Panansonic Model Conversions

[annunaki]

Panasonic recently rolled out the new '09 line of plasmas. They feature improved black levels, contrast ratios and with the entire line now capable of 100,000 hours to half brightness. For those of us who became accustomed to the old model number designations and where they fell according to good> better> best, I have made a quick reference guide. I have only included real updates that actually matter and are not just marketing speak, though the 600hz stuff is borderline.

TH-**PX80U = TC-P**X1 Improvements: Infinite black panel, 600hz subfield drive (improved motion clarity), 100K hour panel to half brightness, New Anti-reflective filter, 24p playback with 2:3 pulldown, over 4K+ color gradation steps, 720 lines moving picture resolution

TH-**PZ80U = TC-P**S1 Improvements: Infinte black panel, 600hz subfield drive, new anti-reflective filter, over 6K color gradation steps, 1080 lines moving pictureresolution

TH-**PZ85U = TC-P**G10 Improvements Infinite black panel, 600hz subfield drive, new anti-reflective filter, THX MODE, over 6K color gradation steps, 1080 lines moving picture resolution

** is where the size would be inserted 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 65

There has not been a designation made for a replacement for the TH-**PZ800U and 850U as of yet, but my guess is the new "Panasonic Premiere" line will fill that niche. I do not have any info on the model designations at this time. However, the G10 models appear to be comparable to the 800U models with THX modes

There is a TC-P**C1 model out there but it is not common. It seems to be a stripped down version of the X models for Walmart & Best Buy. There is also a TC-P**U1 model that is a stripped down version of the S models again for Walmart & Best Buy leader pieces.

[billy p]

I'll be upgrading my display later this summer. I was considering picking up a pz800 because of its THX mode and the fact it was 100's less than the 850. What are some of the improvements, if any, on the newer models. The prices appear to be less for these newer comparable displays.

[Adam]

I'd also appreciate any insight on the differences. Now that I know that I can pull in the DTV stations here, I'm more motivated to get a new TV.

[Nemo128]

Hey annunaki. Think I should upgrade my 50PZ850? =)

[annunaki]

I'd also appreciate any insight on the differences. Now that I know that I can pull in the DTV stations here, I'm more motivated to get a new TV.

I have updated the post to reflect all of the RELEVANT changes on the sets. They appear to be quite nice purchases for the money.

I cannot wait for some reviews on the G10 models. :D

[billy p]

I have updated the post to reflect all of the RELEVANT changes on the sets. They appear to be quite nice purchases for the money.

I cannot wait for some reviews on the G10 models. :D

I was thinking G10 too...:D

[annunaki]

Hey annunaki. Think I should upgrade my 50PZ850? =)


Probably not yet.

Perhaps when some more info comes out about the Premiere models ;)

My guess is that Panasonic is in talks with Pioneer about licensing the Kuro tech from them since they folded.

From the one review I have seen on a Panny Premiere in HT magazine, they have improved them (Panny's) a fair amount. They are not quite to Kuro levels but close.

Next year, if Panasonic works out a licensing deal with Pioneer, could be the creme' de la creme' of Panasonic plasma.

In any case, I don't think I would hesitate jumping on a G10 this year for myself if the funds are there.

[jostenmeat]

My guess is that Panasonic is in talks with Pioneer about licensing the Kuro tech from them since they folded.

While not exactly a pro review, a friend I met at another forum, who is basically a CI guy except he does more commercial stuff than consumer stuff, saw them at CES. He says the new Pana's kick major butt, and he thinks that Pioneer might not be all that missed; that good. FWIW.

[-Kevin-]

I have updated the post to reflect all of the RELEVANT changes on the sets. They appear to be quite nice purchases for the money.

I cannot wait for some reviews on the G10 models. :D

Ask and you shall recieve:
http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tc-p50g10/4505-6482_7-33497901.html?tag=tpr

[bandphan]

Probably not yet.

Perhaps when some more info comes out about the Premiere models ;)

My guess is that Panasonic is in talks with Pioneer about licensing the Kuro tech from them since they folded.

From the one review I have seen on a Panny Premiere in HT magazine, they have improved them (Panny's) a fair amount. They are not quite to Kuro levels but close.

Next year, if Panasonic works out a licensing deal with Pioneer, could be the creme' de la creme' of Panasonic plasma.

In any case, I don't think I would hesitate jumping on a G10 this year for myself if the funds are there.
http://hdguru.com/panasonic-tcp50g10-50-plasma-review/416/

[annunaki]

The HD guru review was much more in-depth than CENet. It appears that other than a ever so slightly lower black level, the G10's can hang with the Kuro Pro models!!!

