I was talking with a sales manager at Magnolia about the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U. Just making small talk about the One-Panel design since he also saw it at CES. I told him to expect to see me again around April to possibly purchase one. His response was....April? Come see me at the end of February. According to him, a Panasonic rep he spoke with last week told him they should start receiving small quantity shipments at the end of February. I was cautious about getting excited at first but since the TH-50PZ700U supply is pretty much depleted I figured Panasonic would not stop manufacturing the TH-50PZ700U without a replacement for 2 months. Hopefully this Panasonic rep knows what he is talking about.

I'll believe it when I see it, but that would be great! This is the set I want, and the worst part about that is I was going to have to wait 3 or 4 months. Now if it's only a month or so away, it'll be a bit easier to wait! :)

I'll be buying my set from Sears probably, so hopefully they're one of the stores that can get them somewhat early...

Sounds about right. Late February/early March wouldn't be surprising for a limited amount to start making their way into the retail scene.

so they might be one pane of glass then?

I was talking with a sales manager at Magnolia about the Panasonic TH-50PZ800U. Just making small talk about the One-Panel design since he also saw it at CES. I told him to expect to see me again around April to possibly purchase one. His response was....April? Come see me at the end of February. According to him, a Panasonic rep he spoke with last week told him they should start receiving small quantity shipments at the end of February. I was cautious about getting excited at first but since the TH-50PZ700U supply is pretty much depleted I figured Panasonic would not stop manufacturing the TH-50PZ700U without a replacement for 2 months. Hopefully this Panasonic rep knows what he is talking about.And hopefully the salesman isn't making things up. Factory reps are often full of crap and don't actually know what they're talking about, and of course nobody in their right mind would believe a salesman since most of em are also full of crap.

Panasonic has always released their consumer models no sooner than late April so unless they're changing their ways for the first time in history, i wouldn't count on the new models being out a few months earlier than normal.

During the 2005 model year, Panasonic did stop making plasmas before the new ones were released and for those last few months you practically couldn't find a PX50U anywhere, but i think it was because they were OEM'ing glass to HP and others and ran out of raw materials sooner than expected and couldn't make any more glass for themselves, and high demand caused their supplies to dry up. And the new fab plant wasn't up and running yet so they had less capacity than they do now.

so they might be one pane of glass then?I don't think so, from what i can ascertain the one piece of glass design is actually just a single sheet of glass facia instead of the traditional plastic bezel surround, a-la the old PX500U. It doesn't look like it's going to be an actual single layer of glass like Pioneer's system, but i could be wrong. Nobody seems to actually know for sure . . . .

i just want them to change their design from the 07 line up. cuz from an angle you actually saw two images!

so they might be one pane of glass then?
Can someone explain the "one sheet or pane of glass design" and how that differs from the 2007 models? Are most plasmas made up of multiple panes?
Thanks

Can someone explain the "one sheet or pane of glass design" and how that differs from the 2007 models? Are most plasmas made up of multiple panes?
ThanksIt's cosmetic. If you were looking at the panel from an angle, the entire front screen would be flush from one side to the other. It has nothing to do with the panel tech.

need 3 posts before i can add links...

#2

#3..sorry ppl

Office Depot is reputable. I think their pricing is more realistic.

- Rich

over 3 grand seems like a lot for 50inches.

over 3 grand seems like a lot for 50inches.

Way too much.... :cool:

yeah i am sure amazon will have a sale price once it is available. i am waiting for the 58 800 model

I don't knw about the end of february. I bet he was thinking of the 50pz85u because that is already in the system but no units have gotten shipped out to warehouses yet. It usually takes 3-4 weeks from when the new model pops into the system before it actually is in stores.

I asked about them today at Circuit City, the rep went and asked his manager and replied late March if not early April. Wait and see I guess

I agree.......then will take till june to be in full force.........

You should expect the PZ80/PZ85/PZ800 around mid March.

Chris

any word yet on the 58 inch? or is it still slated for fall?

I think all the 700U will be late. Especially the 58PZ800U. If we look at last year they were late.......

Funny, just got back from best and I asked them about the new ones. Sales rep pulled out the display cards for them but they did not have prices on them! So I asked about time frame, he said "this week the 7's will start some clearance deals, and the 8's will hit the wall by second week of March.

Then he said take a look at the website, a few have been loaded there. They do have a few up

I don't see the PZ800U on Panasonic's website. How does it differ from the PZ80U and PZ85U?

same question as him ^^^

I don't see the PZ800U on Panasonic's website. How does it differ from the PZ80U and PZ85U?

