Since there have been some questions about this I thought I'd cross-post something that appeared on the 5084 thread. I hope it's kosher to do this! It may be helpful for those on the fence:

Originally Posted by Scot Kight http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11874341#post11874341
...Based on more measurements on some other sets, it looks like I might have mis-spoken about the black levels of the samsung. It looks like the other sets out there are actually darker, with panasonic coming in at .017 and pio coming in at .009 if I remember correctly vs my measurement of .034 on the 5084. Colors are still better on the samsung in the price range, but if you are looking for ultimate black level the samsung is going to be brighter than the other sets, which is a bit of a shame. Unknown if there is anything samsung can do to improve the black level on our sets.

So it seems that if black-level is the be-all-end-all to you, the Panny may be the way to go (based on Scott's measurements) ...

The Samsungs have a rolling white wash screen as well as pixel shifting. This was probably included because the Samsung panels are more prone to IR (in my experience).

As for the question about a surge protector/line conditioner:
A surge protector will keep the set's power supply from getting damaged by most surges. This will prolong the life of your set (and more specifically its power supply). A line conditioner is equally as important and shouldn't be thought of as something the BB guy offers to help the bottom line (although higher priced models usually pushed). Ideally, an active UPS system would do everything (suppress surges, consistent power levels-kick in during a brown out) although you'll be hard pressed to find a decent unit around $100.

Did you even read what I typed or just look at the pretty pictures? The pic was for reference it shows a Sammy PDP that has there anti-reflective coating, if you think the 700 has a better one good for you, you would be wrong but what ever lets you sleep at night :rolleyes:

yes I did read what you wrote :)

did I say anything about the coating ? NOPE you are now changing what I even said

OH this is what you said !

"If you are willing to rearrange your room and/or put up black out curtains then the 700 would be the way to go. If you are not willing to make thouse compromises then the 77 is the way to go.

Here is a pic to demonstrate my point."


this is what I said
"UMMMM where is a pic of the 700U ?? I see a totally dif brand ??"



I guess my point is you are showing a pic of a dif brand yet talking about the 700 ?


this shot makes me laugh totally made out to make the one look bad :) hehehehehe
but nice try glad you are happy with your set :) and I have no doubt in your room the 77 is the better choice


the 77 is the better choice for some and for others the 700 might be the better choice is my position

sorry but AVS is so filled with stuff like this people saying things about product they do not own or have not had in their own house :)

Since we do not have reviews of the PZ77U as of yet, why not take a look at the CNET review of the PX77U. After all, The PZ77 is the same as the PX77 except for the native resolution and it has the same anti-glare coating. CNET's in-depth reviews are well respected and they stated that the anti-glare coating works well and does not effect the PQ. See a part of their review of the PX77 below...

"Combined with the deep blacks and accurate grayscale, the result was rich, saturated images with plenty of pop.
Speaking of "pop," one of the issues that has plagued plasma TVs in the past is the reflectivity of their big glass screens. Lights, bright objects in the room, and even light fabric from a couch or the shirt of a TV watcher reflects off the glass, which becomes distracting, especially in dark scenes. Of course the best way to control this issue is to eliminate as much ambient light as possible in the room, but the TH-42PX77U, along with its 77U series stablemates, addresses the problem in another way. Its screen is coated with an antiglare compound that, unlike the coating of some previous plasmas we've reviewed, such as the Samsung HP-S5053, actually does a good job of attenuating reflections. We watched TV with the lights on full blast, and compared to the other plasmas, the reflections off the Panasonic's screen were considerably dimmer, blurrier, and less noticeable. We couldn't discern any adverse effect of the coating on the TV's picture quality. "

For what its worth ive been researching the 42PZ700U,42PZ77U and the 42PX77U for the past few weeks. Ive come to the conclusion that if you are more interested gaming/Xbox 3,PC,digital pictures,bluray hddvds coughup the extra 400.00 and go for the 42PZ700 or the 42PZ77u. If you are like me who only watches cable/SD/tv/dvds/sports etc than go for the 42PX77U and save 400.00 and not worry if the 1080p is messing up your picture or the anti-glare filter is ruining the brightness and you will also have the 5 star review given by the nov 2007 issue of consumers report backing you up. Seems like i agree with sailerman

I am wondering if any of the PZ77U owners out there that are hockey fans..
-Rob


Being a hockey fan is one of the big reasons I bought the PZ77U. Since I just bought my PZ77U and hooked it up yesterday, I have not watched a game in HD yet. I see that the Wild are playing the Coyotes on HDNet Sat night. I can't wait...

now playing: Break in DVD

As Rhino was talking about, I too am a hockey fan...as well as football and baseball. In fact, I don't watch TV aside from sports, pro wrestling, and the occasional movie.

So when I started on this crusade, I was going to go LCD like my computers, but when I saw the 'action' at the stores on them, something didn't look right. Even though LCD panels have come a long way, there is still the delay, ghosting, or blurriness, just like Panagurl and Northstars have talked about.

Then I turned my attention to Plasma, which I had originally avoided due to the negative press of burn-in which for some reason has been printed about over and over the past, what? 6 years now? I found that it isn't a big deal anymore due to comments like on here.

Long story short - I think with fast action, like a hockey puck or a baseball pitch, you are better off with a plasma (or CRT...hehe).

I don't have my HDMI cable yet, and I am in the middle of a work week here, so I haven't been able to catch any hockey yet.

As Rhino was talking about, I too am a hockey fan...as well as football and baseball. In fact, I don't watch TV aside from sports, pro wrestling, and the occasional movie.



Pro Wrestling? Now there is a sport I have never discussed in regards to HD. CRTs probably didn't give Miss Elizabeth her due. I wish I would have thought of that when I was talking to all the salespeople -- "Which is better for Wrestling -- LCD or Plasma? Are the power elbows that much more realistic?"

I think the PZ77 has what it takes to be a prime time Monday Nitro machine...

I bought and still view a panny edtv(looked better than hd with SD and we watched more of this then) 42" 6uy..I bought it in 2001 or 2000. Bought from a Internet site. Looked at a 50pz77 the other day and will be buying that panel...WOW! And I loved my plasma.....Since I could not get a SD input at the time I was wondering how SD cable and digital looks on it...As you all know not all our favorite shows are is HD....Thanks Bill

saw the 42pz77 against the 4zpz700 at best buy yesterday. i would chose the pz700. the pz77's new anti-glare filter definately did the job of anti-glare, but in my opinion it gave the picture such a matte look. i sort of enjoy vibrancy of bright colors, like on the pz700. i don't mind closing the blinds if it becomes a problem. even if it did, ill just set up home theater in the basement. by the way, even the glare on the pz700 wasnt bad at all.

Again either set you can't go wrong...it just comes down to preference of the pic 700U vs 77U. I have decided the 77U is the one for me...finally!!! :)

I ordered a TH-42PZ77U from Panasonic Direct using our EPP and it will be arriving Wednesday.

I'm going to hang it on the wall in my bedroom using a Sanus VMPL50B mount.

I would like to go ahead an put the mount up this weekend. I need to decide where to install the power outlet (which will be recessed and behind the TV) and where to bring the HDMI cables out.

Can anyone tell me where the HDMI connectors are located on the TV as well as the power cord? And where are the bolt holes for the mount located relative to the top, bottom and sides of the TV?

Any help would be appreciated. A picture or 2 would be fantastic.

Thanks, Doug

saw the 42pz77 against the 4zpz700 at best buy yesterday. i would chose the pz700. the pz77's new anti-glare filter definately did the job of anti-glare, but in my opinion it gave the picture such a matte look. i sort of enjoy vibrancy of bright colors, like on the pz700. i don't mind closing the blinds if it becomes a problem. even if it did, ill just set up home theater in the basement. by the way, even the glare on the pz700 wasnt bad at all.

I would be apprehensive to base my selection solely on the displays at BB. Can you say for sure that the source, connections, and all the settings are identical on both panels? If you think the sales persons don’t tweak the picture to look better on the one the manager tells them to push, you are sadly mistaken. If they were pushing one of these panels, it would most likely be the PZ700U, not the newer model. I am going to wait until the reviews come out on the PZ77U myself. I also think there will be further price drops or other deals heading into the holiday season.

How odd... When I took a look at these sets at three different stores, the Sammy 5084 looked like it had significantly less glare than most of the other plasmas, slightly less than the Panny. I was looking specifically for this because my room has floor to ceiling windows. I'll have the 5084 installed by the end of the week and will let you know how it does ...

Ok, the set is not yet installed BUT I had to run to Best Buy to get a wireless adapter for my TiVo and thought I'd check the two sets out again. Well, apparently I'm the one who got knocked in the head a few too many times! :rolleyes: ... Actually, I think what happened is that I must've been comparing the Sammy to the PZ700 and not the 77. The 77 does have significantly less glare. Let's hope the Sammy has enough glare reduction to work well in my home. ... Oh, and so much for meticulous research. The stats they had on cnet must've been wrong cuz the Sammy did not have an EnergyStar sticker and the Panny did!! aaargh! :mad:

Oh well, I didn't notice any more heat generated while I was at the store today... Will let you know how things look once it's finally set up! Later today! :D

Long time lurker, first time poster.

I just purchased the Panny 42pz77 yesterday after a long deliberation over many types of technologies and brands. This is of a novice opinion, but the 77 looked better than the 700 in most aspects. That being said, I think that you are cutting hairs between the two models. The anti-glare on the 77 made my decision easy.

I have been running the break-in download from Evangelo2 off and on since about 9:00 last night. During this time period I have noticed that approximately five pixels are flickering. Is this something to be concerned about? I can only see them in solid color/non-moving backgrounds. Could this be due to warming up/break-in, or could it be faulty pixels? It took me a long time to decide on which TV to buy, and I’m pretty particular, so owners please chime in and let me know if this something I should be concerned about or not. Is anyone else in the same boat as me?

I'm finishing up the break-in period on my new 77U tonight and am curious what settings some of you have settled on.

Because I won't be getting my HD DVD copy of Digital Video Essentials until next week, I just need some suggestions for a good looking picture with minimal hassle for the weekend.

Thanks!

I'm finishing up the break-in period on my new 77U tonight and am curious what settings some of you have settled on.

Because I won't be getting my HD DVD copy of Digital Video Essentials until next week, I just need some suggestions for a good looking picture with minimal hassle for the weekend.

Thanks!

I'd like some suggestions as well. I just got the tv and have no idea on how to properly adjust it.

I know I don't want to keep it on same channel/videogame for too long, atleast not in the first 100 hours... that's about it.

New to plasma.

I've had my Sharp LCD for about a year when I decided to sell it and buy the highly vaunted panasonic plasma. (The 77U of course)

Indeed, the picture's deep contrast levels and inky blacks give everything a solid look and feel. But I notice a bit of blurriness...I was expecting this TV to be sharper than my..well Sharp.

Also, games seem to be a bit less detailed. I suppose LCD's just edge out a bit more detail?

I miss the bright white screens of my LCD. My Xbox logo was quite bright. Blinding whites and greens. Now it's pearly off-white to dimmed green.

Not that I have regrets. Movies are deep and beautiful and I still think I edged out here...but there's definitely some LCD PQ charm my plasma lacks. I suppose I'll get used to it.

Well you have to realize that your comparing two different technologies..some say that the whites on LCD are not true whites, but "blinding" where the plasma gives a more natural "true" appearence. Also depending on whom you believe, they saying gaming is better on LCD, then plasmas...but not sure how true. I don't think ianyone would argue that LCD, for the most part are brighter then plamas.

When you mention bluriness...was this during gaming, watching sports? I am interested in what you meant by this aspect....

-Rob

Well you have to realize that your comparing two different technologies..some say that the whites on LCD are not true whites, but "blinding" where the plasma gives a more natural "true" appearence. Also depending on whom you believe, they saying gaming is better on LCD, then plasmas...but not sure how true. I don't think ianyone would argue that LCD, for the most part are brighter then plamas.

When you mention bluriness...was this during gaming, watching sports? I am interested in what you meant by this aspect....

-Rob

Interested in that aswell. I have no blurriness.

I ordered a TH-42PZ77U from Panasonic Direct using our EPP and it will be arriving Wednesday.

I'm going to hang it on the wall in my bedroom using a Sanus VMPL50B mount.

I would like to go ahead an put the mount up this weekend. I need to decide where to install the power outlet (which will be recessed and behind the TV) and where to bring the HDMI cables out.

Can anyone tell me where the HDMI connectors are located on the TV as well as the power cord? And where are the bolt holes for the mount located relative to the top, bottom and sides of the TV?

Any help would be appreciated. A picture or 2 would be fantastic.

Thanks, Doug

Look here: http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/TH42PZ77U.pdf

(PDF version of your TV's manual. Usually dimensions are included in the manual.)

how do i check hours of use on the panny 77u or 700u sets. 50pz77u arrives soon and i want to monitor first 100 hrs. thanks.

I found this video and thought I would share it. Obviously its not the same as going to CC or BB, but hey. Anyway, enjoy.

http://www.cnettv.com/9742-1_53-28053.html

BTW, I ordered the 700U last night for Panasonic EEP for $1483. I also bought a 4 ft HDMI cable for $18. Now I need at Blu-ray player

Well you have to realize that your comparing two different technologies..some say that the whites on LCD are not true whites, but "blinding" where the plasma gives a more natural "true" appearence. Also depending on whom you believe, they saying gaming is better on LCD, then plasmas...but not sure how true. I don't think ianyone would argue that LCD, for the most part are brighter then plamas.

When you mention bluriness...was this during gaming, watching sports? I am interested in what you meant by this aspect....

-Rob


The blurriness was minor (let's say a 5-8% drop) in picture clarity in 360 games like Area 51 and the newly downloaded Virtua Fighter 5 (though I haven't compared that one to my old Sharp 62U)

It's nit-picking to be sure, but I imagined my 1080p Panny would be just as precise in the minutia as my LCD, but even the text in the 360 central hub (where we browse around) isn't as sharp and a bit fuzzy.

Is this because my TV is (now) 4 days old? Perhaps the picture will improve in a couple of days? I do use an HDMI connection with my Elite.

These small differences have me considering the differences between LCD gaming and Plasma, and if the deep inky blacks of the Panny really lend themselves to gaming as much as LCD's supposed pixel perfection.

