Buy Microsoft Office Home & StudentPanasonic Viera TH-42PZ80U
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: TH-42PZ80U
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 6 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' blog post
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Description:
- PRODUCT FEATURES: 42" Class (41.6" diagonal) Widescreen Viera Plasma 1080p HDTV with Anti-Reflective Filter Deep color technology Game mode Built-in SD card slot / GalleryPlayer ready to view 3 HDMI inputs and Viera Link HDAVI control
Where to buy
| store | customer rating | inventory | tax & shipping | price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 11/25/2009 |
 | | In stock | as of 11/25/2009 |
CNET editors' blog post
By David Katzmaier, 03/11/08
Panasonic's flagship 850U series adds IPTV capability.
(Credit: Panasonic)
(Updated 08-28-2008) Panasonic's plasma HDTV lineup for 2008 includes five total series, each with multiple screen sizes but identical features within the series. In case you're wondering, we have reviewed four models so far, the TH-46PZ85U, TH-42PX80U, TH-50PZ800U and TH-50PZ850U. Most models detailed below are available now, although the larger 58- and 65-inch models in the 800U and 850U series (the other series max out at 50 inches) will ship in September.
The TH-PX80U includes the company's entry-level plasma models.
(Credit: Panasonic)
If our positive review of the 42-inch version is any indication, the PX80U series provides excellent bang for the buck. These two entry-level models are the only ones without 1080p resolution. Since we consider the benefits of that extra resolution nearly impossible to discern at this size, and since these models cost $400 (for the 42-incher) and $800 (for the 50-incher) less than their 1080p counterparts, we expect the TH-PX80U series to be extremely strong sellers, much like the company's bestselling TH-PX75U series from last year.
New for this year, Panasonic has added an improved antireflective screen, which is the same on all of its 2008 models. Gone is the anti-glare screen we liked so much on the '07 TH-PX77U and TH-PZ77U models; Panasonic claimed that focus groups preferred the antireflective screens over the antiglare versions, which were said to suffer in color fidelity due to their diffusing screens. According to our review, the new screen is very good at reducing reflections, although it can't compete with the anti-glare screens from 2007. The company also says that its latest panels are good for 100,000 hours before fading to half-brightness--that's up from 60,000 hours for last year's models. It was also eager to show off its panels' resistance to shock, dubbing the screens "Wiimote-proof" and bouncing a steel ball repeatedly against a demo panel.
An SD card slot is now standard now throughout the line along with three HDMI inputs and a Game mode said to minimize lag time between the controller and the on-screen action. These PX80U models boast a 15,000:1 contrast ratio as opposed to the 07s' 10,000:1 spec, and they do deliver excellent black level performance.
Models (estimated selling prices)
- Panasonic TH-42PX80U review ($999)
- Panasonic TH-50PX80U ($1,399)
Key features of the TH-PX80U series
- "720p" native resolution (42-inch: 1,24x768; 50-inch 1,366x768)
- 15,000:1 native contrast ratio
- Three HDMI inputs
- Anti-reflective screen
- SD card slot
- Game mode
The TH-PZ80U is the lowest-priced 1080p series in the lineup.
(Credit: Panasonic)
The least-expensive 1080p series of Panasonic plasmas is also the first to include a 46-inch screen size. Meant to compete directly with like-sized LCDs, it fits neatly between the 42- and 50-inch versions. The company also ups the contrast ratio ante, but that's about it for step-up extras compared to the baseline TH-PX80U series.
Models (estimated selling prices)
- Panasonic TH-42PZ80U ($1,299)
- Panasonic TH-46PZ80U ($1,699)
- Panasonic TH-50PZ80U ($1,999)
Step-up features of the TH-PZ80U series
- 1080p native resolution (1920x1080 on all sizes)
- 20,000:1 native contrast ratio
The TH-PZ85U series improves the contrast ratio and hides the speakers.
(Credit: Panasonic)
The step-up line of 1080p resolution plasmas costs about $200 extra in each screen size. For that scratch the biggest improvement comes in a 30,000:1 contrast ratio spec, and since that matches the more-expensive 800U and 850U models, we expect this 85U series to deliver Panasonic's best black levels for the buck. Our review of the 46-inch model found that indeed those black levels approached those of Pioneer's Kuro panels like the PDP-5080HD. The other big addition is a VGA-style PC input, and in this series the speakers are hidden along the bottom of the panel.