PZ80U:
50" HD 1080p Plasma with New AR(Anti-Reflective)Filter,16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1920x1080 pixels, 900 lines or more of Moving Picture Resolution, Native 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 4,096 equivalent Shades of Graduation, Aspect Control(4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill), Progressive Scan, 480 Hz sub-field drive, Deep color, x.v. Color, Video Noise Reduction, 3D Digital Comb filter, 3D color Management, Sub Pixel Control, Motion Pattern Noise Reduction, Digital Cinema Reality, Speakers(20Wx2), Surround Sound, Intergrated ATSC Tuner, SD Memory Card Slot, 3 HDMI Inputs, 2 Analog Audio inputs(for HDMI), 2 Composite Video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Video), 2 Component inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Component Video), 1 Composite Video output, 1 Analog and Digital output,VIERA Link, Game Mode,Pixel Shifter, Trilingual Menu(English/Spanish/French),V-Chip Program Lock Out, Built-in Closed Caption Decoder, Off Timers, Video Label Input, Video Picture Memory

PZ85U:
50" HD 1080p Plasma with New AR(Anti-Reflective)Filter,16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1920x1080 pixels, 900 lines or more of Moving Picture Resolution, Native 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 4,096 equivalent Shades of Graduation, Aspect Control(4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill for TV/AV modes 4:3, Full for PC mode), Progressive Scan, 480 Hz sub-field drive, Deep color, x.v. Color, Video Noise Reduction, 3D Digital Comb filter, 3D color Management, Sub Pixel Control, Motion Pattern Noise Reduction, Digital Cinema Reality, Speakers(20Wx2), Surround Sound, Intergrated ATSC Tuner, SD Memory Card Slot, 3 HDMI Inputs, 2 Analog Audio inputs(for HDMI), 2 Composite Video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Video), PC Input, Audio input(for PC), 2 Component inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Component Video), 1 Composite Video output, 1 Analog and Digital output,VIERA Link, Game Mode,Pixel Shifter, Trilingual Menu(English/Spanish/French),V-Chip Program Lock Out, Built-in Closed Caption Decoder, Off Timers, Video Label Input, Video Picture Memory

PZ800U:
50" HD 1080p Plasma with New AR(Anti-Reflective)Filter,16:9 Aspect Ratio, 1920x1080 pixels, 900 lines or more of Moving Picture Resolution, Native 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio, 5,120 equivalent Shades of Graduation, Aspect Control(4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill for TV/AV modes 4:3, Full for PC mode), Progressive Scan, 480 Hz sub-field drive, 24p Playback, Deep color, x.v. Color, THX Mode, Video Noise Reduction, 3D Digital Comb filter, 3D color Management, Sub Pixel Control, Motion Pattern Noise Reduction, Digital Cinema Reality, Speakers(31Wx4), BBE ViVA HD3D Sound, Surround Sound, Intergrated ATSC Tuner, SD Memory Card Slot, 4 HDMI Inputs, 2 Analog Audio inputs(for HDMI), 2 Composite Video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Video), PC Input, Audio input(for PC), 2 Component inputs, 2 Audio inputs(for Component Video), 1 Composite Video output, 1 Analog and Digital output,VIERA Link, Game Mode,Pixel Shifter, Trilingual Menu(English/Spanish/French),V-Chip Program Lock Out, Built-in Closed Caption Decoder, Off Timers, Video Label Input, Video Picture Memory

creemail, Are you sure the differences between the PZ80 & PZ85 are correct?

Because the only difference I see giving it a quick look is that the PZ85 has a PC Input & I thought the really big difference between the two was going to be that the PZ85 had a Contrast Ratio of 30,000:1 like the PZ800/850 & the EZ80 Contrast Ratio was only 20,00:1?

The PZ800us show an in-stock date of early May for Best Buy. I've had a rep also tell me that late April is when to really expect them. Apparently Panasonic is doing a month by month rollout, with the PX80s in Feb, the PZ85 in March, the PZ80s in April, and the PZ800s in May, and then the 850s "around August".

^^^^ it will be a while for the 800U. 850U a while longer.

The PZ800us show an in-stock date of early May for Best Buy. I've had a rep also tell me that late April is when to really expect them. Apparently Panasonic is doing a month by month rollout, with the PX80s in Feb, the PZ85 in March, the PZ80s in April, and the PZ800s in May, and then the 850s "around August".