Even since I typed my original post last night, I'm getting used to my new screen's picture brightness, I assume any complaints I have over "less than perfect" sharpness will soon disappear.

If your interested in hearing all my thoughts on this (re-link)
http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=5551958

Post script: Oh if you're wondering about my settings:
Warm - HD size 2 - picture 25 - Brightness 8- everything else 0.

Haven't been on this forum since I bought my Sony Trinitron 34" around 8 (or more?) years ago. Still is a wonderful CRT.

I wish to thank everyone for their posts - they've been extremely helpful.

Am receiving delivery of my TH-50PZ77U in around 3 hours and my digital (Charter) cable box/DVR in around 5 hours. Been living in the 1980's (basic cable) - will be quite a change.

I researched quite a bit regarding HDTV and decided to go for plasma due to my wife being a college basketball junkie (i.e. ESPN HD) and a fairly large viewing angle from when I'm working at the computer and watching TV. Hopefully my SD signal will be acceptable - sm slightly concerned about that.


Be prepared for a (hopefully small) bolus of questions from a newbie :)

Does the 77U have the SDHC playback. I am looking at the 700/750U because the have that feature. I just bought the new SD5 Panny Hi Def camcorder and want to just take out the SDHC card from the camcorder and put in the card slot of the TV and play the hi def content.

codetalker, you will be pleased with the SD signal. I upgraded from a Trinitron as well, and the 77 is every bit as good in SD as the Sony.

Anyone else have the flickering or dead pixel issue that I stated before (~4-5)? Is this common with Plasmas? I believe I am going to take it back and get another one (well within the 30 days). Owners what would you do?

The blurriness was minor (let's say a 5-8% drop) in picture clarity in 360 games like Area 51 and the newly downloaded Virtua Fighter 5 (though I haven't compared that one to my old Sharp 62U)

It's nit-picking to be sure, but I imagined my 1080p Panny would be just as precise in the minutia as my LCD, but even the text in the 360 central hub (where we browse around) isn't as sharp and a bit fuzzy.

Is this because my TV is (now) 4 days old? Perhaps the picture will improve in a couple of days? I do use an HDMI connection with my Elite.

These small differences have me considering the differences between LCD gaming and Plasma, and if the deep inky blacks of the Panny really lend themselves to gaming as much as LCD's supposed pixel perfection.

Even since I typed my original post last night, I'm getting used to my new screen's picture brightness, I assume any complaints I have over "less than perfect" sharpness will soon disappear.

If your interested in hearing all my thoughts on this (re-link)
http://www.1up.com/do/my1Up?publicUserId=5551958

Post script: Oh if you're wondering about my settings:
Warm - HD size 2 - picture 25 - Brightness 8- everything else 0.


Well you really can't say much about the blurriness when comparing it to an LCD as they are always blurry as in motion blur. That really bugs me now that I switched to plasma.

Every LCD even the 120hz are terrible for motion blur. Never noticed it much until i switched to plasma. But now it is really irritating.

I just installed my 50" pzzu

My first take, coming from an old crt , was not that impressive. I had a dvd player hooked up via component video and it looked only ok...well I went out and bought a new dvd (upscaling not an hd ) and what a difference it made. everything is crisp and almost 3d. (used the hdmi connection)

I cant figure out how to make the text in subtitles not pixelized...ive tried everything.

my hd reciever will be installed tomorrow. I cant wait

what impressed me with all this new tech is the ease of installation and the lack of cords...HDMI is soooo nice.

Last was on the forum over 8 years ago regarding my 34" Trinitron (still a wonderful CRT). Received delivery of my TH-50PZ77U; unfortunately the delivery was over 3 hours late and the cable guy already delivered my HD DVR cable box (a relatively lame Charter Motorola Moxie box which doesn't have HDMI - only component) and now I can't get it to work with the Panny:mad: (am going to have it checked out tomorrow).

My first impressions are good; settings are turned down due to break in, and even with that the SD signals look very good. Can still notice a bit of reflection from a back door during the day - can't imagine what it would be like without the antiglare coating.

:confused:First question; I've seen some settings posted, and I recall (perhaps incorrectly) that they were for darkened rooms. Does anyone have any recommended settings for a bright room?

:confused:Second question: my DVD player is from .... um .... 2001. What relatvely inexpensive DVD player (still 1080 though) seems to work well with this set? I've read about some issues with certain chipsets.

Thanks - and thanks to all who've posted in the past - they've been very helpful. :)

My daughter pulled the trigger on the 42PZ77U last night at BB for the site sale price plus 200.00 for installation. She downloaded the 200 rebate from the panasonic site for installation and will use it to get the 200 cash back. Not only that she got 36 months no interest on the whole bill. God bless america.

Hi all--I posted a couple of days ago about my irritation with a couple of "irregularities" in my research that partly led me to decide on the Sammy 5084 vs. the Panny 700/77 options. One issue was my inadvertently comparing the anti-reflective screen of the 5084 to the 700 rather than 77. When I did compare to the 77, the 77 had significantly less glare/reflectivity than the 5084. I'm pleased to report, however, that the 5084 is doing GREAT in my family room with floor-to-ceiling windows! :)

However, I will give more detail that might be helpful to those wondering whether they should go for the 77 over the 700 due to glare considerations. Mind you, when I compared the 5084 to the 700, I felt the 5084 better diminshed glare/reflection--but the difference (in my opinion) was small. So the 700 would likely perform similarly to the 5084 in terms of glare reduction.

I find with the 5084 that I'm not bothered at all by reflections/glare during daytime viewing as I was with my CRT. When I would watch my CRT during the day the glare was REALLY distracting and washed out the image considerably. With the 5084 I don't notice the glare/reflections at all. However, if I look for it, I can find the reflection--but only if I purposely look for it. When I shift my attention back to the program, I don't notice it at all. So, someone who is VERY picky about this and wants to minimize glare to the max, might want to go with the 77. Otherwise, I'm betting the 700 (or 5084) would be fine for most people.

Of course, I can't speak towards any PQ differences between the 77 & 700, but my guess is any differences are small. I can say that the Sammy 5084 looks AMAZING! I am blown away by the HD picture and the SD is good too--it's at least as good as my old 36" CRT and is completely watchable. However, what a difference HD makes! :D

The other issue I had was with power consumption/heat. Cnet rated the 5084 power consumption as poor. However, CNET also rates the Panny 42PZ700 as poor and, in fact, lists the 42PZ700 as consuming more power when calibrated than the Samsung 50" 5084. Of course, the Panny 77 may use less power--I would hope so since it had an EnergyStar sticker on it at BB--but Cnet has yet to review this set. However, I'm guessing the power consumption difference isn't going to be huge so the power consumption difference alone (especially since I don't know exactly what the difference, if any, is) isn't enough to sway my decision--especially since the 5084 is already installed and looks awesome! :D

However, for those of you on the fence between the 77 and 700--if power consumption is a deal-breaker for you, you might try to find out what the relative power consumption is between the 77 and 700. If the EnergyStar sticker is any guide, the 77 should be better. If glare is important to you, you might go with the 77 only if you're especially picky about this. And if you're hesitant about whether or not you like the very matte look of the 77 screen, then you might go with the 700. As I said above, the 5084 looks great in my very bright room and the 700 should perform similarly to it in this regard according to my observations of the relative effectiveness of the screen of the 700 and 5084. Of course, you could go to a store and compare the screens of the 5084 and 700 for yourself.

Anyway, I'm pleased that I won't have to trade in my 5084 after all! The HD pic is fantastic and the SD is good too. (I had been worried about that since I'll still be watching a lot of SD) :D

Hi all--I posted a couple of days ago about my irritation with a couple of "irregularities" in my research that partly led me to decide on the Sammy 5084 vs. the Panny 700/77 options. One issue was my inadvertently comparing the anti-reflective screen of the 5084 to the 700 rather than 77. When I did compare to the 77, the 77 had significantly less glare/reflectivity than the 5084. I'm pleased to report, however, that the 5084 is doing GREAT in my family room with floor-to-ceiling windows! :)

However, I will give more detail that might be helpful to those wondering whether they should go for the 77 over the 700 due to glare considerations. Mind you, when I compared the 5084 to the 700, I felt the 5084 better diminshed glare/reflection--but the difference (in my opinion) was small. So the 700 would likely perform similarly to the 5084 in terms of glare reduction.

I find with the 5084 that I'm not bothered at all by reflections/glare during daytime viewing as I was with my CRT. When I would watch my CRT during the day the glare was REALLY distracting and washed out the image considerably. With the 5084 I don't notice the glare/reflections at all. However, if I look for it, I can find the reflection--but only if I purposely look for it. When I shift my attention back to the program, I don't notice it at all. So, someone who is VERY picky about this and wants to minimize glare to the max, might want to go with the 77. Otherwise, I'm betting the 700 (or 5084) would be fine for most people.

Of course, I can't speak towards any PQ differences between the 77 & 700, but my guess is any differences are small. I can say that the Sammy 5084 looks AMAZING! I am blown away by the HD picture and the SD is good too--it's at least as good as my old 36" CRT and is completely watchable. However, what a difference HD makes! :D

The other issue I had was with power consumption/heat. Cnet rated the 5084 power consumption as poor. However, CNET also rates the Panny 42PZ700 as poor and, in fact, lists the 42PZ700 as consuming more power when calibrated than the Samsung 50" 5084. Of course, the Panny 77 may use less power--I would hope so since it had an EnergyStar sticker on it at BB--but Cnet has yet to review this set. However, I'm guessing the power consumption difference isn't going to be huge so the power consumption difference alone (especially since I don't know exactly what the difference, if any, is) isn't enough to sway my decision--especially since the 5084 is already installed and looks awesome! :D

However, for those of you on the fence between the 77 and 700--if power consumption is a deal-breaker for you, you might try to find out what the relative power consumption is between the 77 and 700. If the EnergyStar sticker is any guide, the 77 should be better. If glare is important to you, you might go with the 77 only if you're especially picky about this. And if you're hesitant about whether or not you like the very matte look of the 77 screen, then you might go with the 700. As I said above, the 5084 looks great in my very bright room and the 700 should perform similarly to it in this regard according to my observations of the relative effectiveness of the screen of the 700 and 5084. Of course, you could go to a store and compare the screens of the 5084 and 700 for yourself.

Anyway, I'm pleased that I won't have to trade in my 5084 after all! The HD pic is fantastic and the SD is good too. (I had been worried about that since I'll still be watching a lot of SD) :D


That goes to show you need to use your own eyes. I took back the 5084 for the opposite reasons you kept it. Well that and the IR and burn in on the set.

That goes to show you need to use your own eyes. I took back the 5084 for the opposite reasons you kept it. Well that and the IR and burn in on the set.

IR and burn-in? I've not noticed any IR. Is that apparent only on black screens? How would I go about looking for it? Of course, if it's something I have to actively look for, I'm not gonna worry about it! LOL

As for burn-in, Cnet notes that this is a highly exaggerated concern with most modern plasmas. But they also note that they like that the 5084 provides more "reassuring options" to remedy burn-in than just about any other set. Maybe you got a defective set?

I'll let you know how that goes for me because I don't plan on bothering with a break-in period. I'm not convinced that's really necessary and I'm certainly not going to run it continuously to get in the 100-200 hours quickly. If it turns out I'm wrong and I suffer the consequences, I'll let you know...

My daughter pulled the trigger on the 42PZ77U last night at BB for the site sale price plus 200.00 for installation. She downloaded the 200 rebate from the panasonic site for installation and will use it to get the 200 cash back. Not only that she got 36 months no interest on the whole bill. God bless america.

I owe you a big THANK YOU for posting this!!! I bought the 50' PZ77U on Friday from BB...and I totally forgot about this reimbursement...I got BB to price match CC and then a got another smaller discount because the rep ALMOST messed up my order, good thing I looked closely at the computer screen...and now I get Panny to cover the cost of the setup through this reimbursement...this whole HD purchase just got a whole lot better!!! :):D:):D Drinks are on me!!!!

Thanks , Im ordering a double martini, ill send you the tab. Its nice to know that i saved somebody 200.00 and even that someone else even reads my posts. Did you go for the unbelievable 36month no interest payment plan. Only in america.

It will be my pleasure..after all my waiting and waiting and research I got my 50' 77U for what I think was a great price and the 3 yrs made it a no brainer...in fact I even got an upconverting DVD player that night too.

When is delivery? Let us know how you like it.My daughter gets hers next saturday shes gonna have to go to twc office to change her cable box for the HD box so she will have it set up on her new stand when they make delivery and hookup. Just in case you are not aware BB will refund you the difference if you bring in proof of any other store selling it for a lower price within 60 days of purchase and that encludes lowering of their own price, so keep your eyes open. WOW what a time to be looking for a panny.

. . . The other issue I had was with power consumption/heat. Cnet rated the 5084 power consumption as poor. However, CNET also rates the Panny 42PZ700 as poor and, in fact, lists the 42PZ700 as consuming more power when calibrated than the Samsung 50" 5084. Of course, the Panny 77 may use less power--I would hope so since it had an EnergyStar sticker on it at BB--but Cnet has yet to review this set. However, I'm guessing the power consumption difference isn't going to be huge so the power consumption difference alone (especially since I don't know exactly what the difference, if any, is) isn't enough to sway my decision--especially since the 5084 is already installed and looks awesome! :D
...

Well, it turns out that the Cnet listing was accurate after all. The Panny 5084 is EnergyStar compliant: http://energystar.gov/index.cfm?fuse...000&pat_P12=10

In fact, so is the 50PZ700! And to make matters really confusing, the PZ77 was not listed on the Energy Star site! :confused: So, either the sticker was on it at BB by mistake, or perhaps the Energy Star site isn't updated? Although the 5084 is very new and it was on there... who knows?!

AND, when it comes to TV's, the EnergyStar designation means that the TV uses at least 30% less power when turned off (standby mode). I'm guessing they don't award it based on power usage when turned on because perhaps there aren't significant differences among sets? Or maybe TV's don't use a whole lot of power to begin with so "phantom energy use" is more important...

Just in case you are not aware BB will refund you the difference if you bring in proof of any other store selling it for a lower price within 60 days of purchase and that encludes lowering of their own price, so keep your eyes open. WOW what a time to be looking for a panny.


