I'm going to buy a TH-50PZ800U, but I'll be going out of town for 2 months. Does anyone think the prices are at their lowest right now, or will they drop even more by the beginning of March?

Anyone know when Panasonic would introduce a newer model to replace the 800U? (in other words, could 800U inventory disappear over the next couple of months, and I'd be left with having to buy a newer, more expensive model?)

I've found a TH-50PZ800U at amazon.com for about $1790 (free s/h), which is only $50 above Panasonic's own employee cost. Should I jump on it and have it sit for 2 months, or should I wait 'til I get back and see what prices are doing?

I'm going to buy a TH-50PZ800U, but I'll be going out of town for 2 months. Does anyone think the prices are at their lowest right now, or will they drop even more by the beginning of March?

Anyone know when Panasonic would introduce a newer model to replace the 800U? (in other words, could 800U inventory disappear over the next couple of months, and I'd be left with having to buy a newer, more expensive model?)

I've found a TH-50PZ800U at amazon.com for about $1790 (free s/h), which is only $50 above Panasonic's own employee cost. Should I jump on it and have it sit for 2 months, or should I wait 'til I get back and see what prices are doing?Usually - I say just get it now - but with the economy the way it is - I'd definitely wait. Trust me not too many ppl are spending $2000. on a TV.

I'm in the same situation. I'm kicking myself now for not jumping on the "Buy a Panny plasma and Panny blu-ray player and get $300 off" deal that Amazon had in November. :mad:

The 800u has dropped down a bit since then, but the 35k player has shot up! That and the Onkyo 706 I've been drooling over has jumped up almost $70 in the last week or so. :mad:

Must be patient.....must be patient.....

On the plus side, for Cosco members, the 800u is going for a nice price for a B&M. Too bad I'm not a member, and the closest one is about an hour drive.

I would wait - why waste 2 months of your warranty?

They're sure to drop even more when the newer models come out.

I would wait until the new models come out & remember next year Panny will have their new panel out so the 800's may take a big price drop to get rid of them? You might even find out that Costco has them for $1,500 or less.

Last March I got the 42" PZ700 from Costco for only $1,099.99 & most places had them on Close Out for for around $1,500 to $1,600 & when it first came out it sold for $2,499.99

You may even want to hold off & see how good the new Panny Neo Panel is going to be because you might just want a PZ900 over a PZ800 even if you have to pay a few dollars more.

Wait till your actually ready to start watching your new toy.

If you have problems out of the box you may have trouble returning as opposed to having it repaired.

I just purchased my 4th plasma and I don't worry about whats coming down the pike, because you can spend to much time obsessing about what a manufacture is going to supposedly improve and miss out on enjoying what it is you are trying to obtain (new electronics, automobile.ect.).

Bottom line don't waste time worrying about the next great thing, enjoy life and move on.

HH

Is there any updated info about the Neo displays? I found an article from last summer that mentioned them debuting in June 2009...is that still accurate?

Does anyone know if the whole "fleet" will be converted to Neo PDP displays, or only the high-end models that I wouldn't be able to afford anyway? I don't want to spend more than about $2000 on a 50 incher, thus the 800U for around $1800 has piqued my interest.

I can imagine, if they introduced the newer technology (Neo) for all (or even many) models, the prices of existing sets would plummet, but if they only introduced a couple of ridiculously-priced sets, the impact would not be as great.

I just got my 800u I'll be buying at MagnoliaAV priced matched all the way down to 1700 bucks new! It helps when you've shopped there a lot. I'm glad that worked out because I only buy expensive big stuff like TV's at retail outlets.

You should definitely wait until you're ready. The prices will probably bottom out (closeouts) in March as the new model year cycle begins for Panasonic.

More importantly, as has been mentioned, most stores will allow a 30-day return/exchange if you're not happy with it (burn-in, size, LCD envy, remorse -- yes, it happens). That option isn't available if you buy it and park it.

Costco is a good option. Get your membership online. Order from Costco.com, you'll get an extra year on the manufacturer's warranty, and if you need to return/exchange, you can drive an hour to a Costco store.

Sears is another good option. You can order online, and return/exchange to the store. Sears also has financing offers Costco doesn't have. But Sears doesn't extend the warranty, and they don't (usually) carry Pioneer.

You should definitely wait until you're ready. The prices will probably bottom out (closeouts) in March as the new model year cycle begins for Panasonic.

Forgive the new guy here, but I read in another thread that the 800u has been discontinued. How much longer does it make sense to wait if in 2 months there is short to zero supply? I was hoping to see prices dip below $1,600 (from reputable online merchants i.e. not the ProjectorExpo/ZoomMania ilk) but now I worry that by the time prices are that low there will be none left. Thoughts?

Instinct would tell one to wait, never know what tomorrow brings. Be careful though as these units can be tough to get at times, might want to buy now. (dealers go thru this daily, as a product can be hot one day and dead the next :()

The 800U will not close out till June, along with the 850's.

Instinct would tell one to wait, never know what tomorrow brings. Be careful though as these units can be tough to get at times, might want to buy now. (dealers go thru this daily, as a product can be hot one day and dead the next :()

The 800U will not close out till June, along with the 850's.

Thanks for the input, no offense to everyone else but its nice to hear from someone in the business.

I have a price point in mind for a 65pz once i see it for that number listed (by any place not located in Brooklyn) im all in. While the NEO's are sweet looking i do not see a 65" and quite frankly is probably priced outside of my wifes range :}

Of course once i think i have it clear i see sharps announced 65" with a MSRP of 4,499 Sub 4k quaility 65" apears to be a reality for 2009.