Sweet!!!

Thanks so much for the review Bandphan.

Now I really want one!!!!

[clouso]

Panasonic recently rolled out the new '09 line of plasmas. They feature improved black levels, contrast ratios and with the entire line now capable of 100,000 hours to half brightness. For those of us who became accustomed to the old model number designations and where they fell according to good> better> best, I have made a quick reference guide. I have only included real updates that actually matter and are not just marketing speak, though the 600hz stuff is borderline.

TH-**PX80U = TC-P**X1 Improvements: Infinite black panel, 600hz subfield drive (improved motion clarity), 100K hour panel to half brightness, New Anti-reflective filter, 24p playback with 2:3 pulldown, over 4K+ color gradation steps, 720 lines moving picture resolution

TH-**PZ80U = TC-P**S1 Improvements: Infinte black panel, 600hz subfield drive, new anti-reflective filter, over 6K color gradation steps, 1080 lines moving pictureresolution

TH-**PZ85U = TC-P**G10 Improvements Infinite black panel, 600hz subfield drive, new anti-reflective filter, THX MODE, over 6K color gradation steps, 1080 lines moving picture resolution

** is where the size would be inserted 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 65

There has not been a designation made for a replacement for the TH-**PZ800U and 850U as of yet, but my guess is the new "Panasonic Premiere" line will fill that niche. I do not have any info on the model designations at this time. However, the G10 models appear to be comparable to the 800U models with THX modes

There is a TC-P**C1 model out there but it is not common. It seems to be a stripped down version of the X models for Walmart & Best Buy. There is also a TC-P**U1 model that is a stripped down version of the S models again for Walmart & Best Buy leader pieces.

does that mean they will still have the 58 and 65'' now in the g10 series??..cause on their site its only 54'' in the g10 series!

[bandphan]

The new models seem on par with 8gen elites with some tweak exceptions. They will be the best pdps or lcds in this years class.

[annunaki]

does that mean they will still have the 58 and 65'' now in the g10 series??..cause on their site its only 54'' in the g10 series!

The big boys are always a few months behind before they roll out. I would not expect 58"-65" until Aug. realistically.

[clouso]

The big boys are always a few months behind before they roll out. I would not expect 58"-65" until Aug. realistically.

thx guys i will look forward for the 58 or 65''...the thing is i already have a 72'' dlp and i cannot go less the 58'' :D but now im ready to go smaller for the picture quality my dlp was good but its time for a change!

[AVRat]

More info:

http://hdguru.com/2009-hdtvs-are-shipping-now-buy-a-closeout-or-wait-for-the-new-model-panasonic/392/
http://hdguru.com/panasonic-2009-prices-leaked-part-ii-the-z1-plasma-and-more-hd-guru-exclusive/395/

The P65V10 should be sweet!

[AVRat]

Bump, for info

[jliedeka]

I'm looking to buy a 50" (or 54") Panny plasma soonish. I'm struggling with which model to get. At first, I was leaning toward the V10 models because of the 96Hz playback mode for BD. However, my BD player does a perfectly good job of doing the pulldown (and planning on getting an Oppo soon) so that sort of takes away the justification for buying the V10.

The V10 and G10 models have THX mode which seems useless because they are too dim and I won't use them anyway. The other features they add are internet stuff which I also wouldn't use. I could do more with a cheap HTPC.

That leads me to seriously consider the S1 line. It's still 1080p and still uses the NeoPDP panel. Also, the 50" model is cheaper than what I paid for my 40" 720p LCD.

My question, if anyone here has any insight, is will the S1 calibrate to a good enough picture that I would be happy choosing it over the slightly higher end models? I asked a similar question at HTS and have yet to see a useful answer. I could try AVS but holy information overload.

Jim

[bandphan]

I'm looking to buy a 50" (or 54") Panny plasma soonish. I'm struggling with which model to get. At first, I was leaning toward the V10 models because of the 96Hz playback mode for BD. However, my BD player does a perfectly good job of doing the pulldown (and planning on getting an Oppo soon) so that sort of takes away the justification for buying the V10.

The V10 and G10 models have THX mode which seems useless because they are too dim and I won't use them anyway. The other features they add are internet stuff which I also wouldn't use. I could do more with a cheap HTPC.

That leads me to seriously consider the S1 line. It's still 1080p and still uses the NeoPDP panel. Also, the 50" model is cheaper than what I paid for my 40" 720p LCD.

My question, if anyone here has any insight, is will the S1 calibrate to a good enough picture that I would be happy choosing it over the slightly higher end models? I asked a similar question at HTS and have yet to see a useful answer. I could try AVS but holy information overload.