The 60 day price match is huge -- especially with the holiday season coming up. I bought my pz77u Wednesday at BBY and took my receipt in this morning to get almost $200 back. I plugged the BBY and CC URL for the set into http://www.priceprotectr.com/ and it emailed me today telling me the price lowered. Pretty slick considering its free.

northstars7 what set did you get the 42 or the 50 and did you get it installed yet?

I lucked out on the 50'...I was surprised to see CC have it at the price they did and then I used some RZ coupons and had BB pm it. My set is being delivered on Sat...think I am going to get the Harmony 880 from Amazon this week

Just checked BB & CCs customers reviews on the PZ77U 42 & 50, there already was a total of 29 reviews on the 2 sites. Most of them loved the set, a lot of 5 stars. I dont know how reliable those customers reviews are. Do any of you guys have any thoughts on whether their truthful or not? Right now thats all we got and whats on these threads to go by.

The member Tower 101 loves his set....

Just checked BB & CCs customers reviews on the PZ77U 42 & 50, there already was a total of 29 reviews on the 2 sites. Most of them loved the set, a lot of 5 stars. I dont know how reliable those customers reviews are. Do any of you guys have any thoughts on whether their truthful or not? Right now thats all we got and whats on these threads to go by.I've seen lots of negative reviews on various products on the CC site. I think that people tend to complain when they are not happy and don't say much on those sites when they are. So if you are seeing mostly good reviews, I would take that as a positive sign.

northstars7 what set did you get the 42 or the 50 and did you get it installed yet?

I got the 42". I was tempted by the 50 but it would have been pretty ridiculous in our living room...and my wife hinted that the 42 may be more appropriate.

I picked it up myself and had it home and installed in about 45 minutes...I couldn't wait for their delivery schedule. Regarding the delivery, one thing that concerned me was that the BBY guy who loaded it into my vehicle loaded it face up. As he was loading it, I stopped him and asked him my he was loading it face up. He said he does it all the time...thousands of times...no problem. I paused --I had read that you were not supposed to do this but I don't know a lot about plasmas so I didn't want to tell him his business. Away I went. When I got home and unloaded it I noticed that it clearly says on the outside of the box to only transport it upright. I wasn't too happy about that but I set it up and everything appears to be in working order. If there was a problem created during transport, how would I know?

I couldn't be happier with my 42PZ77. It is my first HD TV. I had a 32" Panasonic Tau flat screen CRT before. I think the standard def programs are just as good on the 77 and the high def....it's another world. I have spent most of the weekend parked on the couch. I thought I was standing in centerfield at Fenway Park last night. Football on Fox and CBS today -- all awesome. I have been looking hard for any motion blur and I haven't seen any.

Since I have 6 windows in my living room, I originally was looking at LCDs. I almost bought an Aquos 92u a couple weeks ago but the motion blur of LCDs made me hesitate since watching hockey, football, and baseball are probably the most important things for me. The reviews and price of the pz700 made me think I should go with plasma and suck it up on the glare issue. Then the pz77 came along and I feel I have the best of both worlds. I wish the 77 had the VGA port as the 700 does but the nicer speakers on the 700 do not make a difference to me as I run sound through my receiver anyway.

As others have mentioned the frame of the TV actually produces more glare than the screen itself. I attached a picture to illustrate this. You can see the glare from one of my rear windows on the left frame of the TV. When I look at the screen it doesn't bother me. In fact it is much better than my CRT was.

NorthStars7, I just picked up the same set and I agree the 77 is awesome. The BB guy tried to lay the box down, but I quickly asked him to stand it up.

I'm not a plasma guy, but can you check to see if you have any dead/flickering pixels? I noticed ~ 5 on my first set. I just exchanged it for the exact same thing, as I was seriously impressed with the picture quality in SD and especially in HD. Am I over reacting or is this a valid concern?

Also, anyone with setting recommendations feel free to chime in.

TIA

Northstars 7, WOW you got it hooked up already it looks great and sounds like no complaints as far as the anti-glare filter making the picture less bright. Im happy for you and i know my daughters gonna love it too. Keep us posted, it looks like panasonic really is on to something. And thanks Davehancock with your input, with your rep & post stats i can feel conifident.

WOW it feels like election night with all the votes coming in and our panny 77 is the winner. Please no dead pixels.

specgeorge, don't be too concerned. I'm just curious to see if I am over-reacting or not. Your going to love the 77. The anti-glare was a big selling point for me as well, and it did not disappoint.

I haven't noticed any dead pixels. Would they be obvious? Is there any technique to check for them? My guess is that if there were any I would have seen them while the break in DVD was running because of the solid colors.

I wonder if Best Buy actually trains their staff to load plasmas face up? Odd.

specgeorge, I don't know your daughter's priorities but I haven't found anything not to like yet.

I noticed the pixels on a break-in DVD from Evangelo2 (looks the same as what you were running in the pic you posted). They were flickering at first then become solid. It was only about 4 or 5, but enough for me to take it back for an exchange. Wish me luck on my second set.

Please post any ideal settings/calibration for after the break-in period.

Should we have an official owners thread for the 77 models now?

Should we have an official owners thread for the 77 models now?This is already the unofficial PZ77U thread - maybe you can ask a moderator to change the subject title to "Offical Panasonic TH-42PZ77U & TH-50PZ77U Thread" ?

Or are you talking about the PE77, PC77, or PX77 models? :D

Randy thanks for clearing that up. I was aware that their are other 77s but not PZ77s,i was too excited to correct myself. GO GO GO Panny.

Has anybody ordered the 77u through cleveland plasma yet? I know they are a forum sponsor so I assume they are good but I was wondering what people's experiences were with them.

Thanks.

It may unofficially take 1080p/24, but it will not display it at 72Hz as the panel is 60Hz (US models).Doing 1080p/24 and displaying it beyond 60Hz is something big for Panasonic. Rest assured when they officially do it, it will be touted in their specs.

Dumb newbie question here, but what's the big deal about 24p at 72Hz? Why would it look any better than 24Hz or 48Hz?

There are only 24 frames every second in the source material, so why display more than 24 frames a second?

travasand, From my experience those internet stores some times charge a little less but get you on the delivery charge. and i believe most want cash. The big stores BB CC PCRichard etc give you the deals no interest. When i buy a tv i want it delivered and setup. This way you wont have a problem if you open the box yourself and find the glass cracked or other damage.

So am i to understand that if i want to be able to use the plasma for a computer monitor I am going to have to go with the pz700u and not pz77u because of the lack of vga port on the 77u? Is there no way to hook up the computer to the 77u?

Has anybody ordered the 77u through cleveland plasma yet? I know they are a forum sponsor so I assume they are good but I was wondering what people's experiences were with them.Chris at Cleveland Plasma is well known here and is very reputable. Many AVS members have bought their TVs from him and report excellent service and prices. Check him out on Resellerratings dot com - nothing but good reviews.

Hi all, I felt the need to post again because I don't want to mislead anyone regarding the reflection issue. To briefly summarize--in my estimation, the Sammy 5084 has a slightly better anti-reflective screen than the PZ700 so I'm thinking they'll perform comparably in this regard. Again, in my estimation, the PZ77 has a significantly better anti-reflective screen than both the 700 or 5084. I've posted that in my family room, with cathedral ceiling and floor-to-ceiling windows encircling half the room (the walls adjacent to and opposite the TV) with no curtains, the 5084 did well. I could see the reflections only if I was looking for them. If my attention was on the program, I didn't notice the reflections.

HOWEVER, this is in comparison to my old CRT--which bothered me a LOT. Perhaps because I'm used to dealing with that, and the 5084 is so much less reflective, the reflections on the 5084 don't bother me at all. Therefore, I had indicated earlier that I felt only the fussiest viewers would be bothered by the reflections, but I've been doing more viewing to evaluate this and I can see how some might be bothered by the reflections--especially, for instance, if you've been used to watching an LCD. So, if this is an issue for you and you're on the fence between the Panny PZ700 and the PZ77, you'll likely want to go with the 77 unless the matte screen bugs you more. ...

As for me... I've got 30 days to think about it, so if the reflections start bothering me over the next couple weeks I might switch it out...though I'm loving the PQ as well as the sleek look of the set itself so, I'll be hesitant to do that!

I am having an issue with my X360 connected to my PZ77u. For some reason, it takes about 15 seconds to boot and when it does finally boot, the reslolutions it displays are listed as computer monitor resolutions and not 1080P, 1080i, etc. I have my PS3 connected to the TV using the exact same type of HDMI cable and have zero issues. Anyone have an X360 with this TV and experience a similar problem?

Just wanted to let you guys know that Sears has the TH-42PZ77U on sale this week for $1399. Saw it while checking out washers with the wife yesterday.

Keep deaming gus, Check out the serial #, you were looking at the 42PX77u and the 42Px75u. Two different sets . You gonna get everbody crazy for nothing.

Keep deaming gus, Check out the serial #, you were looking at the 42PX77u and the 42Px75u. Two different sets . You gonna get everbody crazy for nothing.
Check this out
(http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_05775597000P?vName=Computers+%26+Electronics&cName=Televisions&sbf=Brand&sbv=Panasonic) seems pretty clear to me that is is a 42PZ77U (no Xs in there) for $1399! I had checked out this ad earlier today (but I'm looking for a 50").

sorry i said that gus, you could be right, someone just called me said he saw it on the sears internet site for 1399. If its true its incrediable. A lot of people are gonna be running back to BB for the difference. Thanks for the info.

Davehancock, Its gotta be a error. There calling it a LCD the 42PZ77U is a plasma. there is no 42pz77U panasonic LCD.

BB did the same thing a couple a weeks ago with a different panny for an incrediable price. They put a notice in the paper that they made a mistake and wouldnt honer the price but gave a 100 off on other sets. I bet sears is pulling the same crap.

Look at the spec sheet on sears site, even though they list it as lcd this is what it says under panel type:

Panel Type: G10 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel

It is just a typo because if you do a tv list just by plasma type it will come up on the list.

I picked up the 42PZ77U at Sears (yes, Specgeorge, the Z77U, the 1080p plasma variety) for $1399 two weeks ago.... good deal.

I picked up the 42PZ77U at Sears (yes, Specgeorge, the Z77U, the 1080p plasma variety) for $1399 two weeks ago.... good deal.

Yeah it's a killer deal. If I hadn't bought a 42" LCD a month ago I would have definitely picked one up.

what about 50", 42 is a little too small unless you sit 5 feet away

Always lurk, never post, but I picked up the $1399 42" Panny 1080p plasma, too. Sears didn't have it in stock, but Circuit City did so I got them to price match. I even got them to give me the 60 day guarantee Best Buy currently offers on the slight chance that it may drop price on Black Friday, although that's highly unlikely.

Haven't really been able to put it through any tests because I'm going to be gentle on it through the break in period.

I was able to get the 42PZ77u from circuit city two weeks ago for $1170. (yes, I am sure it is the TH-42PZ77u). I went to Sears with the intention of buying the 42PX77u. However, sears was in the process of discontinuing the "X" version, and only had a floor model left to sell me. I didn't want the floor model. The sales person said that they didn't have any on the floor yet, but that he had the PZ77u in the back that he would sell me for $1,299. I knew this was a great price and instantly decided to buy the PZ instead of the PX.

I decided to go to circuit city to try to get them to do the price match plus 10%. I did not have any documentation that Sears had it for that price. I expected to have to get the CC people to call Sears to verify the price, but they didn't. Just took my word for it. Price match the $1,299 plus 10% brought it down to $1,170.

I have now figured out that Sears was not in fact selling it for $1,299. Instead they were apparently selling it for $1,399 and the sales guy was simply offering it to me at a discount for some reason.

So in the end, I can pretty much assure you that the Sears advertised price of $1,399 is not a mistake.

Yes guys the deal of the century, i just came back from sears they said the internet has a typo calling it a lcd but when its rung up at the register it shows plasma and it wouldnt matter anyway they go by the model number. I guess my daughter and i will go back to BB tonight and request the 200 fifference credit.

kimmbo where have you been for the past two weeks you could have saved a lot of people money.

Just got the HD/DVR box hooked up by Charter (very pleased with the picture). Does anyone know the remote code (for the Panasonic remote) to operate the Motorola Moxie? The suggested codes don't work. Thanks much.

I bought the TH-42PZ77 at CC about 15 days ago. I just called the local Sears here and they said they dont carry the TH-42PZ77, is it still possible to get $200 back from CC if I can prove that Sears have it at some stores for that price?

JAxell just do what the above post are saying what they did. Im giving my daughter a print out from the sears site and a print out of the above comments. CC shouldnt give you a problem, they proberly already know about it.

Got the same $1399 deal at Frys in Foutain Valley on Friday Oct. 12th. The 50pz77u was about $2300. No typos, no strings... just cheap. Love the TV. Blacks are sooo deep... NFL Sunday in crystal clear High Def was amazing! Have the Onkyo 605 coming soon and an articulating wall mount. Life is good.

I bought the TH-42PZ77 at CC about 15 days ago. I just called the local Sears here and they said they dont carry the TH-42PZ77, is it still possible to get $200 back from CC if I can prove that Sears have it at some stores for that price?

Neither of the two Sears' near me had it in stock, and I would have had to special order it because they didn't have any coming either, but CC still honored it.

I got my 42PZ77 at Best Buy a couple weeks ago. It was on sale for 1610, plus another 100 off (for the typo), also they took another 400 off to more than cover the cost of calibration service (300) and premium delivery (80). On my order, the price of the TV is actually $1110 (before tax)!

Reading these threads, I think he was giving me a bulletproof price on the set, basically by offering me free calibration, then deducting the price from the TV and charging me for calibration (he said he had to do it that way - same w/ free delivery that I negotiated for). I can see that he was likely protecting the sale price from price matching claims, but I am very happy with the deal I got from them and it was extremely convienient, I really don't have time to go in and try and extract refunds out of them anyway.

The TV is setup and IQ is great! Right now I'm running my HD-DVR and DVD player using component, soon I will be upgrading my system with an upscaling DVD player and HDMI receiver. After adjusting the normal setting a bit, the picture looks so good that I'm not sure the calibration that was thrown-in is going to make much difference, but I will let you know in a few weeks after they come.

I got a great deal at BB(imo)..they pm CC and I had some RZ coupons...PLUS they knocked off another $100 off the set because they ALMOST messed up my order, good thing I was looking at the computer screen when he was typing it up...plus the 3yrs no int made it a no brainer.

