Zenith Z50PX2D

Judging by the model number it sounds like the big brother to the Z42PX2D, which I have and love.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=580906

This is a brand new model. I did not know it had started shipping already. I don't think you will find any reviews yet. Click on the Zenith flat panel link in my signature for more information. There is a link to the specs on the Zenith website.

Robert

Just checked Zenith site -
It got better specs - HD and 8000:1

Sounds like a nice plasma.

http://www.zenith.com/sub_prod/produ...cat=10&id=1052

The CR is a little better on the 42". For some reason, they only list 5000:1 for the 42" even though it uses the new 10,000:1 rated panel.

Robert

This could be using the same LG panel as the Vizio 50"

It is not CableCard ready like the Z42PX2D, but it is an HDTV and has lots of connections.

Z50PX2D Specifications (PDF)

Exact same design as the 42" which makes it a very wide motha'. Noticed they dropped the 2 Toslink Ins so any DVI adapter or cable connections are out except for HDMI. With the issues we are having so far with HDMI this may not be a good thing...or it could mean HDMI is now better implemented.

I too noticed this new tv as well from the BB website. My gf's parents are thinknig of getting as big a plasma tv as possible within their buget (under $3k), and this is perfect! If this is anything like the 42 inch zenith everybody here praises about, I think I'll go with them to pick it up this weekend.

It looked pretty good on display(PQ) and it is new LG glass, like Vizio. The question is the electronics. Are they as good as LG and Vizio models? The Vizio has been having some QC issues with fans and other things. Maybe this Zenith would be a good deal if it is reliable.

Saw this tonight at my local CC. It was mounted in the place where the 50" Panny used to be, and the 50" Panny was nowhere to be found. It was next to a Pioneer, and I have to say that it actually looked BETTER, and in fact was one of the nicest looking sets there. Going to keep a close eye on this one as the holidays approach, if it drops under $3k I just might have to give myself one for Xmas

anyone know for sure whether it has cablecard? I know what was written above, but I would think it would be trying to dupe it's sister LG model.

It doesn't... saw it in cc and they had it advertised as having cablecard capability and had a big sign on it apologizing for advertising that it had it when it didn't. That and fact that the specs I posted above are right from the Zenith website tells me ah no it doesn't.

thanks

Hi Folks,

New to this and looking at 50" plasmas. Went to BB last night to see about the 50" Maxent 3 I've read about here and this Zenith caught my eye. They had pretty much the full selection of Pioneers, Panasonics, LG, Toshiba and Samsung and to be honest the PQ on this Zenith set was the best of the bunch. It was also one of the least expensive.

Am I missing something that I'm not thinking of? Even the little things seem to be lining up right (I probably want the speakers attahced vs a commercial model) as this will be a family room set and there will be plenty of times when the kids just want to turn on the set and watch without going through a HT setup. And I like the speakers on teh side vs the bottom as it fits my application better.

Just wondering if I should be looking for other things. And just any more feedback on this model.

Thanks - you folks have a fantastic forum here.

J

The trick is two fold: One, every place has their own set-up and settings quirks (it's not easy to A, B sets and compare SD, HD and DVD -near impossible without twisting arms); Two, it takes a while to really critically look at these sets(as an example, I used to not notice the Screen door effect on ED sets, now I see it easily--not good). All that being said, if you can adjust that Zenith( I agree it looks good to me) or any other brand to look the best to you, I'd strongly consider it. You may not get the ultimate, but the differences are getting rather small. A good buy with a return policy goes a long way. Happy shopping.

I'd just like to say that I saw this plasma in action, and it looked terrific. Great brightness, detail, color saturation, sharpness - it just looked really fantastic all around.

The BB that I went to yesterday had all the popular models - LG, Panny, Pioneer, Sony, etc., but this plasma just looked crisper and more vibrant.

I was scratching my head when I noticed that it was the cheapest of the bunch.