Jim

Both the V and G are excellent. For their difference in price go V as it bested my 141 in a couple of areas. Unless its a dollars question, eliminate the S. (which will still give you much better pq than almost every LCD on the market )

[jostenmeat]

I'm looking to buy a 50" (or 54") Panny plasma soonish. I'm struggling with which model to get. At first, I was leaning toward the V10 models because of the 96Hz playback mode for BD. However, my BD player does a perfectly good job of doing the pulldown (and planning on getting an Oppo soon) so that sort of takes away the justification for buying the V10.

The V10 and G10 models have THX mode which seems useless because they are too dim and I won't use them anyway. The other features they add are internet stuff which I also wouldn't use. I could do more with a cheap HTPC.

I vote for big as you're willing to go. :) IOW, I'd vote 54" G10 over 50" V10. (17% increase in display size). Otherwise, go for the V10, better blacks AND avoidance of 3:2 for what, $300? You love your movies; treat yourself. It's worth it.

Remember, avoidance of 3:2 is still better than good 3:2.

[jliedeka]

That's a valid point about no pulldown. The thing that's really driving my itch for a better display is that I just got the Battlestar Galactica box set on BD. With my current set, the BD isn't a huge step up from the DVDs if you don't count the sound. Since I've started putting together a fairly substantial BD collection, I want something better to watch them on so maybe that brings me back to the V10.

It's not really a money issue but for the 50" S1, I could get that for ~$1200 and be comfortable spending that now. To go to the 54" V10 is almost double and I may want to wait for a good sale on it which would give me time to save a bit more. I still have other toys on my list. I'm going to need an amplifier in the near future, really want the Oppo BD player and thinking about a Mac Mini for a HTPC. The last two will probably have to wait for a while.

Thanks for the responses.

Jim

[jliedeka]

I broke down and bought the TC-P50V10 today. It should get delivered next Wednesday. This will be a nice step up for me.

Thanks to jostenmeat and bandphan for talking me into doing what I wanted to do anyway. :D

Jim

[bandphan]

I broke down and bought the TC-P50V10 today. It should get delivered next Wednesday. This will be a nice step up for me.

Thanks to jostenmeat and bandphan for talking me into doing what I wanted to do anyway. :D

Jim

Enjoy the new Display, its a bad arse:D I still recommend the 100 hour break in DVD before calibration, if not for anything but to help phosphurs with even break in:)

[Adam]

Congrats, Jim! I'm really happy with my G10, and the V10 will be even better.

[AVRat]

Glad to hear it. My trigger finger is itching for the 65"!:eek::p

[billy p]

I broke down and bought the TC-P50V10 today. It should get delivered next Wednesday. This will be a nice step up for me.

Thanks to jostenmeat and bandphan for talking me into doing what I wanted to do anyway. :D

Jim

I hate you...but my SO bought herself a new TAG and now I feel anything is possible...;)

BTW...jk on the I hate you. I'm in the same boat as you, 54" G or the 50" V but factoring in the size of my current display, I would prefer the bigger screen.

Enjoy your new display, Bill...:)

[jliedeka]

Got my TV today. I'm really happy with it. Luckily it was a cloudy day so I watched The Dark Knight with minimal reflections on the screen. When I'm not watching anything, I've been running the break-in slides. I haven't decided whether or not to have it calibrated but I need to see what it looks like when things have settled in.

The 50" size seems just right for my 7 foot viewing distance. I had considered the 54" model but that would seem almost too big, probably.

Jim

[jostenmeat]

The 50" size seems just right for my 7 foot viewing distance. I had considered the 54" model but that would seem almost too big, probably.

Firstly, congrats. I think I just convinced yet another personal friend to go with the V10.

For the quoted portion, only what you think matters really. However, your viewing angle is 29.1 deg, and 54" would've been 31.3. SMPTE recommends 30, and THX recommends 36, assuming a full screen 16:9. It's likely that with your typical film, even with a 54", your immersion would still be less than if you sat in the very back row of a movie theater, I am led to believe. FWIW.

Regardless, you bought a very nice display, and you are pretty close to enjoying the full benefit of 1080p, if not quite, assuming 20/20.

[jliedeka]

I went from a 40" LCD to the 50" plasma. I think I just took a nice step up in PQ. Plus, I am fairly comfortable with what I spent on the set. I think the THX recommendation sounds a little extreme to me especially when you consider that the eye is most sensitive to stuff in the center of the field of vision. A bigger screen would put more of the picture outside of that.

Anyway, I'm very happy with this set. The GF is coming over soon and we are going to watch Baraka. I'm looking forward to seeing it on the new set.

Jim