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New Panasonic THX Certified 42PZ800U, 46PZ800U, and 50PZ800U Thread!

1M views 8K replies 980 participants last post by  vando45 
#1 ·
I'm so tired of waiting for them checking the stores and not seeing them.

Let's discuss them while waiting for them to show up in stores.

I'm probably going to buy the 42PZ800U for my bedroom as I only have a 5 foot viewing distance, it would be perfect. I'm also going to get a bluray player and probably a 4 year service plan on the Plasma.

I only wish I had something like a Onkyo 605 to go along with it, but unfortunately I have an Onkyo 504 which is 7.1, but only TRUE 6.1.
 
#153 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdreuben /forum/post/13596071


I guess I'm getting confused by the whole Viera thing. What is it's purpose?

Are you speaking of Viera Link? That is no more than HDMI-CEC. Any HDMI-CEC device will work with Viera Link.
 
#155 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by mdreuben /forum/post/13595253


As long as we don't have our plasma's yet, we might as well figure out what receiver to match to it.


My room isn't large - the viewing distance is about 8 feet from the screen and I've got a set of Klipsch Cinema 8 speakers with subwoofer


I'm uncertain as to how the Viera system works. Most of my viewing is from a TIVO HD and a DVD (soon to be Blu-Ray) player.


Thanks!

The Viera link only works with compatible Panny devices and I think Onkyo on these new models.
 
#156 ·
Just got back from my local dealer.


He got on his system and he told me the 46PZ800 is due to be released sometime in May...and that the 50PZ800 is due in June.


I'm really starting to question if I want to get the 50PZ85 now....and take advantage of the $200 rebate....or wait until late May or early June for the 50PZ800.


I was hoping the 50PZ800 would become available in late April...but that doesn't sound likely.
 
#157 ·
They have the 800 series now listed on the Futureshop computers here in Canada, MSRP is $500 more than the Z85 series (can't order it yet though). Usually it's only 3 to 4 weeks away once the set is listed. Just picked up a Z85, but am watching to see when this comes out ... 30 day clock is ticking!
 
#158 ·
In addition, I received the following response today from Panasonic when I e-mailed to ask them about the release date of the 50PZ800:


"Thank you for your inquiry. The TH50PZ800 is scheduled to be released in

Summer of 2008. Thank you for your interest in Panasonic products.


Thank You,

Panasonic Consumer Support"



Quote:
Originally Posted by tts42572 /forum/post/13601366


Just got back from my local dealer.


He got on his system and he told me the 46PZ800 is due to be released sometime in May...and that the 50PZ800 is due in June.


I'm really starting to question if I want to get the 50PZ85 now....and take advantage of the $200 rebate....or wait until late May or early June for the 50PZ800.


I was hoping the 50PZ800 would become available in late April...but that doesn't sound likely.
 
#159 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by tts42572 /forum/post/13601366


Just got back from my local dealer.


He got on his system and he told me the 46PZ800 is due to be released sometime in May...and that the 50PZ800 is due in June.


I'm really starting to question if I want to get the 50PZ85 now....and take advantage of the $200 rebate....or wait until late May or early June for the 50PZ800.


I was hoping the 50PZ800 would become available in late April...but that doesn't sound likely.

I sure hope this is not true
this wait has gone on too long already...85u is calling me.....
 
#161 ·
I'm thinking the same....but....


I really want the 800U for some reason. I happen to like the silver trim....and I want the better sound. Plus, I'm sorta intrigued by the "one-sheet" design. And really, I'm not in a big hurry so wouldn't kill me to wait. My 27 inch CRT is still working fine



The 85U is tempting me though. I spent alot of time checking out a 50PZ85U at my dealer last night and honestly, I think that set would be perfectly fine for me. Just sorta had my heart set on the 800U.....


Also have thoughts about a Sony 52XBR4 creeping back in my head as I've seen that below 3K at a few places.


Just wish Panny would get their act together and start chugging out those sets. People are gonna start getting those tax rebates over the next month or two so you'd think Panny would want their products out there....


Quote:
Originally Posted by dontbugme /forum/post/13606076


I know how you feel, I'm on the same boat. If it's not in local stores by 05/01, I'm taking the plunge for the 85U.
 
#162 ·
I have the 50pz800u on order at BigRiver, and it still says expected ship april25-may16


i really hope that Summer 2008 line is just Panasonic hedging their bets... I can't wait that long.


I want the 800u for the 24/p playback, so the 80u/85u just won't cut it. But, I may end up looking elsewhere for a tv if Panny takes longer than the end of April to fulfill my BigRiver purchase
 
#163 ·
Well I'm waiting for the PZ800 like everyone else it's getting harder & harder but I keep telling myself remember your going to have this set for a few years so be patient & get exactly what you want & don't go pulling any triggers unless you already know your going to return an 80/85 for the 800 when it comes out but myself I hate to be making 2 trips over a tv.
 
#164 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by tts42572 /forum/post/13607167


I'm thinking the same....but....


I really want the 800U for some reason. I happen to like the silver trim....and I want the better sound. Plus, I'm sorta intrigued by the "one-sheet" design. And really, I'm not in a big hurry so wouldn't kill me to wait. My 27 inch CRT is still working fine

The problem I have is that my current HDTV is displaying (no pun intended) signs of end-of-life. Specifically, it turns off and on randomly, and has even turned itself on randomly, causing me to unplug it from the wall every night before going to bed. This, coupled by the fact that the 800U seems like it's going to be an amazing set, has me biting my nails waiting for its release. Like you said, though, it does have the improved sound and the one-sheet glass design, so I think it is worth the wait, at least to see it on display in-stores. I'll have to check out the Sony you mentioned...
 
