Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U
Manufacturer: Panasonic Part number: TH-50PX80U
- CNET Editor rating: Not yet rated
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 24 reviews
- More product information:
- Editors' take
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- CNET did not review the Panasonic TH-50PX80U, but we did review the smaller model in the series.
Read more
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 12/08/2009 |
CNET editors' take
Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U price range: $1,121.78
- Reviewed by: CNET staff
- Reviewed on: 04/30/2008
The bottom line: CNET did not review the Panasonic TH-50PX80U, but we did review the smaller model in the series.
Although CNET did not review the 50-inch Panasonic TH-50PX80U, we did review the 42-inch Panasonic TH-42PX80U. Judging from their specification sheets, the two Panasonic plasma HDTVs are essentially identical but for screen size and native resolution; the 42-inch set has a resolution of 1024x768, while the 50-inch set is 1366x768. We doubt this difference will have much of an impact on picture quality, so we expect the review of the 42-inch model to give a good indication of how the 50-inch model will perform. For more information, refer to the full review of the Panasonic TH-42PX80U.
User reviews
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Amazing Image Quality
by tjones548 on March 23, 2008
Pros: Beautiful images, easy menus, low-profile appearance, SD card reader
Cons: Stand is a little spartan, remote works great but is not much to look at, you also have to select the input source manually
Summary: I picked this up at Best Buy as soon as it arrived. I had trouble with a Samsung unit and took it back and traded for this. The unit had ...
Summary: I picked this up at Best Buy as soon as it arrived. I had trouble with a Samsung unit and took it back and traded for this. The unit had just been put out on the floor when I saw it. It was clearly as good as anything around it. I compared closely to the Pioneer, Samsung and Sony. I have to say it's difficult to really quantify the differences. The images on all units were fabulous. I did feel like the Panasonic and the Pioneer were slightly better than the others. The blacks were "blacker" and the skin tones and colors were richer, more vibrant. I also really like the glare reduction screen, it seems to work better than the others. There was a lot of glare on the other screens.
Setup was incredibly easy. I simply plugged in the HDMI cables and powered it on. The unit is lighter than the previous one I had. This is 82 lbs and the previous was 99 lbs. You can really notice the difference. Sliding it around in the entertainment center is much easer.
The SD card reader and display system is killer. It was actually the first thing we used after turning on the unit. Simply slide in an SD card with pictures on it and it gives the option to run a slide show. How cool is that? My photos never looked better!
So far so good. This is a great plasma. If you're torn between 1080p and 720p, don't be. I've learned that there simply isn't a whole lot of media out there yet that is Blue-ray. All of the satelite providers are going to stay with 720p for at least 5 years. The only place you can tell the difference is when you actually play a Blue-Ray disc. The image is slightly better, but not a $1000 better. I really think the value of 720p's is hard to beat. It will be a couple of years yet until the 1080p's become reasonably priced.10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great TV- No Complaints
by johnbuker on May 22, 2008
Pros: Stunning picture- Nice variety of inputs- Easy to set up
Cons: Only con would be no 1080p, but see review
Summary: I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase an HDTV. I had been perfectly happy with my old SD 32" Toshiba for the last 12 plus years, but then ...
Summary: I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase an HDTV. I had been perfectly happy with my old SD 32" Toshiba for the last 12 plus years, but then I got an Xbox 360 and any text in games was hard to read while sitting on my sofa about 14' away.
I picked a price range and after doing a lot of online research, I finally decided I was interested in either this 50" Panasonic Plasma or a similar model that offered 1080p. Most of the more current reviews I've read state that if you're going with a HDTV that is 50" or less, spending the extra money on 1080p over 720p is a waste. I wasn't sold until comparing this TV side by side with the similar Panasonic 1080p model and not seeing any discernible difference.
One of the things that concerned me was that some of the older plasmas that friends own do not do a very good job handling standard definition sources. I was immediately impressed with how well this set does handle 480i sources, but was totally blown away after getting a HD/DVR box from my cable company. Standard definition sources still look good on the set as long as you are at least 5 feet away, but HD sources are amazing regardless of where you sit/stand. The set is also easily viewable from an angle unlike some of the older LCDs I've seen.
My only true HD sources of video for this set are that cable box and an Xbox 360 (hooked up via HDMI) and I can't imagine either looking any better on a different monitor.