Panasonic says spring for the 850 - late summer seems wrong - perhaps your rep is thinking of 58" and 65" models.

creemail, Are you sure the differences between the PZ80 & PZ85 are correct?

Because the only difference I see giving it a quick look is that the PZ85 has a PC Input & I thought the really big difference between the two was going to be that the PZ85 had a Contrast Ratio of 30,000:1 like the PZ800/850 & the EZ80 Contrast Ratio was only 20,00:1?

Yep. Taken from the manufacturer...

Chris

Panasonic says spring for the 850 - late summer seems wrong - perhaps your rep is thinking of 58" and 65" models.

It's possible, I'm not discounting anything right now. What I am discounting is the odds of seeing an 800 before the end of April.

PZ80U:
Native 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio

PZ85U:
Native 20,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio

PZ800U:
5 Native 30,000:1 Contrast Ratio, Dynamic 1,000,000:1 Contrast Ratio,

If that's true, I'm gonna get grumpy. Panasonic's website claims the 85 has 30000:1...

http://www2.panasonic.com/consumer-electronics/shop/Televisions/Plasma-HDTVs/model.TH-46PZ85U_11002_7000000000000005702

Yep. Taken from the manufacturer...

Chris

creemail, what is the source of that info you posted on the 85u?

....because the original press release and also the specs currently showing on the panny website list the CR as 30000:1 and NOT 20000:1 (like the 80u).

If that's true, I'm gonna get grumpy. Panasonic's website claims the 85 has 30000:1...


+1

I'd be pissed too if panny pulled another 77u CR "now-you-see-me-now-you-don't" stunt on us :)

creemail, what is the source of that info you posted on the 85u?

....because the original press release and also the specs currently showing on the panny website list the CR as 30000:1 and NOT 20000:1 (like the 80u).



+1

I'd be pissed too if panny pulled another 77u CR "now-you-see-me-now-you-don't" stunt on us :)
I think I'd refuse delivery on the display. As Bill points out there'd be no discernible difference between the pz80 and pz85.

I think I'd refuse delivery on the display. As Bill points out there'd be no discernible difference between the pz80 and pz85.

Another thing I just noticed is that in Creemail's spec listings the pz80 and pz85 don't have the 24p playback listed it is only listed for the pz800. But if you go to Panansonic website as if you are going to buy a tv the specs list both the pz80 and pz85 have the 24p playback.

This is getting interesting!!! What are the real specs!!!

I called Panasonic's concierge service and confirmed the pz85U is 30k to 1.

I called Panasonic's concierge service and confirmed the pz85U is 30k to 1.

What about the 24p discrepancy? Did you ask about that also?

What about the 24p discrepancy? Did you ask about that also?

Sorry I did not.
The working report from the owner's manual for the 85 series is that a 24p is supported but only via a 3:2 conversion. The 800 series will have the option of 24p @ 48Hz. This information is from the main 2008 thread:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13162822#post13162822

I should note there is controversy brewing on this here:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13340187#post13340187

The comprehensive overview of the new line on Amazon's site (I can't post yet, so just google "50PZ800U" and the Amazon page is one of the first linksw) also ends up having conflicting info about the native 24p display feature. The text section titled "24p native reproduction" says that the 85, 800 & 850 models will all have it, but the comparison chart at the very bottom only shows it for the 800 & 850 lines.

Note to all that you need a Blu-ray player capable of outputting in direct 24p mode as well, which only a few support. My plan is to get the panasonic 30 series BD player (which can send native 24p) and the least expensive of the 85U or 800U that really supports the playback of 24p. I believe that they myst adjust the refresh rate to 72Hz for 24p playback and show each frame 3 times, as opposed to the 2/3 conversion that they do to convert to 60hz.

If I can fnd a Panasonic rep to clear up the descrepancy I'll post again.

The comprehensive overview of the new line on Amazon's site (I can't post yet, so just google "50PZ800U" and the Amazon page is one of the first linksw) also ends up having conflicting info about the native 24p display feature. The text section titled "24p native reproduction" says that the 85, 800 & 850 models will all have it, but the comparison chart at the very bottom only shows it for the 800 & 850 lines.

Note to all that you need a Blu-ray player capable of outputting in direct 24p mode as well, which only a few support. My plan is to get the panasonic 30 series BD player (which can send native 24p) and the least expensive of the 85U or 800U that really supports the playback of 24p. I believe that they myst adjust the refresh rate to 72Hz for 24p playback and show each frame 3 times, as opposed to the 2/3 conversion that they do to convert to 60hz.