#165 ·
The 800U does look like it's going to be a good looking set. The specs look good...and I think it sorta looks more "classy" with the silver trim and one-sheet design.


I've been on the fence with the Sony XBR4...and I've been reading all the plasma vs lcd threads on AVS. I'm about 75% toward plasma and about 25% toward LCD.


I think my patience is also starting to wear a little thin. I've been researching and waiting for about a year now, and I'm ready to pull the trigger.


So I could get a 50PZ85 or a Sony 52XBR4 right now.....or wait for the Panny 800U.


I may just see if my dealer will let me pre-order the 800U right now so that I can stop thinking about it and then just sit back and relax until it comes.


But then I get enamored with the XBR everytime I walk into a BB or CC.....






Quote:
Originally Posted by dontbugme /forum/post/13607336


The problem I have is that my current HDTV is displaying (no pun intended) signs of end-of-life. Specifically, it turns off and on randomly, and has even turned itself on randomly, causing me to unplug it from the wall every night before going to bed. This, coupled by the fact that the 800U seems like it's going to be an amazing set, has me biting my nails waiting for its release. Like you said, though, it does have the improved sound and the one-sheet glass design, so I think it is worth the wait, at least to see it on display in-stores. I'll have to check out the Sony you mentioned...
 
#166 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by tts42572 /forum/post/13608514


The 800U does look like it's going to be a good looking set. The specs look good...and I think it sorta looks more "classy" with the silver trim and one-sheet design.


I've been on the fence with the Sony XBR4...and I've been reading all the plasma vs lcd threads on AVS. I'm about 75% toward plasma and about 25% toward LCD.


I think my patience is also starting to wear a little thin. I've been researching and waiting for about a year now, and I'm ready to pull the trigger.


So I could get a 50PZ85 or a Sony 52XBR4 right now.....or wait for the Panny 800U.


I may just see if my dealer will let me pre-order the 800U right now so that I can stop thinking about it and then just sit back and relax until it comes.


But then I get enamored with the XBR everytime I walk into a BB or CC.....

If your 75% on Plasma thats good enough, go for it. Get the 800U, I'm most likely going to do the same.
 
#167 ·

Quote:
Originally Posted by Cloudstrife13 /forum/post/13608781


If your 75% on Plasma thats good enough, go for it. Get the 800U, I'm most likely going to do the same.

I agree, I wouldn't really consider an LCD over Plasma at this point, unless the price was ridiculously right - emphasis on ridiculous. Just wait for the 800U and I'm sure you'll be glad you did.
 
#168 ·
I think I'm just gonna get my dealer to pre-order and I'll leave him a deposit.....then I can stop thinking about the whole thing.


I know it probably won't show up until June, but that will give me time to pick out a new TV stand, surround sound system, etc.


My local Panny dealer has offered me what I think is a very fair price for the 50PZ800 (less than $2,500) and has also included delivery, setup, all required cables and an additional 2 year warranty.


He's also offered me a similar deal for the 50PZ85 at about $2,200.


I'm weighing my options....but I'm really in no hurry. I'm more looking for the highest quality set I can get and my budget in about $2,500. So I think I'll probably be happier 6 months from now if I wait and get the 800U because I'll know that I got the best TV my budget would allow.


Stil stinks having to wait though since Panny probably has the 800U's all set and ready to go. They're probably sitting in a warehouse someplace all boxed up and just waiting to get approval to release.....



Quote:
Originally Posted by dontbugme /forum/post/13608860


I agree, I wouldn't really consider an LCD over Plasma at this point, unless the price was ridiculously right - emphasis on ridiculous. Just wait for the 800U and I'm sure you'll be glad you did.
 
#169 ·
From my perspective, the only reason to wait fot the 800U is the 24P cinema mode. I know that the difference will probably be imperceptible 99% of the time (or 99.999% of the time!), but the engineer in me just can't shake the fact that a system that doesn't have to convert or pulldown from one refresh rate to another will be better ti have in the long run, and will have longer lasting compatability with source devices as long as they keep filming movies at 24 frames per second. The THX certifiation is nice, and the one sheet design is great, but neither of those are the driving factor for me to wait for the 800u. it's like the 1080p vs 720p debate. I know your not supposed to be able to see the difference beyond x feet etc., but your brain knows there is a difference. I feel that the feature set of the 800u will satisfy me visually and mentally so that I won't end up second guessing my decision down the line, especially as more and more gear handles the 24p natively (or at least with a smooth 2:2 pulldown).


My two cents...
 
#170 ·
i've been waiting as well for a new set able to reproduce scenes with slow pan without the jerkiness i'm experiencing right now on a 52" lcd, mostly watching HD DVDs with a toshiba A30.


last month, i was waiting for the pany 85U, expecting it would make a difference. well, i did a test this morning at a BB store. NO CIGAR! same jerkiness on that 85 (player on 1080p/24).

however, we tried the same HD disc, same player, same scene (you, me and dupree, begining chapter 9@ 50'30") and that slow pan in the classroom did look good on a sony XBR4 or 5. - no jerkiness.


so, now, i'm anxiously waiting for the 50pz800U, hoping that it will do the trick and give my mind a break


by the way, i experienced the same problem with many of my HD DVDs (casino is another one that comes to mind).
 
#176 ·
The Panasonics will display 1080i/p material with 1:1 pixel mapping (no overscan) using the HD Size 2 option in the menu. I think 720p will still be overscanned.
 
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