I got a deal at Circuit City on this and a Panasonic Viera link Home Theater system (model SC-PT760). The TV speakers sound great and are more than loud enough on their own, but my set up does sound noticeably better when listening through the linked Home Theater surround sound system.
I really couldn't be happier with this TV.
My advice others who are considering this TV:
1) Shop around for the best price and print off any internet deals that you find if shopping at the box retailers (if you're a AAA member, they currently have a coupon that can be accessed via their website for Circuit City for 8% off, but Circuit City wouldn't honor the coupon or the internet deal I found at the store- I saved over $400 buying through their website and picking it up at the store instead of paying at the store).
2) With this TV I'd strongly advise against paying the fee that most sellers try to charge to set a HDTV up for you. It did take me about 2 hours to set the TV and Home Theater system up and I've done quite of bit of tweaking since reading the manual, but it looked great without all the tweaking.
3) Use HDMI cables for any hookup that you can. HDMI cables are far less cumbersome and are higher quality than any other hookups (and shop for HDMI cables online as you can find high quality cables for a fraction of the cost of those Monster cables the retailers try and sell you for big $).
4) If you are a current cable subscriber and need an HD box, consider picking it up yourself instead of having an installer come out. Hooking up my HD/DVR from the cable company took all of 2 minutes- unplug the coax cable from the TV, hook it up to the Cable box, plug the HDMI cable into the cable box and TV and you're done- saved me $50 over having a professional installer come and do that.10 out of 11 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Excellent Quality Picture, Styling. Outstanding Value.
by Force10 on October 20, 2008
Pros: Great Picture, Easy Set Up, Low Price
Cons: None. Lack of PC input is non issue. Just use DVI to HDMI cable. Any decent PC graphics card or laptop today now has DVI out. $19.
If you need more HDMI, you can get external switch.
This TV has 2 rear and 1 Front. Plenty for me.Summary: Excellent Packing. Bought at Best Buy for $997. Picked it up with Minivan. Box has four plastic carrying handles that pop out and then the box just lifts of the ...
Summary: Excellent Packing. Bought at Best Buy for $997. Picked it up with Minivan. Box has four plastic carrying handles that pop out and then the box just lifts of the base. 4 Screws total set up stand and secure to TV. Easily lifted with two people.
Set has nice styling, proportional dimmensions It just looks good even when off.
Used $17.95 6' HDMI cables from Optimized Cable.
2 HDMI inputs, one from Cable Box and one From Sony DVD.
With HDMI cable TV automatically swithes to DVD when you play a disc. Slick!
Optical audio cable out to $200 Sony Surround Sound system. Sound is awesome. Highly recommend a surround sytem to get good sound for movies and sports.
If I want to hook a PC, I will use DVI to HDMI cable off a laptop of PC graphics card. If you need more HDMI inpputs, you can buy a 4X1 or 5X1 from Optimized Cable.
We sit at 12-20 feet. Size is perfect. If you a 8-12 feet, go 46 or 42 inch.
No glare on screen. Used to get with 36 inch Flat screen tube but not with this box.
1080P not worth it. We mostly watch sports and DVDs. Current sports would have to downconverted. This box displays ESPN, and othe 720P broadcasts perfect!5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome Plasma!
by 305Sony on May 11, 2008
Pros: price,name brand,picture,sound!
Cons: no cons for this Panny!
Summary: I have been in the market for a new plasma for a good while. I have a Sony crt HDTV and a samsung lcd tv. I wanted a nice 50" ...
Summary: I have been in the market for a new plasma for a good while. I have a Sony crt HDTV and a samsung lcd tv. I wanted a nice 50" to watch sports and HD movies. I went to a local brandsmart with the intent to buy a samsung 450 plasma,but when I saw the new Panasonis I was blown away. I went home and ordered the Panasonic from Buydig.com. I am very happy with my tv and the service. I also bought a extended warranty from mountAVision,great customer service and price!
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Very good for the price
by wa4cqz on April 24, 2008
Pros: Plenty of hookups, some in front, good picture control, SD card reader on front,
Cons: Heat - it gets hot which appears normal, Goes black for a second when switching between input resolutions.
Summary: This is a very nice 720P television and I recommend it highly. The picture quality is very good and is easy to customize. Standard definition pictures are better than some ...
Summary: This is a very nice 720P television and I recommend it highly. The picture quality is very good and is easy to customize. Standard definition pictures are better than some TVs I looked at, but not perfect. Controls are intuitive on the TV and the remote and menus are easy to use.