If I can fnd a Panasonic rep to clear up the descrepancy I'll post again.

After many attempts and problems with semantics and terminology with Panasonic sales, concierge and finally technical support people, I pointed out the same apparent discrepancy yesterday.

The Panasonic people kept saying all the models had "24p native resolution"
as shown on its website. It was only when I mentioned "Normal 2:3 Processing" versus "24p Cinematic Playback" on the features and benefits advertisement that it was confirmed that the PZ800 and PZ850 models have the latter; the models up through the PZ85 have the 2:3 pulldown.

As I've posted before, I sure don't know if this makes a difference in "real life" cable HDTV watching or only with a Blu-Ray. Whether I can actually see a difference is a factor in chosing the the 50PZ85u now or waiting for a 46PZ800u (should be about the same price).

I attempted to buy a TH-50PZ800U from Amazon today. I didn't follow through with the final purchase, because I'm not sure I want to buy something like this from Amazon, but here's the shipping window they gave me:

"Estimated ship date for this item: April 4, 2008 - April 21, 2008"

I presume they don't even have them in stock yet. But still, it answers my question of "when will they be available". Now the only question (since I'm definitely getting one) is: Should I wait?

Amazon is offering it at MSRP $3199, (with free shipping) which is fine, but one thing I noticed is that there was another website selling it for ~$2900 including shipping.

This vendor didn't look as reputable to me, but I wonder if this is an indication of a coming price war. Should we hold off on pre-orders and wait for the websites to start dropping down into the mid-2500's? Or is this a special pre-order price on Amazon? Why are they one of only only two websites selling it already? Will the price go up after Best Buy is charging $4K for in-store purchase? Quite a dilemna...

I'm very tempted to pull the trigger...

Has anyone else bought from Amazon yet? Or found another vendor willing to commit to a ship date?

EDIT: Ok, I just found it on Bright & Sleek for $2500 including shipping... $700 off MSRP. Is this a reliable vendor??? They claim it will be "available to ship in 3-4 weeks", which is consistent with Amazon...

Man, if these guys are legit, I'm not sure I can resist this deal. Anyone know?

Patience .. must resist urge to click "buy"!

The comprehensive overview of the new line on Amazon's site (I can't post yet, so just google "50PZ800U" and the Amazon page is one of the first linksw) also ends up having conflicting info about the native 24p display feature. The text section titled "24p native reproduction" says that the 85, 800 & 850 models will all have it, but the comparison chart at the very bottom only shows it for the 800 & 850 lines.

Note to all that you need a Blu-ray player capable of outputting in direct 24p mode as well, which only a few support. My plan is to get the panasonic 30 series BD player (which can send native 24p) and the least expensive of the 85U or 800U that really supports the playback of 24p. I believe that they myst adjust the refresh rate to 72Hz for 24p playback and show each frame 3 times, as opposed to the 2/3 conversion that they do to convert to 60hz.

If I can fnd a Panasonic rep to clear up the descrepancy I'll post again.

sbratt, this has been extensively discussed over in the main 2008 panny thread, and mainline has summed it up correctly.

mainline, so far it appears that it will only apply for 1080p24 sources (which means blu-ray and not cable HDTV which is 1080i) since the name of the feature is "24p cinematic playback". i think there is a very rare chance that it may help in correctly IVTC'ing 1080p24 material out of 1080i stream (the 3:2 pulldown-removal 1080i film tests that the pio 5080 processor passes) which would help for film based 1080i material from cable TV. you are right in that the difference between the two is going to depend on the individual since we are already so used to judder from the uneven 3:2 frame repeat (it being the only thing available on 60Hz displays so far).

I attempted to buy a TH-50PZ800U from Amazon today. I didn't follow through with the final purchase, because I'm not sure I want to buy something like this from Amazon, but here's the shipping window they gave me:

"Estimated ship date for this item: April 4, 2008 - April 21, 2008"

I presume they don't even have them in stock yet. But still, it answers my question of "when will they be available". Now the only question (since I'm definitely getting one) is: Should I wait?

Amazon is offering it at MSRP $3199, (with free shipping) which is fine, but one thing I noticed is that there was another website selling it for ~$2900 including shipping.

