com they still have the 42" PX75 up so you can compare the 42" PX75 & the new PX80 which are just about the same as the 50" models except for Size, Weight & Operating Costs.

Also if you enter in the Crutchfield SEARCH BOX "Panasonic TH-50PX75U" the older model will come up with the specs, pictures of the TV, Back Panel, & Remote Control.

I would go with the Px80 model. Better blacks, better processing. It has the pixel shifter in the menu and 24p playback!

I would go with the Px80 model. Better blacks, better processing. It has the pixel shifter in the menu and 24p playback!

I would agree ;)

I am wrestling with the same issue right now. In-store, I can't see an obvious difference between the 75u and 80u. However, I know that this opinion might change with more extended viewing and calibration at home. The difference in price is only $200, but that's $200 I can put towards a PS3 for Blu-ray. Any more opinions on this?