Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ850U - Vann's has it for $3500 - FS no tax
vs
Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD - Amazon has it for $4100 - FS no tax

Pioneer is $600 more and 2 inches bigger than Panasonic. I am coming from 32" CRT so even Vizio would look good. Need expert advise between these two plasmas.

The Panasonic 850U should be compared more towards the Pioneer Elite due to the extra features and the pro menus for picture adjustment, not to say that the panny is better in that case.

Panasonic Viera TH-58PZ850U or Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD for the prices noted would be a touch choice. Pioneer have the black level and from what I have seen not to much more. To each his own though, either way I know you will be a happy camper.

You are either going to buy the 58PZ850 for the intense ISF features or the 6020FD for the best picture quality on a standard line plasma. It is up to you to decide.

I agree with both CP and Alex on this. Both will provide a good picture. Ask yourself this, if you are "dial and set" guy even the 58PZ800 or 6020FD would be more than satisfactory. If you are a person that believes in getting ISF calibration or a "tweaker" then 58PZ850 is the way to go.

Chris

thanks guys. Speaking of dial and set.... that is exactly I am looking for something that I would be able to get great picture quality right out of the box. I am not going to tweak or calibrate anything at all, I just want great quality plasma right out of the box. I don't know the difference between Panasonic TH-58PZ800U and TH-58PZ850U.

How does TH-58PZ800U compare to Pioneer Kuro PDP-6020FD?

TH-58PZ800U is around $3300 on the web and Pioneer as I mentioned around $4100. Roughly $800 difference. Please let me know if Pioneer is worth extra $$$.

Pioneer PDP-6020FD vs Panasonic TH-58PZ800U = $800 difference
Pioneer PDP-6020FD vs Panasonic TH-58PZ850U = $600 difference

thanks in advance.

I do not think the Pioneer is worth the added costs. If you are looking for the plug and play model the TH-58PZ800U is for you for sure.

-800U has 5120 shades of gradation instead of 4096 like the 80U and 85U. 24P playback. THX mode. Different speakers. 1 Extra HDMI.

-850 adds Studio Ref Mode. Pro Settings. RS232C input. VieraCast (Internet). 850 loses the THX mode but adds a wider color gamut (Digital Cinema Color)

The question is if you need these added features ?? If so the cost is worth it.

amp512,
Just like CP said, for dial and set guys the 58PZ800 will provide you the picture you want. As soon as you start messing with the RGB controls that is when people start to get frustrated with their onscreen colors.

Chris