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 make much on an impact on picture quality, if any, 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.
Intro:
The Panasonic TH-50PX80U is a 50-inch, plasma television.Compared to other plasma TVs on the market, it is relatively inexpensive at around $1,520.In general, a liquid plasma display can output more realistic black-levels than an LCD display can.
Noteworthy Features:
With built-in HDTV compatibility, this TV set can display images that are significantly sharper and more realistic than regular television, as long as the source is high definition.(It can easily render standard-resolution digital TV broadcasts and also depict the full resolution of widescreen DVD video.)The 3:2 pulldown feature of this TV reduces artifacts that can occur when motion pictures are transferred to a digital format such as DVD.
Weaker Features:
None noted, given available product data.
Suitability:
Built for those who are looking for a stylish, compact TV.
Value:
In view of its relatively inexpensive price, this TV has good features for the money.In terms of viewable size, plasma TVs having comparable viewable size have an average cost of around $2,115.
Suggestions:
(1) For assistance in shopping for a new HDTV, review CNET editors' Ultimate HDTV Buying Guide.(2) If donating or repurposing your old TV is not a viable option, CNET encourages households to recycle their electronics.Please explore the following website to find a recycling center in your area Electronics Take Back Coalition.
Receiving HDTV broadcast:
The three common methods to receive HDTV broadcasts are via satellite-TV set-top box, cable system set-top box, and over-the-air reception from a digital HDTV broadcast station.
True HDTV:
True HDTV programming is broadcast in three resolutions: 720p, 1080i, or 1080p.
Tuner options:
An HDTV-ready satellite or cable box will act as an outboard HDTV tuner for your digital television set that lacks a built-in HD tuner.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Amazing Image Quality
I picked this up at Best Buy as soon as it arrived. I had trouble with a Samsung unit and ...
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.
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by tjones548 (see profile) -
March 23, 2008
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 out of 10 - Perfect Awesome Plasma!
I have been in the market for a new plasma for a good while. I have a Sony crt HDTV ...
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!
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by 305Sony (see profile) -
May 11, 2008
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Very good for the price
This is a very nice 720P television and I recommend it highly. The picture quality is very good and is ...
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.
9 out of 10 - Spectacular excellent, extremely happy
the only reason i didn't give it a 10 is because nothing is perfect
the only reason i didn't give it a 10 is because nothing is perfect
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by ouman1 (see profile) -
May 25, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular Great TV- No Complaints
I finally decided to take the plunge and purchase an HDTV. I had been perfectly happy with my old SD ...
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.
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by johnbuker (see profile) -
May 22, 2008
8 out of 10 - Excellent Great Value
I picked this unit up about a month ago. Overall I am very happy. I have windows facing the tv ...
I picked this unit up about a month ago. Overall I am very happy. I have windows facing the tv and off the left side. So I was very concerned about glare and originally wanted an LCD. The price on this unit was just to good to pass up and the anti glare filter(coating?) works quite well for me. I only notice some reflections during certain dark scenes in daylight hours. But why do so many TVs have such a glossy frame? The frame glare can be a little annoying.
Hooked up to Time Warner HD cable box via hdmi and High Def channels look excellent. Standard Def look Good to So-So, depends on the content. I watch mostly sports and don't see nearly the amount of motion blur that I notice on many LCDs. The sound quality was better than expected. I have 2 young boys so the extra strong screen on this Panny was a major selling point for me. I wanted a 1080p set, but I just couldn't tell much diference for the price.
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by barshels (see profile) -
May 7, 2008
8 out of 10 - Excellent Great value
Great value. Price premium for 1080p resolution is too steep; glad to have found a new 720p unit. Foliage (greens) ...
Great value. Price premium for 1080p resolution is too steep; glad to have found a new 720p unit. Foliage (greens) and the sky don't look quite right, but picture is otherwise great. Great size and resolution for a 10' viewing distance. PC input would be nice, but lacking one is not a big problem.
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by Aerocraft67 (see profile) -
April 30, 2008
9 out of 10 - Spectacular I got this T.V. as a replacement for my Toshiba 50" Plasma.
My friend that works at Best Buy recommended this model as my replacement... Im very glad he did. Considering his ...
My friend that works at Best Buy recommended this model as my replacement... Im very glad he did. Considering his recommendation, and the other reviews of previous models of this Panasonic I would recommend this T.V. to anyone looking for a great T.V. at a great price!
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by Bucknerj81 (see profile) -
April 2, 2008
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