This vendor didn't look as reputable to me, but I wonder if this is an indication of a coming price war. Should we hold off on pre-orders and wait for the websites to start dropping down into the mid-2500's? Or is this a special pre-order price on Amazon? Why are they one of only only two websites selling it already? Will the price go up after Best Buy is charging $4K for in-store purchase? Quite a dilemna...

I'm very tempted to pull the trigger...

Has anyone else bought from Amazon yet? Or found another vendor willing to commit to a ship date?

EDIT: Ok, I just found it on Bright & Sleek for $2500 including shipping... $700 off MSRP. Is this a reliable vendor??? They claim it will be "available to ship in 3-4 weeks", which is consistent with Amazon...

Man, if these guys are legit, I'm not sure I can resist this deal. Anyone know?

Patience .. must resist urge to click "buy"!

check bright and sleek on resellerratings.com and other ratings sites...they do not favor well. try one of the forum sponsors (see the links at the top of this page), at least one has a really great price on the 800u....

i think the prices will drop further from the MSRP that amazon lists now, they will not go up. 800s are expected in very soon (maybe this week) as per cleveland plasma in the 80/85 owners thread...

I attempted to buy a TH-50PZ800U from Amazon today. I didn't follow through with the final purchase, because I'm not sure I want to buy something like this from Amazon, but here's the shipping window they gave me:

"Estimated ship date for this item: April 4, 2008 - April 21, 2008"

I presume they don't even have them in stock yet. But still, it answers my question of "when will they be available". Now the only question (since I'm definitely getting one) is: Should I wait?

Amazon is offering it at MSRP $3199, (with free shipping) which is fine, but one thing I noticed is that there was another website selling it for ~$2900 including shipping.

This vendor didn't look as reputable to me, but I wonder if this is an indication of a coming price war. Should we hold off on pre-orders and wait for the websites to start dropping down into the mid-2500's? Or is this a special pre-order price on Amazon? Why are they one of only only two websites selling it already? Will the price go up after Best Buy is charging $4K for in-store purchase? Quite a dilemna...

I'm very tempted to pull the trigger...

Has anyone else bought from Amazon yet? Or found another vendor willing to commit to a ship date?

EDIT: Ok, I just found it on Bright & Sleek for $2500 including shipping... $700 off MSRP. Is this a reliable vendor??? They claim it will be "available to ship in 3-4 weeks", which is consistent with Amazon...

Man, if these guys are legit, I'm not sure I can resist this deal. Anyone know?

Patience .. must resist urge to click "buy"!
Wow, thats expensive. Sometimes Amazon is not all it is cracked up to be. When getting in a perorder situation make sure they do not charge your card till it ships and make sure you can back out at anytime. (That is what we do.)

I would give Chris a call or send him a private email because he sent me a good price on the TH-50PZ800U delivered & it was a "Lot Lower" than that Amazon price.

Yes, it's expensive, but they are one of only three vendors I could find who are listing the model on their site for sale. I imagine that will get them quite a few buys. Any ETA on Cleveland Plasma listing the 50" 800U? :)

Yes, it's expensive, but they are one of only three vendors I could find who are listing the model on their site for sale. I imagine that will get them quite a few buys. Any ETA on Cleveland Plasma listing the 50" 800U? :)

ETA will be in April.

Chris

Yes, it's expensive, but they are one of only three vendors I could find who are listing the model on their site for sale. I imagine that will get them quite a few buys. Any ETA on Cleveland Plasma listing the 50" 800U? :)

It's listed on his site now under "coming models." I am very encouraged seeing the difference between it and the 85U!!

All,

Cleveland Plasma now has this on their active site at a HUGE savings, even with shipping. Amazon also just dropped it by $400.00, so I'm guessing that they finally hit the street and the price from panasonic ended up being lower than forcasts!

A year later and I am ooking for one of these 800U... Any advice?

A year later and I am looking for one of these 800U... Any advice?What kind of advice do you want? What size? If you're looking for a 42" or 50" i'd get a new G10 instead :) These sizes of PZ800U are getting scarce.

A year later and I am ooking for one of these 800U... Any advice?

They are discontinued in place of the 50G10.

Chris

A year later and I am ooking for one of these 800U... Any advice?

At this time Newegg has the 50800u (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16889187091), but got to agree with creemail and RandyWalters, the new 50G10.

I still see stock on Amazon.

I still see stock on Amazon.

Its not being sold by big river, its available fromtwo different sellers (http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B00142JKSG/ref=dp_olp_0?ie=UTF8&condition=all)that sells throught big river.