PLUS...remember anyone who has the set installed, be sure to go to Panasonic.com to print off the reimbursement form, up to $200.00 for installation.

This has likely been asked already and if so please just point me there. What is the difference between these two sets??

I can find the 50PZ750 on the Panasonic web site but not the PZ77U!!

I understand that the 77U has a better anti-glare.

Is resolution, video processing, etc the same. How does PQ compare?

Thanks

hi- can someone explain if 120hz refreshing applies to plasma technology? my understanding is that plasma's are inherently better with handing motion, but even that being the case, wouldn't they also to benefit from this "increased" rate?
same with this 24fps?

i'm finally making the move to hd, and i want to ensure that all of my bases are covered...the 120mhz seems very worthwhile in the XBR4 46" i'm considering, but I dont see it mentioned at all when comparing plasmas.

thanks- sorry to ask this here, but there does not seem to be a "general" plasma forum.

james

Digitalbeatnik, congradulations on your purchase, sounds like you really happy with the set. Keep us posted on your likes and dislikes if any.

Are there any updates regarding whether or not they'll be releasing a 58" version in the pz77u lineup?

Digitalbeatnik, congradulations on your purchase, sounds like you really happy with the set. Keep us posted on your likes and dislikes if any.
Thanks, I recently found this forum and there is alot of good info on here. There is plenty to like about the PZ77, Deep blacks and anti-glare were both factors for me, and I was surprised at how affordable 1080p plasma was. I mostly like the high-gloss bezel, I think the design of this set looks great, better than most others I saw - and matches my gloss black NHT speakers, however it does reflect, which seems counter-intuitive considering the screen, but honestly I don't find it distracting, also I watch mostly at night. The anti-glare works great when the lights are up, a huge improvement over my flat 30" CRT. IMO the scaler in the TV does a great job, I was watching Monsters Inc. via component with an older progressive DVD palyer and the detail was astonishing.

This has likely been asked already and if so please just point me there. What is the difference between these two sets??Just read this thread - this is where all the PZ77U questions have already been asked and answered.

I understand that the (PZ)77U has a better anti-glare.

Is resolution, video processing, etc the same. How does PQ compare?The PQ is subjective and could depend on things like the environment the TV is in or a person's personal preference or eyesight. Some say the PZ77U looks better, but most say the PQ is not quite as good as the PZ700U/PZ750U (including myself) and we blame the Anti-Glare screen. Lots of existing discussion about this in this thread as well.

well if some say the PZ77U looks better but admit the PQ is better on the 700 than what about the 77 looked better?

Anyhow the sales men i have consulted seem to think that the 700u is the better set and that they have the same generation panel in them, with the main difference being the anti glare.

well if some say the PZ77U looks better but admit the PQ is better on the 700 than what about the 77 looked better?

Anyhow the sales men i have consulted seem to think that the 700u is the better set and that they have the same generation panel in them, with the main difference being the anti glare.

If the main difference is the anti-glare, then why do they say the 700u is the better set? :confused:

If the main difference is the anti-glare, then why do they say the 700u is the better set? :confused:It's already been stated many times - more depth.

Randy, Most of the reviews coming in on the PZ77Us are not complaining about the anti-glare filter, everything we are hearing from this thread and the store costumer reviews are postive. The 42PZ77U 1080p for 1400 appears to be the best buy out there for the money. Whether the PZ700 has a better anti glare or not seems to be a non issue at this point.

My daughter just got back from BB she showed the sears print out from their site. no problem they gave her 230 credit. Great store, great time to buy.

I am not sure why Sears doesn't carry this unit in 50'....I dont think they would have it listed for cheaper than I got mine for anyways....Sat can't get here quick enough for me!!!!!

I have had the 42" PZ77U for a week now and have no complaints. Many have discussed the possible slight differences in PQ between the 700 and Z77. However, when it is in your house both will look great. I got the PZ77U for $1375 after PM Sears, and don't think that the 700 is worth approximately $400 more. Some may say it is but that is probably because they paid over $1700 for the 700.

bperry8,congradulation on your new set looks like you picked a winner. Did you know about the other stores charging 200 to 300 more when you bought it? Keep us posted on The set we love to hear about it.

If the main difference is the anti-glare, then why do they say the 700u is the better set? :confused:

well thats easy, anti-glare is a functional tool, but i DONT see many people saying it makes the picture look better, quite the contrary, i see some saying "deph" will come from the likes of the 700u, that apparently is the tradeoff when not having a subdued dispersed reflective quality, by having deeper blacks and pictures do to the filterless sheen of the glass.

I have had the 42" PZ77U for a week now and have no complaints. Many have discussed the possible slight differences in PQ between the 700 and Z77. However, when it is in your house both will look great. I got the PZ77U for $1375 after PM Sears, and don't think that the 700 is worth approximately $400 more. Some may say it is but that is probably because they paid over $1700 for the 700.That's a bit of an insult. Price is not an issue. I don't care if a TV is a thousand dollars cheaper - if i don't like the PQ i wouldn't choose it just to save money. I paid more for my 42PZ700U few months ago and although the PZ700U is now cheaper and the PZ77U is cheaper still the PZ700U is still plenty worth it to me :)

I was not trying to insult anyone. I completely agree that the PZ700U is an awesome tv and CNET and Consumer Reports also agree with that. Also, the PZ700U is priced higher and has more features so one might naturally expect it to be a "step up" from the PZ77U.

My post was for those people (most ordinary people in my opinion) that DO care about price. I doubt that most people would spend a thousand or more dollars for a slightly better (if at all) PQ. If what you said were true than Panasonic plasmas would not exist because everyone would buy Pioneer plasmas. Anyway, everyone enjoy whatever you have and what you can afford b/c in all reality you will never have both side by side in the same room (except maybe during your 30 day return period...haha).

I will check if the HDMI interface accepts 1080p24.

I finally got mine today. So far I spotted three dead pixel (1 green, 1 blue, and 1 blue is flickering). I'll keep it anyhow, it's not easy to see.

Here's the input evaluation I promised:

Component inputs:
480i, 480p, 720p: OK (2.5% overscan crop)
1080i: OK. Size 2: 100% (crops about 3 pixel on the left and right), Size 1: 2.5% on each side
1080p60, 576i, 576p, 720p50, 1080i50, 1080p50: no picture

Composite, S-Video inputs:
480i: OK (2.5% overscan crop, Ignores aspect ratio information in WSS)
576i: image scolls vertically and horizontally

HDMI inputs:

Modes announced in EDID:
640x480, 480p, 480i: OK (2.5% overscan crop, ignores aspect ratio information)
720p: OK (2.5% overscan crop)
1080i: OK. Size 2: 100% (pixel by pixel), Size 1: 2.5% on each side
1080p60: OK. Size 2: 100% (pixel by pixel), Size 1: 2.5% on each side

Modes not announced in EDID:
1080p24: incomplete picture in top left corner
240p: OK (see 480p)
2880x480i: distorted, only left half shows
2880x240p: distorted, only left half shows
1440x480p: only left half shows
576i, 576p, 720p50, 1080i50, 1080p50, 1080p25, 1080p30: no picture
All 100/120/200/240 Hz modes: no picture

All modes ignore underscan/overscan information (as announced in the EDID)

Detailed info of EDID (HDMI 2 input):

******************************************
Displaying EDID Version.Revision 1.3
******************************************
Header 00 ff ff ff ff ff ff 00 - OK
Vendor: MEI, Product: 0x62A0, Serial#: 0x********, 38/2007
Display - InputDef: 0x80, Size: 0x0 cm, Gamma: 2.20,
Features: No Standby, No Suspend, No Active Off,
Undefined Display, No sRGB, Preferred Timing, No GTF
Number of 128 bytes EDID Extension blocks: 1

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 1 (Preferred)
Resolution: 1920x1080p (60.00Hz)
Pixel Clock: 148.500Mhz
Image size: Hor 920 mm x Vert 518 mm
Horizontal: Border: 0 pixels, Sync Offset: 88 pixels, Sync Pulse Width: 44 pixels (Total Blanking =
280)
Vertical: Border: 0 lines, Sync Offset: 4 lines, Sync Pulse Width: 5 lines (Total Blanking = 45)
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 2
Resolution: 1920x1080i (60.00Hz)
Pixel Clock: 74.250Mhz
Image size: Hor 920 mm x Vert 518 mm
Horizontal: Border: 0 pixels, Sync Offset: 88 pixels, Sync Pulse Width: 44 pixels (Total Blanking =
280)
Vertical: Border: 0 lines, Sync Offset: 2 lines, Sync Pulse Width: 5 lines (Total Blanking = 22)
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 3
Monitor Name - Flag: 0x00, Name: "PANASONIC-TV"
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 4
Monitor Range Limits - Flag: 0x00, Vert. 59-61 Hz, Hor. 15-68 kHz, PixClk up to 150 MHz
******************************************

******************************************
Displaying EDID timing extension
******************************************
Revision number 3
Extended block type: CEA 861B
Total number of native formats 1
Monitor does not support underscan
Monitor supports basic audio
Monitor supports YC(B)C(R) 4:4:4 in addition to RGB
Monitor supports YC(B)C(R) 4:2:2 in addition to RGB

******************************************
******* CEA Data Block collection ********
******************************************
BasicTVSupport: 0x71 (underscan=0, basicaudio=1, yuv444=1, yuv422=1)
HDMI_sink: 1
HDMI_PhysAddr: 2.0.0.0
SinkCapability: 0x80 (AI=1, DC48=0, DC36=0, DC30=0, DC444=0, DVIDual=0
******************************************
Number of audio descriptors: 1
1: Format #1 Linear PCM, up to 2 channels, fs:32/44.1/48 kHz, 16 bit
******************************************
Number of short video descriptors: 8
1: VIC 16 - 1920x1080p 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - Native
2: VIC 5 - 1920x1080i 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
3: VIC 4 - 1280x720p 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
4: VIC 3 - 720x480p 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
5: VIC 2 - 720x480p 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
6: VIC 7 - 720(1440)x480i 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
7: VIC 6 - 720(1440)x480i 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
8: VIC 1 - 640x480p 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
******************************************

what is this Panasonic EPP direct buy deal?

scarabaeus, Great input but what the heck does it all mean in simple terms. I doubt if 90 percent of the posters have any idea what you opinion of the set is. If you do have a postive or negative let us know.

spincut, Of the people that bought the set in the past couple of weeks and made their post on this thread i dont recall any that made negative comments about the glare filter.
Also out of 30 customer bb. cc, reviews no negative comments were made regarding the filter as a matter of fact most of the negative comments that were made serveral weeks ago were made by people who only looked at the set in the store.

Very informative. To be frank, I do not understand some of the jargon however. What I do take from this data is this TV does not accept 1080p/24 (on any input) or 1080p via component.

Anyone hook this tv up to a htpc yet(via dvi-to-hdmi)? please post pics of screen at 1920x1080.Thanks. :)

Very Truly Yours,

Orange7, Esq.



I finally got mine today. So far I spotted three dead pixel (1 green, 1 blue, and 1 blue is flickering). I'll keep it anyhow, it's not easy to see.

Here's the input evaluation I promised:

Component inputs:
480i, 480p, 720p: OK (2.5% overscan crop)
1080i: OK. Size 2: 100% (crops about 3 pixel on the left and right), Size 1: 2.5% on each side
1080p60, 576i, 576p, 720p50, 1080i50, 1080p50: no picture

Composite, S-Video inputs:
480i: OK (2.5% overscan crop, Ignores aspect ratio information in WSS)
576i: image scolls vertically and horizontally

HDMI inputs:

Modes announced in EDID:
640x480, 480p, 480i: OK (2.5% overscan crop, ignores aspect ratio information)
720p: OK (2.5% overscan crop)
1080i: OK. Size 2: 100% (pixel by pixel), Size 1: 2.5% on each side
1080p60: OK. Size 2: 100% (pixel by pixel), Size 1: 2.5% on each side

Modes not announced in EDID:
1080p24: incomplete picture in top left corner
240p: OK (see 480p)
2880x480i: distorted, only left half shows
2880x240p: distorted, only left half shows
1440x480p: only left half shows
576i, 576p, 720p50, 1080i50, 1080p50, 1080p25, 1080p30: no picture
All 100/120/200/240 Hz modes: no picture

All modes ignore underscan/overscan information (as announced in the EDID)

Detailed info of EDID (HDMI 2 input):

******************************************
Displaying EDID Version.Revision 1.3
******************************************
Header 00 ff ff ff ff ff ff 00 - OK
Vendor: MEI, Product: 0x62A0, Serial#: 0x********, 38/2007
Display - InputDef: 0x80, Size: 0x0 cm, Gamma: 2.20,
Features: No Standby, No Suspend, No Active Off,
Undefined Display, No sRGB, Preferred Timing, No GTF
Number of 128 bytes EDID Extension blocks: 1

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 1 (Preferred)
Resolution: 1920x1080p (60.00Hz)
Pixel Clock: 148.500Mhz
Image size: Hor 920 mm x Vert 518 mm
Horizontal: Border: 0 pixels, Sync Offset: 88 pixels, Sync Pulse Width: 44 pixels (Total Blanking =
280)
Vertical: Border: 0 lines, Sync Offset: 4 lines, Sync Pulse Width: 5 lines (Total Blanking = 45)
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 2
Resolution: 1920x1080i (60.00Hz)
Pixel Clock: 74.250Mhz
Image size: Hor 920 mm x Vert 518 mm
Horizontal: Border: 0 pixels, Sync Offset: 88 pixels, Sync Pulse Width: 44 pixels (Total Blanking =
280)
Vertical: Border: 0 lines, Sync Offset: 2 lines, Sync Pulse Width: 5 lines (Total Blanking = 22)
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 3
Monitor Name - Flag: 0x00, Name: "PANASONIC-TV"
******************************************

******************************************
Detailed timing / Descriptor block 4
Monitor Range Limits - Flag: 0x00, Vert. 59-61 Hz, Hor. 15-68 kHz, PixClk up to 150 MHz
******************************************

******************************************
Displaying EDID timing extension
******************************************
Revision number 3
Extended block type: CEA 861B
Total number of native formats 1
Monitor does not support underscan
Monitor supports basic audio
Monitor supports YC(B)C(R) 4:4:4 in addition to RGB
Monitor supports YC(B)C(R) 4:2:2 in addition to RGB

******************************************
******* CEA Data Block collection ********
******************************************
BasicTVSupport: 0x71 (underscan=0, basicaudio=1, yuv444=1, yuv422=1)
HDMI_sink: 1
HDMI_PhysAddr: 2.0.0.0
SinkCapability: 0x80 (AI=1, DC48=0, DC36=0, DC30=0, DC444=0, DVIDual=0
******************************************
Number of audio descriptors: 1
1: Format #1 Linear PCM, up to 2 channels, fs:32/44.1/48 kHz, 16 bit
******************************************
Number of short video descriptors: 8
1: VIC 16 - 1920x1080p 59.94/60Hz (16:9) - Native
2: VIC 5 - 1920x1080i 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
3: VIC 4 - 1280x720p 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
4: VIC 3 - 720x480p 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
5: VIC 2 - 720x480p 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
6: VIC 7 - 720(1440)x480i 59.94/60Hz (16:9)
7: VIC 6 - 720(1440)x480i 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
8: VIC 1 - 640x480p 59.94/60Hz (4:3)
******************************************

bperry8,
Nice reply well put.