When I looked at 50" TVs in the store I couldn't tell the difference between 1080P and 720P. I hope it's that way when I get a Blu-ray player, but I can't imagine a clearer picture. I did notice nominal difference when I changed from Component to HDMI input.
For what I paid, I am very happy.5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A very nice television
by pweisel on September 6, 2008
Pros: Great Picture, Great Price
Cons: No Computer hook up, average sound
Summary: Bought the 50 inch version last week. Total price, including delivery and installation: $1080 from a national chain, after rebate, during a Labor Day sale. A local store matched the ...
Summary: Bought the 50 inch version last week. Total price, including delivery and installation: $1080 from a national chain, after rebate, during a Labor Day sale. A local store matched the chains price, so I did not have to deal with the rebate. Search for deals, they come up from time to time.
At first we thought that 50 inch was too large for our living room, and we are not tv watching fanatics. Well, we are loving the large picture and certainly glad we didn't get a 42. 46 is perhaps the perfect size for an average living room, but there is not a 46 in this line. I looked at a lot of tv's, and determined that once I stood 8 feet back, I could barely tell the difference between this model and a Pioneer Kuro. If the small differences are worth it to you, I understand that, but for me this set is just fine.
This CNET reccomends these settings on this model for dark room viewing;
-Picture menu
Picture mode: Custom
Picture: +80
Brightness: +60
Color: +44
Tint: -8
Sharpness: 0
Color temp: Warm
Color management: On
x.v.Color: Off
Zoom adjust: [grayed out]
-Advanced picture submenu
Video NR: On
3D Y/C filter: [grayed out]
Color matrix: [grayed out]
MPEG NR: [grayed out]
Black level: Light4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Just Keeps Getting Better
by cgtex on September 3, 2008
Pros: The value for the cost of this television is quite simply outstanding. Even standard definition cable broadcast are not bad. After the initial 100 or so hours of use, the picture settles in and is really beautiful.
Cons: Greater complexity and depth of picture controls would be nice. Sound, though acceptable, should be better.
Summary: I have now had the Panasonic TH50PX80U for six weeks, and I continue to be very glad I made this purchase. I really only had one chance at an investment ...
Summary: I have now had the Panasonic TH50PX80U for six weeks, and I continue to be very glad I made this purchase. I really only had one chance at an investment in a home theater, and the television portion was the most critical. After much on-line research, and looking at different models at the 'big box' stores in my area, it became obvious that plasma was going to be the only way to get the size I wanted/needed. LCD are getting better and better, but the price difference is still a 'deal breaker' for me; especially for the 46-52" Sony models that I believe have the best looking picture.
Plasma from Samsung and Panasonic both had much to offer - but when Circuit City had this Panasonic for $1,099 with 36 months no interest financing, the decision was easy. Only one or two on-line stores came close to the price, even considering taxes, and none had the financing offer.
It is not very often that I have had no hesitation about recommending a product, but this is definately one of those times. The only thing that I would add would be that if you wanted to spend the extra $1,000 or so, the Panasonic TH50PZ800U is amazing and earns CNet's Editor's Choice award. It even gives the much praised Pioneer plasmas a real run for the money. In the end, though, the TH50PX80U is a great set and an unbeatable value.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Right Price+Right Features=Solid Value!
by erock5081 on August 30, 2008
Pros: This TV only displays up to 720p...So what! It's plasma, it's got 3 HDMI's, good selection of picture modes, adjustments, an SD card slot and pretty damn good reviews.
Cons: I have not found one......yet!
Summary: I am by no means a techy geek like the CNET reviewers, but I do consider myself an above average techy guy. There are two reasons for my buying choice, ...
Summary: I am by no means a techy geek like the CNET reviewers, but I do consider myself an above average techy guy. There are two reasons for my buying choice, one: price, two:features. I wanted a 50" tv for around 1K or so. Plasma offers the best action/sports with less pixelation (I believe) and colors/black levels. 720p is not that big of a deal. If you took the "Pepsi challenge" in a blind resolution test, I doubt many people (myself included) would be able to tell the difference. So my thinking is, if I can't afford one of my first two choices, (Samsung TOC plasma or the Pioneer KURO) then why not get the Panny. Programming is another reason, all local channels are only broadcast in 720p...and only one provider (Dish Networki) is touting 1080p broadcasts for all HD channels. Finally, the only way I could watch 1080p was with a Blu-Ray movie on my PS3....I can only enjoy 1080p watching movies UUUGGHHHH!!! Maybe I am wrong about this programming thing and if I am, sorry, these are just my reasons. I have always had issues with fear of buyers remorse, definitely not the case here.....I am Very Happy with my purchase!!! I hope this helps anyone out there checking this one out!