Of course, the settings could've been maxed out or whatever, but even if the settings had been tuned down a bit this set would still look fantastic judging by what I saw. I had pretty much not even considered a Zenith (I think my grandpa used to buy Zenith CRT's?), but after seeing the one yesterday I'm doing some serious thinking.

I guess BB could be trying to move some of these, but I'm pretty sure the more expensive sets have bigger profit margins, so .... hmmmmm.

Heads up, CC is showing a rebate on these until 12/31/05

Looking more and more likely that I'll be getting this one for Xmas

Hi Folks,

I went ahead and pulled the trigger on this set Saturday at BB. They were running a rebate on it in addition to it already being one of the lowest priced 50" plasmas they had on the floor. When I went back Saturday, I spent a long time comparing and I still believe it has the best PQ of any of the plasmas they had on display. I'm excited.

They had to order the set and I pick it up 11/2. I'll let you know how it goes when I get it installed.

J

Excellent buy Joe. Give us a heads up when it is set up and also when the break-in is over. Remember to keep the levels lower than you might like for the first 100 hours or so, avoid watching in 4:3 aspect ratio and try not to view 2.35:1 or higher DVDs. If you must, then use the Cinema Zoom to lessen the bars. Give it a few Whitewashes and remember to reset the Orbiter after doing so as the ISM always defaults to Normal. A little caution during this process will yield better results in the long run.

Right on!
I saw this monster at BB the other day and was very impressed .. kinda makes my 42" look like a midget.
Stop by the Z42PX2D thread and give us your impression. We can probably help you tweak your picture.

Thanks to the forum for all the info on plasmas!!!

I was going to buy a Panny but could not resist the price of this Zenith. PQ in the store, (CC), was as good as all the 50" plasmas except the Panny, but the $ difference was way too much to pass. I worked out a deal with CC, including purchasing about $550 worth of other stuff, and, after some time in discussion, was able to get a great price. The 2 salesman were exceptionally knowledgable.

If anyone calibrates this plasma, please pass on any info and settings to the rest of us owners.

How do we start an "Official" thread for the Zenith Z50PX2D 50" plasma?

I think there already is one, check the search this forum.

No, there is not.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=583332

Edit: Looks like they've been merged. Could put an "official" in the title to remove any question.

I was at a local sports bar on saturday and watched this 50" display for over 2 hours. There was a college football game playing on ESPN-HD the whole time. The picture was really stunning! The two things that really impressed me were the white "whites", and the overall smoothness of the picture.

Today I went to CC to compare the Zenith to the competition. For the price, it is a bargin compared to most 50" displays, and it has an impressive set of features. I wanted to compare it to an 8th gen Panasonic, and they had one near by. The short review is that the Zenith has better whites, and that great smooth picture; the Panny has less bold whites, but a far superior black level. I didn't notice the black issue until a shot of the Las Vegas Strip at night came up for a few minutes on both screens. With the Panny, it looked like you were standing right there on the Strip, the Zenith didn't have that 3D look at all.

Thinking back, the Zenith would be a great set for the price, especially if you watched a lot of HDTV sports. The Panasonic would be a better choice for a movie nut who appreciates truly black "blacks".

It seems the movies I watch tend to have a lot of dark scenes in them.........

My Panasonic 50LC13 just popped a bulb. Since I can't currently check how many hours I have on it (the screen being a might dark), I'd guess less than 4000. Anyhow the picture is great except for the low-light scenes. Popped back to this forum and read the good stuff on the new Panasonic 50 inch plasmas. Went to BB and immediately was drawn to the less costly Z50PX2d... and that's what I ordered. Naturally there is no way to apple/apple it but the combination of picture quality and price got me. And even if the blacks aren't as good as the Panny, I'm betting that they will be way better than my now sold 50LAC13.

And out of fear, I went for the extended warranty (one year factory and three added on). I'm looking forward to setting the Zenith up on Saturday and want to thank everyone for all those informative posts.

Byron