My daughter just got back from BB she showed the sears print out from their site. no problem they gave her 230 credit. Great store, great time to buy.
Does BB care that the printout said lcd? I am looking to go buy one today from BB because sears doesn't have it in stock. What page from sears.com do i need to print out or can i just tell them about it when i am purchasing it from Best Buy.

orange 7, esp, Did you think the evualation was negative or postive . The two things you took from the date i beleive are considered normal.

travisand,
Go to the sears site click on electronics,clock on tv, click on panasonics and keep looking until you find the model number they have the sets in two different places just keep looking. My daughter had no problem she just showed the ad to the salesman he took her receite and credited her 230. Dont tell him sears doesnt have it in stock just tell him you want to buy at sears price,if he wants he can call sears but he wont. make sure you do it before saturday the sale ends then. If you want them to deliver and setupup it cost 200. Download the panasonic installation 200 rebate form send it in and you will get your 200 back. good luck

Randy, whats your take on scarabaeus evualation of the 42PZ77U. could you break it down in simple terms. What do you take from it, negative,postive. That kind of data is nice and fancy but its only good if it helps the average person.

scarabaeus, I'm wondering if you may know of any methods (service menu, perhaps?) to eliminate overscan on the inputs that crop the image?

scarabaeus, I had about 4-5 dead pixels on my first set and I returned it (more of a mental thing than degrading the picture quality). I'm now on my second set and 0 dead pixels so far.

I tried to get the Sears price match yesterday, and BB checked to see if Sears had it in stock. Unfortunately they didn't, so they would not honor the price match. I tried to talk the BB MOD into it, but she wouldn't have any part of it. However, they were polite and told me to check back and they would have no problems matching the price if it was in stock. I figure with 60 days price match I will get them sooner or later.

Anyone have the settings figured out after break-in yet?

I got a PM for the Sears price and there were no Sears in my state that had the PZ77U in stock or even on display for that matter. Just tell BB that you will return their tv and order online from Sears and have it delivered to your front door if they refuse to PM. That has usually worked for me in the past. I bought my PZ77U at a smaller electronics store b/c the sales guy at BB was a moron and I knew more about every tv they carried than he did.

I need to know if a PC or Xbox 360 connected via HDMI to the PZ77U is disabling the anti-image retention orbiter. I am not having issues with Image Retention on this set with anything except the X360. However, when I connect the X360 to the TV via HDMI, the X360 is making a PC connection to the TV and displaying resolutions such as 1920X1080 (it also takes about 15 seconds at startup before the load screen is displayed). If I use component, the options are "1080i" "720P" etc. If the anti-IR tech is getting disabled when using an X360 via HDMI, this could lead to more stubborn IR for gamers who buy this TV.

By the way, the X360 looks great via component on this set and may just be the way to go if you want to use one of the two HDMI ports on the TV for something else.

I went to CC last night and got the PM from sears. They just looked on the sears site, they didn't call a store. If BB is calling the stores I would just tell them you are going to return the tv and either get it at Sears when it comes in or CC. They will honor it :)

I need to know if a PC or Xbox 360 connected via HDMI to the PZ77U is disabling the anti-image retention orbiter. I am not having issues with Image Retention on this set with anything except the X360. However, when I connect the X360 to the TV via HDMI, the X360 is making a PC connection to the TV and displaying resolutions such as 1920X1080 (it also takes about 15 seconds at startup before the load screen is displayed). If I use component, the options are "1080i" "720P" etc. If the anti-IR tech is getting disabled when using an X360 via HDMI, this could lead to more stubborn IR for gamers who buy this TV.

By the way, the X360 looks great via component on this set and may just be the way to go if you want to use one of the two HDMI ports on the TV for something else.

Did you find that you were getting IR with it being setup with HDMI and component or just when it was setup through HDMI? I am very curious if anyone else out there has had any IR issues when they used their Xbox 360...I get my set on Sat and can't wait to see Gears/Bioshock/Orange Box on this set!! I know that I must go easy within the first 100 hrs of use with regard to playing with the Xbox 360....but it will be tempting!!! :D :D

Did you find that you were getting IR with it being setup with HDMI and component or just when it was setup through HDMI? I am very curious if anyone else out there has had any IR issues when they used their Xbox 360...I get my set on Sat and can't wait to see Gears/Bioshock/Orange Box on this set!! I know that I must go easy within the first 100 hrs of use with regard to playing with the Xbox 360....but it will be tempting!!! :D :D


I will test this tonight and post the results.

Hi everybody!

Has anybody been able to find out if the HDMI inputs are HDCP capable? Owner manual does not talk about that at all.

On an another note: CC and BB both refused the price match mine, for they claimed Sears price was way too low for them. However if you were to buy it from Sears AND use/apply for a Sears card AND refuse the 18 months 0% financing, you will get additional $150 off of the sale $1399 for a total of $1249 out the door. This is how much I paid last night for one 42PZ77U.

Oh, BTW its PQ is beautiful!

ALL HDMI ports have HDCP.

Hi everybody!

Has anybody been able to find out if the HDMI inputs are HDCP capable? Owner manual does not talk about that at all.

On an another note: CC and BB both refused the price match mine, for they claimed Sears price was way too low for them. However if you were to buy it from Sears AND use/apply for a Sears card AND refuse the 18 months 0% financing, you will get additional $150 off of the sale $1399 for a total of $1249 out the door. This is how much I paid last night for one 42PZ77U.

Oh, BTW its PQ is beautiful!


I am pretty sure they are.

Thank you D-Nice and Denog for your quick responses!

Thank you D-Nice and Denog for your quick responses!

What type of devices are you going to hook up to it? I have a Scientific Atlanta 8300 HDDVR, PS3, X360, and a Sony upconverting DVD player. All work wonderfully except the X360 seems to have a problem with HDMI.

Blu-ray movies that have blown me away are Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds at Radio City and some scenes from Planet Earth.

I am using a home build HTPC with SageTV and a Sony Play Station 3.

scarabaeus, Great input but what the heck does it all mean in simple terms. I doubt if 90 percent of the posters have any idea what you opinion of the set is. If you do have a postive or negative let us know.

Sorry about all the gibberish at the end, that's some extended technical info.

What it means, basically:
The inputs take all expected resolutions: NTSC on Composite/S-Video,
NTSC, 480p, 720p and 1080i on Component, and 480i(NTSC), 480p, 720p, 1080i and 1080p on HDMI.

For 1080i and 1080p on all applicable inputs, the 5% overscan crop can be disabled, mapping pixel on pixel and displaying every last pixel of the source material.

1080p24 is not supported at all, and Panasonic does not claim so. So, that's OK.

The TV does not perform any automatic aspect ratio detection, it supports only manual aspect ratio modes. (NTSC can carry so called "Wide Screen Signalling" or WSS information, telling the TV if the signal is 4:3, 16:9 or letterboxed. HDMI allows for even more detailed information about where in the picture black bars exist, and what the aspect ratio of the video is.)

Overall, the picture quality is astonishing. I love the TV.

About the anti-glare vs. anti-reflection issue, when I'm really close to the TV, the matte anti-glare coating does interfere slightly with the pixels, kind of like having some water mist on the screen. But once I'm further away than 10 or 12 inces, I have to say that I prefer it over the anti-reflex coating of my old plasma (Jamo 42" with a 1024x1024 interlaced panel by Fujitsu-Siemens).

I'm still in the burn-in phase, and I did not play with the settings much. But with the sharpness at 0, the pixel reproduction at 1080i/p is very accurate, even on Component. No under- or overshoots of the signal, very well defined edges.

I can post some closeup pictures of 1080p test patterns later today.

I've had the 42PZ77 for about a month now with a Motorola HD cable box and a Denon upscaling DVD player and I have been very pleased with the set's performance. Calibrated it with the Video Essentials DVD.

Ran over to BB at lunch for the Se*rs price match. They made the price adjustment with out any issues.

Just wanted to say, "Thanks a Million....er.....at least Thanks a couple hundred!" to those who alerted of the price reduction.

well thats easy, anti-glare is a functional tool, but i DONT see many people saying it makes the picture look better, quite the contrary, i see some saying "deph" will come from the likes of the 700u, that apparently is the tradeoff when not having a subdued dispersed reflective quality, by having deeper blacks and pictures do to the filterless sheen of the glass.

I say it all the time and so do many others. There is no more depth on the 700u than the 77u. Some pictures on the 77u pop out and look 3d. kinda freaks me out heh.

The 77U has better blacks deeper color and overall better pic.

dido161, congrads on your great purchase. Those guys at BB were going against their own price match policy, anyone going in for the PM should download their PM policy from their site and show it to them and tell them they can be sued for false advertisement. Let us know your review of the set.

dido161, congrads on your great purchase. Those guys at BB were going against their own price match policy, anyone going in for the PM should download their PM policy from their site and show it to them and tell them they can be sued for false advertisement. Let us know your review of the set.

Scarabaus thanks for your wonderful reply I was a little worried because i didint understand the evualtion Im so happy you love the set another great review.

Spincut Thanks, Stix2 good post keep us posted,moretoysthanks for your wonderful post,keep us posted. and the beat goes ,on the postings have been overwellming in favor of the 42PZ77U Oh so many happy campers.

i just wanted to give my 2 cents on the PZ77U. got it last night. plan to break it in even though it probably isn't really necessary. had no time to really set it up but had to take a look at the pq. just in case, i lowered all my settings, etc. plugged in my dvd player via hdmi. i wasn't expecting a great pq but, wow, was very amazed. as for the anti glare screen. i thought it worked well without noticeably degrading the pq. i really like the film like quality of the pq.

For 1080i and 1080p on all applicable inputs, the 5% overscan crop can be disabled, mapping pixel on pixel and displaying every last pixel of the source material.

Can the overscan be eliminated on other resolutions, perhaps in the service menu?

I had both the 77u and the 700u side by side in my home for sometime and ended up returning the 77u due to the noticeable degredation in picture quality no doubt caused by the anti-glare screen.
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder :)

I had both the 77u and the 700u side by side in my home for sometime and ended up returning the 77u due to the noticeable degredation in picture quality no doubt caused by the anti-glare screen.
As the saying goes, beauty is in the eye of the beholder :)

The majority disagrees with you :) Some people just don't like the AG screen and thats fine but to say it noticably effects PQ is crazy. The 700U degrades horribly when light washes out the picture.

So if you want a great pic in any situation go 77u if ya want an great pic at night no lights and a decent pic in the day go 700u.

With the 77u you get all the great things a plasma offers plus the benefits of an LCD no glare screen. Best of both worlds.

scarabaeus, I'm wondering if you may know of any methods (service menu, perhaps?) to eliminate overscan on the inputs that crop the image?

The only way to elimintae overscan crop is the "Size 1" / "Size 2" setting in the setup menu, and that is only active for 1080i and 1080p. At least this works for Component inputs as well, and not just on HDMI, which is very good.

All other modes (480i, 480p, 720p) are fixed at "Size 1", which is a 5% overscan crop.

The majority disagrees with you :) Some people just don't like the AG screen and thats fine but to say it noticably effects PQ is crazy. The 700U degrades horribly when light washes out the picture...

Hi all, I've got a Sammy 5084 and I think its screen is comparable to the PZ700u screen in terms of its anti-glare/reflection properties. So perhaps these pics will help some to evaluate how much a less effective anti-glare screen would (or would not) bother them.

The screen looks like a slightly diffused mirror. Here are pics of my set-up.
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y119/plasticlegs22/SAIBARI%20TV/
(I'm sorry, I don't know how to upload them into this post) ...

It's hard to tell from these picture because it really looks worse in the picture than in real life. Plus the PQ isn't anything like it is in real life! I gotta get a better camera!

In the first pic of the TV when it's off (3146), you can barely make out my image sitting on the couch. The main reflection is the bright light that's streaming in through the block windows...

In the pic with the tv on (3145), all you can see reflected are the bright block windows. It's a bit confusing because the curtains and other reflections you see in the pic are actually in the TV pic (they're in Daisy's kitchen).
I honestly don't even notice the reflected blocks unless I look for them... Though I imagine such a reflection might bother some...

In the next pic with the tv off (3151), I'm sitting in a different position on the couch (these pics were taken right after the first two). You can barely see any reflection. In the next pic with the tv on (3150), you don't see any reflection at all. Now you can see that the curtains and other reflections in the pic are actually in the TV pic and not from my room.

I also included pics of the tv with and without the cool orange Halloween lights that my son added behind the TV (31564 & 3155). Again, it looks cooler in real life--like the tv is floating. And yes, I know that purists will wince because orange isn't going to do my PQ any favors but honestly, the PQ is so good it really doesn't suffer.

Hi all, I've got a Sammy 5084 and I think its screen is comparable to the PZ700u screen in terms of its anti-glare/reflection properties. So perhaps these pics will help some to evaluate how much a less effective anti-glare screen would (or would not) bother them.

The screen looks like a slightly diffused mirror. Here are pics of my set-up.
http://s4.photobucket.com/albums/y11...BARI%20TV/
(I'm sorry, I don't know how to upload them into this post) ...

It's hard to tell from these picture because it really looks worse in the picture than in real life. Plus the PQ isn't anything like it is in real life! I gotta get a better camera!

In the first pic of the TV when it's off (3146), you can barely make out my image sitting on the couch. The main reflection is the bright light that's streaming in through the block windows...