Models (estimated selling prices)
- Panasonic TH-42PZ85U ($1,499)
- Panasonic TH-46PZ85U review ($1,899)
- Panasonic TH-50PZ85U ($2,199)
Step-up features of the TH-PZ85U series
- 30,000:1 native contrast ratio
- VGA-style PC input
- Hidden speakers
The THX-certified TH-PZ800U series incorporates a new one-sheet-of-glass design.
(Credit: Panasonic)This three-size series adds THX Display certification, which in our review of the 50-inch version meant exceedingly accurate color and an all-around superb image. Beyond THX, the 800U models also add one more HDMI input and the company also touts the 24p capability of these models, which supposedly allows them to display 1080p/24 sources without 2:3 pulldown, resulting in a smoother picture according to the company. According to our tests, however, this mode caused the image to flicker too much to be watchable.
Models
- Panasonic TH-42PZ800U ($2,299)
- Panasonic TH-46PZ800U ($2,799)
- Panasonic TH-50PZ800U review ($2,499)
- Panasonic TH-58PZ800U (Price TBD)
Step-up features of the TH-PZ800U series
- THX Display Certification
- 5,120 levels of gradation
- 24p native reproduction
- 4 HDMI inputs
Although it's the most expensive series of Panasonic plasmas announced so far in 2008, the TH-PZ850U lacks the THX Display certification of its step-down 800U brothers. Instead it adds Digital Cinema Color, which increases the color gamut to 120% of the HDTV color space. The company claims that the wider gamut makes the colors appear closer to digital cinema, but in our review of the 50-inch model we found that they weren't accurate by HD standards. Another big step-up comes in the form of an Ethernet jack on the back panel, allowing the 850U series to offer limited IPTV interactive services. In our tests we were able to use YouTube, the Picassa photo-sharing service, Bloomberg, and The Weather Channel on the TV itself.
Models
- Panasonic TH-46PZ850U ($2,499)
- Panasonic TH-50PZ850U review ($2,999)
- Panasonic TH-58PZ850U (Price TBD)
- Panasonic TH-65PZ850U (Price TBD)
Step-up features of the TH-PZ850U series
- Digital Cinema color
- IPTV capability
User reviews
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Stunning picture
by uruttgers on March 27, 2009
Pros: great colors , pricture , great for non-HDMI sources and great for sports and fast movements on screen
Cons: can't see any for the price
Summary: I tried and returned 2 top-rated LCD TVs before I got this one at a good deal...none of the LCD TVs was in the same ballpark. The picture is ...
Summary: I tried and returned 2 top-rated LCD TVs before I got this one at a good deal...none of the LCD TVs was in the same ballpark. The picture is really stunning,
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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stunning picture, great value
by syntheticzero on June 14, 2008
Pros: fantastic picture, deep blacks, high contrast, lots of connectors, very adjustable
Cons: speakers only so-so
Summary: We bought this as an upgrade from a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD HDTV --- an excellent television, but a bit too small for our new, larger living space. I first ...
Summary: We bought this as an upgrade from a Sharp Aquos 32" LCD HDTV --- an excellent television, but a bit too small for our new, larger living space. I first looked at 46" and 50" sets, but they use a lot more power, and after looking at units in the store decided the 42" was quite large enough (70% more viewing area than our old TV). For environmental reasons we wanted low power consumption --- usually plasmas lose out there, but Panasonic comes through --- only 170 watts, as measured by an independent test, which is less even than some of the similar-sized LCD TVs tested by that same outfit!
The picture is stunning --- though our old Aquos looks great, this Panasonic blows it away in terms of contrast, black levels, and overall picture quality. Properly adjusted, the DirecTV HD channels look fantastic --- much better than they do on the Sharp or most other TVs I have seen. (DirecTV tends to compress its HD channels quite a bit --- yet on this Panasonic, after adjusting it, the image looks very clean and cinematic.)
Blu-Ray discs are unbelievable --- Planet Earth on this set is tremendous. Another thing I really like about the set is it passes through Dolby 5.1 sound from the HDMI connector to the optical digital out --- which I then pass into my Logitech Z-5500 THX speakers (an inexpensive way to get surprisingly good home theater sound) --- the Sharp didn't pass through the signal from our PS3 Blu-Ray player.