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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BUY THIS TV NOW!
by cimanow on August 20, 2008
Pros: Best Plasma Picture in the store
Cons: None yet......
Summary: If you want the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.... GO BUY THIS TV NOW! I have read reviews for months about Plasma VS LCD - pro and cons of both......
Summary: If you want the BEST BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.... GO BUY THIS TV NOW! I have read reviews for months about Plasma VS LCD - pro and cons of both...Plasma technology today, "at least Panasonic" is just as good as LCD,or better, everthing you hear about Burn-in is almost non existant, they don't run as hot as the plasmas of 10 years ago, and yes they do use a little more energy, but nothing like the past.Panasonic claims it will last 100,000 hours before it gets to it's Half-Life, that means half as bright as it was when new.So if you watch TV 12 hours a day everyday for a year thats only 4380 hours a year,you do the math... it's gonna last a long time! OK as far as 720p VS 1080p - everything broadcast in High-Def is 720p, if you mostly watch sports,ESPN, NFL Network,Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and stuff like that, buying a 1080p TV is a waste of money...most networks are finally buying cameras and recording equipment that are 720p, from everything i have read online... it will be at least 5 to 10 years before 720p is the standard, and a few networks MAY upgrade to 1080p...i really think that the cost for a major network to upgrade from 720p to 1080p is much too high....with little benefit. Now with that said, if you watch or plan to watch BLUERAY DVD's or Play X-BOX, it might be worth the extra money for a 1080p TV.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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No boost up & hype! Great picture great price!
by waikikirod on September 7, 2008
Pros: Don't overpay for 1080 Boost up & Hype! Great set great price! Plug n go right out of the box! Bright room no problem! Easy to use remote lot of adjustments! True color tones! HDTV amazing! 50" plasma Rocks!
Cons: none, just what I was looking for!
Summary: love it! See for yourself!
This tv has great preset picture settings for hassle free viewing! Accurate tones, just a great picture! 720p is brilliant! ...
Updated on Sep 7, 2008Summary: love it! See for yourself!
This tv has great preset picture settings for hassle free viewing! Accurate tones, just a great picture! 720p is brilliant! You can buy a more expensive tv but picture quality hard to beat!
Updated on Sep 7, 20083 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Panasonic
- Part number: TH-50PX80U
- Description: PRODUCT FEATURES: 50" Class (49.9" diagonal) Widescreen Viera Plasma 720p 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 50 in - Widescreen
- Dimensions & Weight Details Panel without stand - 47.6 in x 3.7 in x 31.1 in x 76.7 lbs
Display
- Technology Plasma (PDP)
- Resolution 1366 x 768
- Display Format 720p
- Image Aspect Ratio 16:9
- Image Contrast Ratio 15000:1
- 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 497 Watt
Sustainability
- Greenpeace policy rating (Sept 2009) 4.9
Product series
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Plasma TV, 50 in, 1000000:1, 15000:1, 1366 x 768, 16:9
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Manufacturer: Panasonic
Specs: Plasma TV, 42 in, 1000000:1, 15000:1, 1024 x 768, 16:9
Accessories
- dreamGEAR Dreamline video / audio cable - HDMI - 6 ft (33543214)17.47
- XtremeMac XtremeHD video / audio cable - HDMI - 6.6 ft (32416821)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 - 1999.00
- Adcom GFR-700HD (32082704)1836.39 - 2899.99
- Denon AVR-1707 (31987322)
- Denon AVR-1910 (black) (33650441)548.95 - 549.99
- Denon AVR-2308CI (32553613)899.00
- URC Universal Remote Professional Line MX-810 (32912039)260.00 - 399.95
- URC Universal Remote Control MX-900 (32552106)399.99 - 449.95
- URC Professional Line MX-850 - universal remote control (32092938)409.99
- URC Professional Line MX-450 - universal remote control (33639921)249.95
- URC Home Theater Master MX-3000 - universal remote control (31337842)1099.99
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