In the pic with the tv on (3145), all you can see reflected are the bright block windows. It's a bit confusing because the curtains and other reflections you see in the pic are actually in the TV pic (they're in Daisy's kitchen).
I honestly don't even notice the reflected blocks unless I look for them... Though I imagine such a reflection might bother some...

In the next pic with the tv off (3151), I'm sitting in a different position on the couch (these pics were taken right after the first two). You can barely see any reflection. In the next pic with the tv on (3150), you don't see any reflection at all. Now you can see that the curtains and other reflections in the pic are actually in the TV pic and not from my room.

I also included pics of the tv with and without the cool orange Halloween lights that my son added behind the TV (31564 & 3155). Again, it looks cooler in real life--like the tv is floating. And yes, I know that purists will wince because orange isn't going to do my PQ any favors but honestly, the PQ is so good it really doesn't suffer.

I returned the 5084 for the reason of burn in and IR is easy on that model thats why they have the tools to wash it out, and the degradation of colors during the day.

Not saying they are not good but as far as PQ they are nearly identical. Somthing you especially would not notice unless 24" away from the screen. But buy what ya want but to say it seriously degrades PQ is very misleading.

I say it all the time and so do many others. There is no more depth on the 700u than the 77u. Some pictures on the 77u pop out and look 3d. kinda freaks me out heh. The 77U has better blacks deeper color and overall better pic.You say there is no more depth on the PZ700U, but i say there is indeed more depth on the PZ700U so obviously this depends on who is looking at the sets and their individual eyesight and perception and even their environment. I've seen more posts that say the PZ700U looks better than posts that say the PZ77U looks better. There is at least one AVS member who has one of each and he says the picture on the PZ700U is better and i'm with him. I was very interested in the PZ77U when it first came out (due to my very bright living room) and compared it directly against the PZ700U at two stores with remote in hand and i'm convinced that the PZ700U still looks better (to my excellent eyes). The colors looked pretty much the same after adjustments, and the higher CR wasn't very apparent but that's probably due to the store's lighting. Sure the AG screen helped punch through the store's lighting but the matte screen gives the TV a different personality and feel that i don't prefer. Others may feel the opposite.

Nobody can say as a matter of fact that one looks better than the other because it really depends on the individual and the environment the TV is in. It's like how so many people proclaim that LCD looks better than Plasma - i think they're either blind or insane or in denial :D

I returned the 5084 for the reason of burn in and IR is easy on that model thats why they have the tools to wash it out, and the degradation of colors during the day.

Not saying they are not good but as far as PQ they are nearly identical. Somthing you especially would not notice unless 24" away from the screen. But buy what ya want but to say it seriously degrades PQ is very misleading.

I've not noticed any washed out colors during the day. So far, I've been very pleased with it. But I've got 30 days to decide. I've also not seen any IR, though I've had the set only 5 days so far. I'll certainly let you know if I see any. ... Also, I've never said the PZ77 degrades PQ. I don't own one so I can't comment on that. Of course, that would factor into my decision as to whether or not to swap out the 5084 for the PZ77. If the anti-glare screen on the PZ77u does degrade PQ, that would be a consideration. A little reflection during the day might not be a bad trade-off.... So if the glare ends up bothering me a lot (doesn't seem likely at this point), I guess I'll have to visit a store or two to compare the pic on the 77u since there seem to be two equally vehement camps on this thread--one for the 700 and the other for the 77...

Im trying to think of a situation where i would be sitting at home for a very long time watching 2 tvs side by side trying to decide which one to return. But i guess it could happen.

Im trying to think of a situation where i would be sitting at home for a very long time watching 2 tvs side by side trying to decide which one to return. But i guess it could happen.

Now wouldn't that be the ideal situation?! I'm sure there are those who have done that. That's really the only way to truly know which set would perform best in your home. However, I'm sure that any of these sets would perform beautifully. So unless the glare thing starts to bug me, I'm not going to the trouble of exchanging it...

You say there is no more depth on the PZ700U, but i say there is indeed more depth on the PZ700U so obviously this depends on who is looking at the sets and their individual eyesight and perception and even their environment. I've seen more posts that say the PZ700U looks better than posts that say the PZ77U looks better. There is at least one AVS member who has one of each and he says the picture on the PZ700U is better and i'm with him. I was very interested in the PZ77U when it first came out (due to my very bright living room) and compared it directly against the PZ700U at two stores with remote in hand and i'm convinced that the PZ700U still looks better (to my excellent eyes). The colors looked pretty much the same after adjustments, and the higher CR wasn't very apparent but that's probably due to the store's lighting. Sure the AG screen helped punch through the store's lighting but the matte screen gives the TV a different personality and feel that i don't prefer. Others may feel the opposite.

Nobody can say as a matter of fact that one looks better than the other because it really depends on the individual and the environment the TV is in. It's like how so many people proclaim that LCD looks better than Plasma - i think they're either blind or insane or in denial :D

Well my eyes are more excellent than yours nuff said :)

I cannot even tell you how much I agree on the plasma/LCD analogy since I have owned plsama I can barley stand a LCD. But it is nowhere near the difference were talking about between these 2 sets.

I agree it depends on the buyer but I would not tell someone the pic difference between the 2 would hamper your enjoyment in the least.

I have been pondering the whole 700U versus 77U situation in regards to the which one is better and why the 77U seems inferior to some. I have the PX77U so my resolution is the different but the coating is the same as the PZ77U.

Thus far I have been perceiving that the 77U does seem to not appear as "3D" looking as the 700U. I have the suspicion that the reason some folks notice this is that the reflective coating causes the eye to subtly focus differently on the *surface* of the glass rather than beyond the glass as is the case with a plasma with the a shiny glass surface.

Thats my thot on why the ant-reflective screens seem to be just that tiny bit less "life-like". Anyone agree/disagree?

Well I pulled the pin and ordered the Panasonic PZ700U from Sears. It will be delivered next Wednesday, Aarggh!!! Hate waiting!!! Ultimate Electronics here in MN. would not even match the price after the Instant Savings of $250.00 and the free delivery and set up. Got the rebate form for that from the Sears salesman. Gonna try to also cash in on the Panasonic website rebate form for the $200.00 set-up. Dont know if that will work or not though. Took a long hard look at the PZ77U and just couldnt get by the soft picture from the Anti-glare screen. Things looked a little more wash out than on the other set. I'am just glad that I made a decision though,alot of running around.

I can post some closeup pictures of 1080p test patterns later today.

Here is a 1080p overscan test pattern (From the Video Essential Pofessional set, the WMV files on the accompanying DVD ROM) on the TV, at Size 1 and Size 2. Also, a closeup of one edge.

http://scarabaeus.org/42PZ77U_1080p_Size1.jpg

http://scarabaeus.org/42PZ77U_1080p_Size2.jpg

http://scarabaeus.org/42PZ77U_1080p_Detail.jpg

So, now I have to proceed to rewire my living room ;-)

dido161, congrads on your great purchase. Those guys at BB were going against their own price match policy, anyone going in for the PM should download their PM policy from their site and show it to them and tell them they can be sued for false advertisement. Let us know your review of the set.
Thank you! I know, however I figured it was not worth it, for after the additional $150 for declining interest free offer, it was still more cost effective to get it from Sears: $1249 vs $1260 + a nightmare. I will update with a more complete review in a couple of days, however first impression is very positive especially compared to the JVC and LG LCD's I had to return for cloudiness and in the case of JVC - very poor off-axis viewing angles.

I also like the AG screen much better compared to the glare galore of my old Panasonic plasma at the same viewing location. Watched some football at 1080i last night and it was much more lifelike compared to either LCD, it feels smoother and with very sleek almost 3D picture. JVC was closer to it, but not close enough.

dido161,Thanks for the review sounds like another happy camper and he loves the anti glare filter. Go panny go .

Strosien, You have the anti-glare coating on the PX77U. The PZ77u has the anti-glare FILTER. I believe that from previous post it was agreed that there was a difference between the two.

Strosien, You have the anti-glare coating on the PX77U. The PZ77u has the anti-glare FILTER. I believe that from previous post it was agreed that there was a difference between the two.

Hi
Could you point me to those previous posts? They should be the same thing.
Thanks

malcho why should they be the same process they have different names and theres a third one called anti- glare reflector and that one is definitley different. Ive been on all three of these panny threads for the past 3 weeks and right now i dont recall the exact page. However you can look on the panny site and you will see sets with anti-glare relector,anti-glare coating and the latest one anti-glare filter. seems that panasonic is trying to perfect the glare problem to compete with non glare LCD. If you noticed they have came with a least 3 different models in the same year which is a little unusal.

I say it all the time and so do many others. There is no more depth on the 700u than the 77u. Some pictures on the 77u pop out and look 3d. kinda freaks me out heh.

The 77U has better blacks deeper color and overall better pic.

I saw the 77u and the 700u side by side at best buy. The 700u definitely has a crisper more 3D like picture. They are both good sets, but in a dark room I personally prefer the 700u's picture.

malcho why should they be the same process they have different names and theres a third one called anti- glare reflector and that one is definitley different. Ive been on all three of these panny threads for the past 3 weeks and right now i dont recall the exact page. However you can look on the panny site and you will see sets with anti-glare relector,anti-glare coating and the latest one anti-glare filter. seems that panasonic is trying to perfect the glare problem to compete with non glare LCD. If you noticed they have came with a least 3 different models in the same year which is a little unusal.????I've just been on the Panny site and saw nothing called "anti- glare reflector" (perhaps that is one without any coating). There are:
Anti-Reflective COATING
Anti-Glare COATING
Anti-Glare FILTER (on the PZ77)

DAve. The pz700 has the anti reflector my error was to call it the anti-glare reflector. Sorry. Then theirs the anti-glare filter on the PZ77U and the anti glare coating on the PX77U and the PX75U has no filter. Thanks for correcting me. I think i got that right now. if they were all the same wouldnt they just call it one name. We are really splitting hairs now. Panasonic should giveus all a free set for promoting there product.

I'm shopping for a new tv and have narrowed my choices down to two tv's, the samsung LNT-4071F LCD and the panasonic TH-42PZ77U. My dilemma is that I really love the samsung and it's AMP feature ( my buddy has one ) but it is $800 more than the panasonic. I have read many great reviews on the panasonic and now I'm unsure of what to do. The most unbiased opinion would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advancwe for any and all responses.

is this set hdmi 1.3?

This whole thing of comparing the PZ77U and the PZ700U is starting to become useless. They are NOT even in the same line; the PZ77U and the PX77U are. Furthermore, the 700U has more features (sound and VGA) and a higher price tag. If your eyes tell you that the 700 is more 3-D ish and you like that then spend the extra $400 and be happy. CR said that the 700 (50 inch) is the best tv ever tested so be happy you have the best tv ever invented and go post in the 700 forum. I will be just as happy saving some money and being able to watch tv with the lights on.

I have been pondering the whole 700U versus 77U situation in regards to the which one is better and why the 77U seems inferior to some. I have the PX77U so my resolution is the different but the coating is the same as the PZ77U.

Thus far I have been perceiving that the 77U does seem to not appear as "3D" looking as the 700U. I have the suspicion that the reason some folks notice this is that the reflective coating causes the eye to subtly focus differently on the *surface* of the glass rather than beyond the glass as is the case with a plasma with the a shiny glass surface.

Thats my thot on why the ant-reflective screens seem to be just that tiny bit less "life-like". Anyone agree/disagree?

That is the feeling I get as well from the pz77u as well, you are more or less looking at the picture, not into the picture as you do with the 700u. Other people may not experience this as I do. It was enough to sway me towards the 700u.
That being said, either one is great and you should experience both in person to develop your own opinions, I think we are all starting to sound like a broken record!!

Towski, I have the PZ77U and am very happy. I have seen both, but can't give an accurate opinion of the Samsung since I wasn't looking to buy an LCD (had an LCD and couldn't stand motion blur). The main issues I see are that although the Samsung is 120 Hz I think there will still be some motion blur compared to the plasma. Second, the Panasonics anti-glare filter does a great job of reducing glare. Third, is price a consideration?

I would just compare the two in a store first (true you can't always trust they have same feed or are calibrated) but that is where I'd start. Best of luck...

The set is HDMI 1.3.

thank you.....so for someone who usually watches the tube in the dark, or dimmly lit room this isn't the tv?

thank you.....so for someone who usually watches the tube in the dark, or dimmly lit room this isn't the tv?

It would work fine. So would the 700U you could not go wrong with either.

As Stix2 said you can't go wrong with either one. If glare is a concern at all than you should go with the PZ77U.

So far i would guess 75% of the owners of the new 42PZ77U who have posted here are postive about the set with such comments as Astonishing picture quality, Plenty bright enough. love this set etc and rarely anything said about antiglare being an issue. That being said this set has not been reviewed by the so called experts cnet. consumers report which i am curiously awaiting. Iwouldnt be surprised if we have a preview of it in Scarabaeus brilliant post, anybody that can throw up those kind of specs deserves some attention. I would love to know what his profession is. Of course im a little bias ater reading astonishing picture quality comment. Even cnet rarely will use the word ASTONISHING.

I just want to interject in this 700U versus 77U and remind folks that there is a 700U thread.

Back to the discussion, has anyone been playing games on their 77U? I have mine connected to a PS3, an X360, and a Wii but I only have noticed serious image retention with the Madden '08 scorebar. I am curious about what others are experiencing and if you like gaming on this TV more than an equivalent LCD.

is this set hdmi 1.3?

Yes, it is designed to adhere to HDMI 1.3.

Or are you actually interested in some features available in HDMI 1.3? This TV does not support DeepColor or extended gamut color spaces (xvYCC), which are features commonly advertised as "hdmi 1.3".

... That being said this set has not been reviewed by the so called experts cnet. consumers report which i am curiously awaiting. Iwouldnt be surprised if we have a preview of it in Scarabaeus brilliant post, anybody that can throw up those kind of specs deserves some attention. I would love to know what his profession is. ...

Oh, I'm not qualified to do a full review of all aspects of this TV. I don't have equipment to measure color accuracy or contrast ratio and such.

I'm working at Sigma Designs, a chip maker of media processors (we make the SMP8634 used in a majority of the current standalone Blu-Ray players). My main expertise is driver development for HDMI and other video outputs and inputs, that's why I concentrated on those areas.