As others have noted burn-in and ghosting are mostly non-issues with the new plasma sets --- some basic precautions will prevent any problems, and this Panasonic set comes with some display "reset" patterns to cure any burn-in issues you might face.
The number of connections is extremely handy --- with 3 HDMI connectors I have enough for my DirecTV box, my PS3, and a front connector for the occasional times when I hook up my MacBook Pro via a DVI-HDMI cable.
There's not much to say about the built-in speakers --- serviceable but not great --- but who uses the built-in speakers on their HDTV? I certainly don't...
The picture out of the box definitely needs adjustment for optimal results --- I set the black levels to dark, turned up the Picture (contrast) and brightness, lowered the color and sharpness, in Standard mode. Fiddle with it a bit and you can get a stunning picture.
This set is cheaper than most LCD sets of the same size, and the picture quality is better. Definitely recommended.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Worth considering.
by tonyff123 on June 30, 2009
Pros: Great picture. Sound is better than expected. User interface is intuitive. Multiple connection options and even a slot for an SD card. I paid right around $1,000 in June, 09 at Costco.
Cons: Though I understand that image burn is not the problem it once was with Plasma screens, I do find myself being wary of leaving it on a still screen for too long. I have not experienced any issue with it.
Summary: If you are new to HD TVs, this is a great and affordable option. Often, when I see the word "affordable" in a review, it makes me think lower quality. ...
Summary: If you are new to HD TVs, this is a great and affordable option. Often, when I see the word "affordable" in a review, it makes me think lower quality. Not the case here.
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GREAT Product, but confusing specs.
Pros: Great picture, and for the most part lives up to the expectations.
Cons: 1. The product boasts a 480 refresh rate, but the FAQ page says the rate is only 60. The company admits it is only 60, but claim their proprietary subdrive artifically increases it to 480.
2. Cumbersome remote access to change picture modes.Summary: Overall good product, and we love ours. In their marketing, though, Panasonic needs to be more up-front about the actual refresh rate, and how it is that their "gadget" makes ...
Summary: Overall good product, and we love ours. In their marketing, though, Panasonic needs to be more up-front about the actual refresh rate, and how it is that their "gadget" makes the refresh rate exceed the industry norm. Also, they need to include a specific function button on the remote to make it easy to switch between video modes.
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An outstanding value in a 1080p 42 inch Plasma
by BMAC777 on April 13, 2008
Pros: Excellent Picture Quality, SD channels are the Best I've ever seen. HD picture quality is Awesome. Surround sound is surprisingly good.
Cons: No PC Input .
Summary: This is an awesome value, the best HDTV in it's class. I got a great deal from my man Tyler at HHGREGG...$1,279. These new Plasma's offer ...
Summary: This is an awesome value, the best HDTV in it's class. I got a great deal from my man Tyler at HHGREGG...$1,279. These new Plasma's offer the best of all worlds; great black levels, no motion blur, phenomenal picture clarity (Standard & HD), 100k hour half life, and technical advances that really mitigate burn-in issues associated with early model Plasma technology. If you don't have a separate surround sound system, you will be surprised at how well this TV sounds, the simulated surround sound mode actually sounds very good. I highly recommend this HDTV, and if you can get it on sale, as I did, better yet...
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High end style with out the high end price.
by germany 88 on June 6, 2008
Pros: Price, Contrast, Bright Colors, good for smaller rooms.
Cons: Fair Standard definition signal,
Summary: Ive been waiting to get a HD thats good for my bedroom, so not to big, I wanted 36"-42", I was looking at the Samsung series 6, this was ...
Summary: Ive been waiting to get a HD thats good for my bedroom, so not to big, I wanted 36"-42", I was looking at the Samsung series 6, this was almost 1/2 the price and looked better. Plasma is so much better then LCD, especially for what I watch , sports mainly.
The colors on this TV are amazing , it reminds me of looking still pictures from a high camera.
I was also very impressed at how nice the black side bars in the 4:3 picture blend in between the picture and the TV frame, most TVs they stand out like big ugly rectangles that are distracting.