Hi all, I live in Ocean County, NJ and I've decided to pick up the 42z77u. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience at any places nearby getting a price match +10% to the sears offer. Thanks in advance.

their 77U? I have mine connected to a PS3, an X360, and a Wii but I only have noticed serious image retention with the Madden '08 scorebar. I am curious about what others are experiencing and if you like gaming on this TV more than an equivalent LCD.

Every time I hear of IR it seems to come from Madden. I have played Halo3 for hours and have not once noticed any minute trace of IR. My recommendation is to play more FPS:D

I do recall someone saying that his went away after some Discovery HD.

Can someone measure the 50 inch PZ77 and post back?

1. From the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the Plasma screen. I am wondering what size center can be placed in front of the unit before it blocks the screen / IR port of the Plasma.

2. What is the footprint of the stand? width & depth?

Thanks so much!

Every time I hear of IR it seems to come from Madden. I have played Halo3 for hours and have not once noticed any minute trace of IR. My recommendation is to play more FPS:D

I do recall someone saying that his went away after some Discovery HD.

Discovery HD does it after about 2 hours. The Madden IR is pretty stout.

I am actually a big FPS fan. :D

What settings do you use for your TV (Picture, Brightness, Color Temp; etc)when you play games?

Halo 3 is actually pretty good about moving HUD elements around and they were designed with anti-IR in mind. I have seen some IR from Team Fortress 2 and I hear Bioshock and Oblivion can be offensive as well.

I have seen some IR from Team Fortress 2 and I hear Bioshock and Oblivion can be offensive as well.

This is not good news..I have Bioshock and Orange Box and Madden just waiting to go when I get my new 50' set on Saturday...:confused::mad::confused:

this debate between the 77u and the 700u is hilarious. we are all naturally defending our sets and choices. that being said, i will have to say again how much i love the pq on my 42pz. imo, the "matte" look seems more natural and lifelike. one doesn't usually walk around and notice how sharp and crisp things are. it all comes down to a matter of preference so no one is "better". cost shouldn't be a deciding factor here as well because you could actually purchase the 700u at a lower price than the 77u even though it has a higher list price. a sales rep at Best Buy thought Panasonic was in the process of phasing it out, thus the heavy discount. the trend for newer models is lower cost.

This is not good news..I have Bioshock and Orange Box and Madden just waiting to go when I get my new 50' set on Saturday...:confused::mad::confused:

However, the IR goes away. In all cases, even Madden, it goes away. It is just more obvious with Madden because it stretched all the way across the screen and has 2 very prominent EA Sports logos. The IR from TF2 is hard to notice unless you are viewing a black or blank screen.

Bioshock and Oblivion have static HUD elements that stay up consistently but their size and location make them less noticeable during regular TV viewing and eventually disappear.

It is gonna be hard to refrain from gaming on this set too much before the 100 hr break in period!!! Did anyone with a 77U use the break in DVD offered here in the forum, or just watch alot of regular tv watching sensibly(Discover HD). I am not trying to start a debate as to whether the break in DVD is necessary...just wondering what some 77U owners did..

spincut, Of the people that bought the set in the past couple of weeks and made their post on this thread i dont recall any that made negative comments about the glare filter.
Also out of 30 customer bb. cc, reviews no negative comments were made regarding the filter as a matter of fact most of the negative comments that were made serveral weeks ago were made by people who only looked at the set in the store.

Its not so much negative comments as the fact that they're not that much different aside from the glare filter, which seems to be more of a functional addon rather than a quality enhancing one, so if say, you arent bothered or affected by reflections, it would seem to have no benefit to you.

I say it all the time and so do many others. There is no more depth on the 700u than the 77u. Some pictures on the 77u pop out and look 3d. kinda freaks me out heh.

The 77U has better blacks deeper color and overall better pic.

I went to the store too, and i ddint see this at all, the black on the 700u seemed darker and better, i mean, i dont like reflections but that definetly causes a tv to have more deph than a tv with a matte surface, otherwise i dont know what you're seeing as both tv's are relatively similar.

Scarabaeus, Thank you for the reply and being so modest. Your opinion carries a lot of weight. (you were astonished at the picture quality.) Good luck in your career and keep us posted.

JT sarnar,
Go to CC,BB, if you drive. Go before the 20th of oct thats when the sale ends at sears.
But i would guess that will be the going price around xmas time in all the stores.

i think we can take a breather and let the gameing posters take over.

It is gonna be hard to refrain from gaming on this set too much before the 100 hr break in period!!! Did anyone with a 77U use the break in DVD offered here in the forum, or just watch alot of regular tv watching sensibly(Discover HD). I am not trying to start a debate as to whether the break in DVD is necessary...just wondering what some 77U owners did..
I am basically watching what I want, although I'm trying to select alot of 16:9 content but also watching 2.35 and 4:3 without concern. I have been running the break-in DVD overnight with reduced settings for good measure. Leaving the set off during the day for the most part. I am also going to have my set calibrated in a few weeks (this was thrown-in with my purchace from BB). I am not convinced that the break-in measures or the calibration are necessary, I doubt there is a huge benefit but perhaps a little. We're now playing Wii on my 30"CRT in the den.

My TH-42PZ77U is coming tomorrow. I'll report more when it's set up.

My 50' PZ7U is coming Sat! Tomorrow is going to seem like the longest day!!

My 50' PZ7U is coming Sat! Tomorrow is going to seem like the longest day!!

Rhino, would you mind measuring the stand width & depth as well as from the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the plasma screen? I need to work out some furniture design. TIA!

SSpectre and Rhino5167, Cant wait to hear youe observations give us all you got and as fast as you can, make sure you got your HDcable box or what ever ready to go.

Yeah I already had digital cable and the HD service has been turned on, they will hook up the surrround sound and Xbox 360 as well!!!

My 50' PZ7U is coming Sat! Tomorrow is going to seem like the longest day!!

The sound on my TV went out about two weeks ago now. So, basically I've been without TV at all for two weeks (watch a little here and there, mostly football because I don't really need the sound for that). This TV is about 20 years old (we got it from my wife's parents), so it's about time for a replacement anyway.

The past two weeks have been quite long. I got an antenna that will hopefully serve its purpose. Since I'm in an apartment, we get Dish Network through AT&T Home Entertainment, and they want $10 a month more for 6 HD channels, and I would probably regularly watch two of them. I also have an Xbox 360 which should look very nice, especially streaming some HD videos from my computer.

DAve. The pz700 has the anti reflector my error was to call it the anti-glare reflector. Sorry. Then theirs the anti-glare filter on the PZ77U and the anti glare coating on the PX77U and the PX75U has no filter. Thanks for correcting me. I think i got that right now. if they were all the same wouldnt they just call it one name. We are really splitting hairs now. Panasonic should giveus all a free set for promoting there product.

I talked to a rep from Panasonic today and he said that anti-glare filter on the PZ77U is the same as the anti-glare on the PX77U. Makes sence.

A quick note regarding buying from BB; they have different price guarantee policies for online and in-store. The online policy does not match competitor's prices and they will only refund a difference if they lower the price. I wish I had known this before I ordered my pz77u online.

After reading about the great price I actually tried every Sears in my area before ordering and none of them had the set in stock, so the BB in-store price match wouldn't have helped me anyway. And now I see the set on the Sears website for that same great price. Just my luck.

I guess at this point I just have to hope that BB lowers the price on the set over the next several weeks.

Hi, anybody can point me to enable/disable menu for the pixel orbiting? Is it supposed to be in the service menu and if that is the case, how can I get into that one?

thanks in advance!

A quick note regarding buying from BB; they have different price guarantee policies for online and in-store. The online policy does not match competitor's prices and they will only refund a difference if they lower the price. I wish I had known this before I ordered my pz77u online.

After reading about the great price I actually tried every Sears in my area before ordering and none of them had the set in stock, so the BB in-store price match wouldn't have helped me anyway. And now I see the set on the Sears website for that same great price. Just my luck.

I guess at this point I just have to hope that BB lowers the price on the set over the next several weeks.

You can always get a rain check at S..rs and secure the price this way...

I talked to a rep from Panasonic today and he said that anti-glare filter on the PZ77U is the same as the anti-glare on the PX77U. Makes sence.

FYI, this info may be accurate, but I don't know how much stock you can put into what a Panny rep tells you. When I called a while back and asked about which anti-glare filter was more effective--the PZ700 or the PZ77, the rep said the PZ700 was the better anti-glare screen! The rep was pretty clueless about a few other things I asked about too... sheesh!

Given the fervor at which people disagree on the differences between or merits of this device or some other device over another, I have to wonder if I am reading the AV Science forum or the AV Religious forum. :cool:

It seems that since these Panny's are available in stores for people to see/compare and Panasonic resources should be able to answer the questions, the actual "difference" (if any) between the antiglare "technology" used in the PX77U and the PZ77U should NOT be subject to conjecture and speculation.

1) So as far break-in settings are concerned on the 42PZ77u, just leave everything on 0 (Picture, Brightness), etc, right? Or do I need to go to the negative number settings????

2) I'm running the Burn-In DVD advertised earlier in this thread. After the intial break in of 100 hours or so, I can then move the settings to the desired results (Picture 20, Brightness 18, etc...) without problem?????



All help would be welcomed. Thanks...

Sailerman,Thanks for the input,I dont have much confidence in what a REP says, if it were a technician who said that with a locigal explanation I would have to believe him. Also it doesnt make sense to me to say one model has anti-glare coating and the other model has anti-glare filter and they are not two different functions, you would have to agree the first one they came out was called anti reflector and was different. That being said even if the last 2 are the same its makes the 42PZ77U an even better buy.
Just check out the consumers report nov 2007 they call The






















Sailermon,Thanks for the input. If it were a technician that told me that with a locigal explanation i would have to believe him. It doesnt make any sense to keep changing names of a function without their being a difference. That being said even if both were the same that would increase the status of the 42PZ77U. Check out the CR nov 2007 issue they called the 42PX77u the best tv on the planet. So with all the upgrades on the 42PZ77U WOW what set. Does that make sense?

YYZ, Get the rain check and cancel BB online order. PS does any one know if they give rainchecks.

1) So as far break-in settings are concerned on the 42PZ77u, just leave everything on 0 (Picture, Brightness), etc, right? Or do I need to go to the negative number settings????

2) I'm running the Burn-In DVD advertised earlier in this thread. After the intial break in of 100 hours or so, I can then move the settings to the desired results (Picture 20, Brightness 18, etc...) without problem?????



All help would be welcomed. Thanks...

1. Settings at 0 should be fine. No need to go negative.

2. Yes. However, I would perhaps look at setting your Picture at "+15" and Brightness at "+8-10". Try Cinema in dark room viewing with Color Temp at Normal or Warm. For daytime or for a lit room, try "Standard" with similar settings. I find Live sporting events to look a little better with these settings on "Standard" with the temperature set to "Normal" (it could be "Neutral"). For movies, I have been most satisfied with Cinema with the temp set to warm. I have not used the Color Mngt ar NRs. I have 3:2 enabled and Size 2 is what I use most of the time. The "Picture" may be increased above 15, but in the dark, this sometimes is slightly overwhelming. I had mine at +27 at one point but found this to be just too much.

For 4:3 images, set your aspect to "Just". This does a pretty good job of stretching 4:3 content but it lessens the stretching. Just be sure to set it back to "Full" when getting 16:9 content.

Strosien, Its very hard to compare sets in the store, its highly unlikely that the 2 sets you want to see will be next to each . Try it sometime. The only way you could compare is if you purchased the two sets and set them up next to each other on the same input in your home, Which is highly unlikely unless your rich and have nothing else to do.

Hi, anybody can point me to enable/disable menu for the pixel orbiting? The pixel orbiting feature is always on and it runs "behind the scenes". If it bothers you, just unplug your TV :D

I've heard discussion of this set being offered through the EPP program. Can someone tell me what the price is (or PM it to me)? Or at least let me know if its less than the Sears price? I'm trying to find a good deal on this set and while the Sears price is tempting, I was hoping for something more like $1250. If anyone can help me out, please let me know, thanks.

I've heard discussion of this set being offered through the EPP program. Can someone tell me what the price is (or PM it to me)? Or at least let me know if its less than the Sears price? I'm trying to find a good deal on this set and while the Sears price is tempting, I was hoping for something more like $1250. If anyone can help me out, please let me know, thanks.Why don't you just log into your company's EPP account and check the prices yourself?

Why don't you just log into your company's EPP account and check the prices yourself?


I don't have access to EPP myself, but if I knew what that price was, it could give me a realistic baseline for negotiating with salesmen.

What is EPP acount?

What is EPP acount?

EPP=Employee Purchase Plan..some companies offer discounts with Panasonic directly. You would have to check with your employer to see if you have this offer.

Rhino5167, I just read the customer reviews on BB & CC again If only half of them are legit this has got be be a great set. People will be breaking their ankles running down the steps to purchase this set after reading the BB & CC reviews. And yours is coming in saturday i beleive you said. Now you will be able do your own review. Get back to us with as much info you can give us Thanks.

If your still on the fence with this 50' PZ77U set...check CC online and get BB to price match it for 3 yr no interest! It is at a good price right now at CC. It is strange how the price changes at CC during the week, it wasn't this low at the start of the week.

from a corporate discount, i found the 50pz77 for $2,150..
i see on local B&M websites, it's a bit more than this.. but are there other online sites that can be cheaper?

pls advise.

Thanks

YYZ, Get the rain check and cancel BB online order. PS does any one know if they give rainchecks.


Sorry, I don't know about BB rainchecks. I'm a newb to all this and have been poring over these forums for a few weeks and thought I'd add a tidbit to this thread that may help someone save a few bucks even though it is pretty late. I assume this topic isn't totally verboten here since Sears' sale price and PM'ing from other retailers have been discussed.

I decided to get the 42PZ77 and followed a similar path to YYZ's. I went to my local Sears today and they had none in stock, but agreed to order one at the sale price even though the sale ends on 10-20. They also have a promo running (thru 11-17, from what I can gather) for an instant rebate in-store or on-line if an HDTV purchase is made with a Sears card. Amount of the rebate is dependent upon screen size ($150 for 40" or bigger; $250 for 50" or bigger). I recently applied on-line for a Sears card just for this purpose and was approved instantly. The catch being that you cannot use the card for an on-line purchase until you actually receive the card; however, you can use it for an in-store purchase immediately upon approval.

I am now impatiently awaiting arrival date and trying to figure out everything I need to do in preparation. Many thanks to everyone on this forum for helping me make an informed decision, and special thanks to everyone who has posted in this thread.

from a corporate discount, i found the 50pz77 for $2,150

I don't think it is going to be much cheaper than this at this time to be honest.

Tom Ames great post, you did your homework and went with the mostly postive comments on this thread about The 42PZ77u i dont think you will be disapointed. Make sure you have HDBOX from one of the providers ready and setup on your stand unless your installing it on the wall. Please give us your opinon of the set.

Websters Dictionary- Astonishing (surprise greatly,fill with wonder,amaze) Just the word used by one of the owners of the 42PZ77U who posted on this thread regarding the picture quality of the set.

Man, I'm dying. I want the 42z77u so bad but can't foot the 1399 from sears. I also don't want to open up a card just for the purchase. None of the CC's or BB's near me will price match +10% difference either.

I finally know what I want and now I can't get it. If anyone near Brick, NJ knows a Sears, BB, CC rep who can get me this TV for 1299 or so, please PM me!

It's here! I'm all set up except for my antenna (will have to play with it to get it working well). Xbox 360 looks awesome. The DVD upconversion looks really good. I'm planning to take some pictures tonight and will give more detailed impressons then.

SSpectre, i understand you get dish network, Do you have a settop box that HD?

It's here! I'm all set up except for my antenna (will have to play with it to get it working well). Xbox 360 looks awesome. The DVD upconversion looks really good. I'm planning to take some pictures tonight and will give more detailed impressons then.

SSpectre,

What size did you get?

Do you mind measuring from the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the plasma screen? How much room is there for a center to sit in front of the plasma?

Also, what is the width and depth of the stand's footprint?

SSpectre, i understand you get dish network, Do you have a settop box that HD?

Unfortunately, no I don't because the Dish is through AT&T Home Entertainment (apartment complex) and they only offer 6 HD channels for $10 a month. I am setting up an antenna for the locals, however.

SSpectre,

What size did you get?

Do you mind measuring from the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the plasma screen? How much room is there for a center to sit in front of the plasma?

Also, what is the width and depth of the stand's footprint?

It's a 42". From the bottom of the stand to the bottom of the screen is 4 7/8". The stand itself is about 26 1/4" wide and 11 3/4" deep (in a somewhat ovular shape). The stand sticks out in front of the TV almost 5".

SSpectre,

How are you connecting your X360 to the 42?

SSpectre,

How are you connecting your X360 to the 42?

HDMI.

For reference, I have my Wii hooked up to component and my PS2 hooked up to composite (looking into getting a component cable for it).

SSpectre, You have purchased a1080pHD set To get the benefits of that or even the benefits of 1080i you have to have a HDbox connection. Im sure you must be aware of that. The problem is you will not be able to receive HD 1080i 1080p or 720p or maybe not even DTV. Ok not my business.

That's what the antenna's for (until we get out this apartment). I'm not paying $10 a month for 6 channels (two of which I would actually watch). The antenna allows me to get all the locals in HD. So I've got CBS and ABC for college football, and Fox for House. The only channels of the 6 I would miss are ESPN and Discovery HD (which I know is quite possibly the best HD channel on TV, but I don't feel that I should have to pay $10 a month for those 2 channels and 4 others).

First picture (yes I know, this was the most thrilling HD material I could find at the moment. All the picture settings are at 0 for now.

http://lh4.google.com/scoot241/RxlZLMQawkI/AAAAAAAABYI/WuCYWxWIi8E/s800/PA190040.JPG

That's what the antenna's for (until we get out this apartment). I'm not paying $10 a month for 6 channels (two of which I would actually watch). The antenna allows me to get all the locals in HD. So I've got CBS and ABC for college football, and Fox for House. The only channels of the 6 I would miss are ESPN and Discovery HD (which I know is quite possibly the best HD channel on TV, but I don't feel that I should have to pay $10 a month for those 2 channels and 4 others).

Direct TV currently has at least 50 HD channels for 10 dollars a month

looks great plenty bright enough congradulations

Anybody know the Panasonic web site well enough to dig up an owner's manual?

http://service.us.panasonic.com/operman/

Weetoots

I am sorry to say my TV just blew. It started to turn on and poof clicks right back off after a split second of audio. No picture just a blinking red light. Power supply??

I have had it 23 days just got it broke in. Now it goes back :(

Direct TV currently has at least 50 HD channels for 10 dollars a month

Apartment's balcony doesn't face the correct way to get my own dish. This is the best I can do for now.

At least you haven't been fighting 25 months with the city to cut down 2 trees. I can't get SAT service because of them still sitting on my property.

Anyway....anyone think the new Aria2 calibration DVD would be worthwhile for my 50PZ77U?

Anyway....anyone think the new Aria2 calibration DVD would be worthwhile for my 50PZ77U?

I used Avia (the original) on my dad's 50PX600U and it looks great. I'm seriously considering getting Avia2 for myself to use after the break-in.

HELLLLLPP! I was at CC y'day and orderd the 50" 700U for Monday delivery. 100% yes or no? Should I go back there and switch to the Z77? Their website has the 77 same price as I negotiated for 700.

Bottom line which is better TV?

HELLLLLPP! I was at CC y'day and orderd the 50" 700U for Monday delivery. 100% yes or no? Should I go back there and switch to the Z77? Their website has the 77 same price as I negotiated for 700.

Bottom line which is better TV?

Neither TV is "better". They're both 1080p, etc. The biggest difference is the 77U has the anti-reflective coating on it, making the screen itself less glossy. The 700U does not have this coating, and the screen looks like clear glass.

STIX2, is the set still turning on & off. could have been some kind of power surge.

sorry for the repeated question I'm sure.

How do I check the hours on the tv. I've searched this forum many times and everything I find gives a link to another forum that is not working. If anyone could help I'd appreciate it.

Anyone have any pics of this set (it doesn't matter if it is the 42" or 50") with a 360 running or would care to take some pics? I'm looking into upgrading this fall...

sorry for the repeated question I'm sure.

How do I check the hours on the tv. I've searched this forum many times and everything I find gives a link to another forum that is not working. If anyone could help I'd appreciate it.The procedure is posted in the Official PZ700U/PZ750U Thread stickied at the top of the Plasma Forum's first page and it's a little involved.

But be very careful, you're going into the Service Menu and some people have gone in to check their hours and when they exited, the TV's picture quality was suddenly worse and they couldn't get it back to where it was before. Are you really that curious about the hours? Maybe you should just do an educated estimation based on your viewing habits.

STIX2, is the set still turning on & off. could have been some kind of power surge.

The TV will just power up then turn off stay off and blinking red light. I took it back to CC and they did an awesome job. The PM sears with a refund rebuy and that knocked it down another $150 and for my troubles they threw in a 3 year service plan for free!!!!

Covers everything even burn in!!! I am truly blown away they wanted to keep me as a customer :)

Price came in under the sears advertised price with 3 year service contract WOW!!!!

Anyone have any pics of this set (it doesn't matter if it is the 42" or 50") with a 360 running or would care to take some pics? I'm looking into upgrading this fall...

I'll be doing this sometime soon, playing Halo 3 and a couple of demos probably.

I'll be doing this sometime soon, playing Halo 3 and a couple of demos probably.

Thanks! Can't wait :)

I decided to get the 42PZ77 and followed a similar path to YYZ's. I went to my local Sears today and they had none in stock, but agreed to order one at the sale price even though the sale ends on 10-20.


The problem I had was that I couldn't find a Sears around here who could even confirm that they sell this model. Went I first heard about the great Sears price on the forum (weeks ago) I went to my local store and had no luck there, so I called three other nearby stores and still couldn't get in touch with anyone who had heard of it. I didn't think I could get a raincheck on something they claimed they don't sell.

I already had the set scheduled for delivery on 10/4 from BB so I decided to go ahead and proceed with that instead of continuing my fruitless efforts with Sears. And now, a couple weeks later, there is the set on the Sears website. :mad: I also should note that I had no tv at the time so I was in a bit of a hurry to get a new one.

So now I'm left with the hope that BB will lower the price over the next several week so I might be able to get a refund that comes close to the Sears deal.

No regrets at all going with the 42pz77u though. Great PQ and I can watch it comfortably during the day in my sunny living room.

Stix2, what was the model you returned?

My daughters 42PZ77U was delivered and set up today. I went over and checked it out shes just getting use to the control/manual. The hd channels were beautiful, the cable channels were very good and the SD channels better than i expected. The set was preset to vivid, I made her change it to standard and it still looked great. I was only able to stay for a short while. I saw no evidence of a dull picture or a matte experience from the anti-glare filter.As a matter of fact i dont think anyone whould know there was a filter if they didnt know about the specs. her living room has four windows and i saw no glare at all. The colors were vibrant. Now im gonna have to give up my 37panny ED plasma that ive had for 3 years that i thought was exellent and get the 42pz77u when icatch it on sale even though i dont have that much room. As i say i didnt watch the set to long but my first impression was wow panny has a real winner. Just think if you wait till after xmas you might get if for 1000. Anbody can tell me how you can spot stuck pixels?

Ok, so I bit the bullet last night and picked up the 42" TV at Sears while it was still cheap. So far I have been very impressed. It certainly does a good job with glare in the bedroom (although it's not absolutely eliminated with the afternoon sun directly on it) but good enough for the junk we'd watch before the sun goes down anyway.

Once the sun goes down, wow. It's a really nice picture (even compared to my 60" Sony WEGA rear projection in the basement). I haven't had a chance to play with the settings much but have found Custom to be a good start. Has anyone in here used a calibration DVD or something else to get good settings? I'd love to hear suggestions, thanks!

Ok, so I bit the bullet last night and picked up the 42" TV at Sears while it was still cheap. So far I have been very impressed. It certainly does a good job with glare in the bedroom (although it's not absolutely eliminated with the afternoon sun directly on it) but good enough for the junk we'd watch before the sun goes down anyway.

Once the sun goes down, wow. It's a really nice picture (even compared to my 60" Sony WEGA rear projection in the basement). I haven't had a chance to play with the settings much but have found Custom to be a good start. Has anyone in here used a calibration DVD or something else to get good settings? I'd love to hear suggestions, thanks!

I just ordered Avia 2. I'll post some settings here once I go through it. I also have a window that shines in the direction of the TV. Unlike my old TV, I can't really even tell with the PZ77U.

My 42PZ700U just arrived. I have it hooked up to HD cable box from Comcast.
:D
Man, I have been watching college football all Saturday and I can say this TV is 100% worth the money. I have no glare issues and the color/motion is perfect.

Honestly, no ones is going to notice a glare problem unless you are watching this Plasma outside on a sunny day. People are over analysis the glare issue. Just stop. I have a very bright room and I don't notice any issues.

Second, I do highly suggest the 1080P. Its worth the extra cost. I know all of the 720pers want you to buy a 720p TV to make themselves feel better, but seriously the 1080P is the best option. It display 720p and 1080i in native resolution. Smooth motion and great pictures.

PS The resolution is so sharp, I noticed the Florida cheerleaders should shave their legs better.

Lastly, I spent many months looking at Plasma and reading AVS and I found the Panasonic to be the best TV.

Does anyone have a one of these paired with a HD cable box/Moxi DVR (mine is a all-in-one unit supplied by Charter)? I can't find a code that will operate the Moxi for the supplied Panny remote. Thanks.

Stix2, what was the model you returned?

42pz77u I was gonna get the 700U but the glare was killing me again in the store. The glare drives me nuts. Takes alot away from the PQ as it washes the blacks to grey.

So I got the PZ77U again. Simply the better buy for me.

I have watched my Boston Bruins and Boston Red Sox in HD today WOW!!! I am glad I went with the 50' and the PZ77U!!! This TV is so nice!!! Patriots tomorrow!! :)

Any plans for a 58" pz77u?

stix2, what does stuck pixes look like, could you describe the problem in simple terms. I dont know if i would reqinize one if saw one.

Rhino5167, I see your as happy as i am, there is nothing you can say is bad about this set. And yes great price the biggest value of the year.

Yes, it is designed to adhere to HDMI 1.3.

Or are you actually interested in some features available in HDMI 1.3? This TV does not support DeepColor or extended gamut color spaces (xvYCC), which are features commonly advertised as "hdmi 1.3".


what is the point of it even being 1.3 compliant?

also just looked at this set on the crutchfield site and noticed in the specs it said only 1080i from componant. Any truth to this, also the 160 deg fov....

stix2, what does stuck pixes look like, could you describe the problem in simple terms. I dont know if i would reqinize one if saw one.

Easiest way is to download the break in cd/dvd from

AVS Forum > Display Devices > Flat Panel General & New FP Tech > Download Break In DVD (SVCD) (I'm not allowed to post links yet)

and look for a pixel that is not the same as the others when you play the disc.

I have the 50pz77u and exchanging it: I have a 12" vertical green line 1 pixel wide on the right of my screen. I do not notice but I know it's there.

My 42PZ700U just arrived.....Honestly, no ones is going to notice a glare problem unless you are watching this Plasma outside on a sunny day. People are over analysis the glare issue. Just stop. I have a very bright room and I don't notice any issues.Psssst - you're in the wrong thread, this thread is for the PZ77U model with the Anti-Glare screen. The thread you want is the PZ700U thread here:

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=843093&page=181

But you really shouldn't tell people to stop worrying about glare because it is probably the biggest problem with watching a plasma TV, and is the biggest reason to choose a PZ77U over a PZ700U. I also have a PZ700U in a bright room and sometimes i have to redirect or diffuse the light with my mini-blinds or even close them all the way if the sunlight gets to be too much, and it is these times where the PZ77U would be much more watchable.

A couple of pictures from the Kentucky/Florida game... more pics to come (including Xbox 360)!

Shot of (pretty much) the whole setup. Yes, that's the antenna on the top left of the TV. For some reason, it works best in that position.
http://lh5.google.com/scoot241/RxuWc8QawlI/AAAAAAAABYQ/RwOCgRdGlcI/s800/PA200049.JPG

Closer up:
http://lh6.google.com/scoot241/RxuWdMQawmI/AAAAAAAABYY/3vYAiZNgD0k/s800/PA200048.JPG

You can see the reflection of the window in the piano black frame, but it has no effect on the picture quality.