My only gripe is the SD signal is not as good as a CRT analog, (regular old TV), although this is better then other HD TVs, Id give this TV a C+, if C was a passing grade. Example when I watch a baseball game and they pan across the field it looks like someone smeared vaseline on the screen. HD is perfect , but if someone knows a cure to make SD look better let me know.0 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: TH-42PZ80U
- Description: PRODUCT FEATURES: 42" Class (41.6" diagonal) Widescreen Viera Plasma 1080p HDTV with Anti-Reflective Filter Deep color technology Game mode Built-in SD card slot / GalleryPlayer ready to view 3 HDMI inputs and Viera Link HDAVI control
General
- Series VIERA
- Product type Plasma TV
- Diagonal Size 42 in - Widescreen
- Dimensions & Weight Details Panel without stand - 41.3 in x 3.7 in x 26.7 in x 66.1 lbs
Display
- Technology Plasma (PDP)
- Resolution 1920 x 1080
- Display Format 1080p (FullHD)
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Image Contrast Ratio 20000:1
- Dynamic Contrast Ratio 1000000:1
- Widescreen Modes Full, Just, Zoom, Conventional 4:3
- Color Temperature Control Yes
- Progressive Scan Progressive scanning (line doubling)
- Display Menu Language French, English, Spanish
- Comb Filter 3D-Y/C digital
- V-Chip Control Yes
TV Tuner
- Tuner Qty 1x analog, 1x digital
- Digital TV Tuner QAM, ATSC
- Analog TV Tuner NTSC
Video Features
- Video Interface HDMI, S-Video, Component, Composite
- HDTV Ready Yes
- Analog Video Input Signals NTSC
- Input Video Formats 480p, 720p, 1080i, 1080p
- Closed Caption Capability Yes
Audio System
- Speaker(s) 2 x Right/left channel speaker - Built-in - 10 Watt
- Sound Output Mode Stereo
- Surround Mode Yes
- Response Bandwidth 70 - 17000 Hz
- Output Power / Total 20 Watt
Connections
- Connector Type 2 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Rear, 1 x HDMI ( 19 pin HDMI Type A ) - Front, 2 x Audio line-in ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Front, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Rear, 1 x S-Video input ( 4 pin mini-DIN ) - Front, 1 x Audio line-in - Rear, 1 x Audio line-in - Front, 2 x Component video input ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Composite video output ( RCA phono x 3 ) - Rear, 1 x Audio line-out ( RCA phono ) - Rear, 1 x Digital audio output (optical) - Rear
- Slot Provided 1 x SD Memory Card
Network & Internet Multimedia
- Functionality Digital photo playback
Memory Card Reader
- Supported Flash Memory Cards SD Memory Card
Remote Control
- Remote Control Remote control - Infrared
Stands & Mounts
- Stand Included Yes
Power
- Power Device Power supply - Internal
- Power AC 120 V
- Power Consumption Stand by / Sleep 0.2
- Power Consumption Operational 573 Watt
Sustainability
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.9
Product series
-
Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Plasma TV, 50 in, 1000000:1, 20000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Plasma TV, 46 in, 1000000:1, 20000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Plasma TV, 42 in, 1000000:1, 20000:1, 1920 x 1080, 16:9
Accessories
- dreamGEAR Dreamline video / audio cable - HDMI - 6 ft (33543214)29.99
- XtremeMac XtremeHD video / audio cable - HDMI - 6.6 ft (32416821)15.75 - 19.95
- ViewSonic ViewMate Cable Collection - video / audio cable - 6.6 ft (31482671)32.00
- ViewSonic ViewMate Cable Collection - video / audio cable - 10 ft (31482685)34.00
- VIZIO VMAX1000 - video / audio cable - HDMI - 6 ft (33397373)29.99
- ADCOM GFR-700 (31966032)1266.10 - 1588.00
- Adcom GFR-700HD (32082704)1836.39 - 2899.99
- Denon AVR-1707 (31987322)156.99
- Denon AVR-1907 (31987323)
- Denon AVR-1910 (black) (33650441)485.00 - 549.99
- URC Universal Remote Professional Line MX-810 (32912039)260.00 - 399.95
- URC Universal Remote Control MX-900 (32552106)279.00 - 449.95
- URC Professional Line MX-850 - universal remote control (32092938)409.99
- URC Professional Line MX-450 - universal remote control (33639921)239.95 - 249.95
- URC Home Theater Master MX-3000 - universal remote control (31337842)508.75 - 999.98
Manufacturer info
- Panasonic
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Panasonic products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.panasonic.com/
- Address:
One Panasonic Way, Secaucus, NJ 07094 - Phone: 800/662-3537
