Panasonic's plasmas

[hawkerman]

Im looking at getting my first plasma. A 42" seems to be what I need. I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic TH 42pz700U or the TH 42pz77U and the
Professional series TH 42ph10UKA. Anyone know the difference between the pz700 and 77. Best Buy told me the 77U was the newer model to replace the 700U, but its about 300 bucks cheaper, he didn't know why. I also was wondering how the Pro plasma compares to the two commercial models mentioned. The ph10UKA is a 920p the pz's are 1080p. Unfortunately the pro series must be ordered over the internet, and I can't go view one. Does anyone have any direct comparisons. By the time I buy the stand and shipping for the pro series it makes all these models relatively the same price.

 

[gus6464]

Im looking at getting my first plasma. A 42" seems to be what I need. I have narrowed it down to the Panasonic TH 42pz700U or the TH 42pz77U and the
Professional series TH 42ph10UKA. Anyone know the difference between the pz700 and 77. Best Buy told me the 77U was the newer model to replace the 700U, but its about 300 bucks cheaper, he didn't know why. I also was wondering how the Pro plasma compares to the two commercial models mentioned. The ph10UKA is a 920p the pz's are 1080p. Unfortunately the pro series must be ordered over the internet, and I can't go view one. Does anyone have any direct comparisons. By the time I buy the stand and shipping for the pro series it makes all these models relatively the same price.

BB guy is an idiot. The 77U and 700U are both brand new models. The difference is the screen on them. The 77U has anti-glare filter on their screen which makes it look at lot more like an LCD. It has that matte screen look to it. The 700U has anti-reflection which looks more like a traditional plasma screen but helps against light reflection. Some people claim that the LCD type screen of the 77U washes out the colors but I find that to be false. I would go back to BB and stare at both TVs side by side and see which screen you like best.

 

[annunaki]

Gus is correct on the differences. The black level appears better on the 700 at first glance but once both sets are set up correctly they both look good. If it were me and reflection not an issue, I would do the 700. However, because of the distance I sit from the set, over 4 feet away, 1080p is useless in a 42" so I would get the 75U and save some money to kick up the audio system.

 

[gus6464]

Yeah if you are sitting 8-10ft away from the TV I would definitely save some money and go with the 768p 75U and maybe step up to the 50" 75U. That or get a 75U and high def player.

 

[annunaki]

Good on you man!

HD player $249-$299 with 10 free discs! Whoo hoo! HD heaven. Circuit City on-line has the 42px75U on sale for $1049.99! They match in-store if you bring it up.

 

[Tomorrow]

The 700U has a few pro picture control features that the 77U does not. And other than those controls the anti-reflection strategies the others have mentioned, they are the same unit.

We got the 75U in 58", sit 13 feet from the screen and have zero issues with 720P HD. Love it and saved roughly $1300 over the 1080P pricing.

 

[hawkerman]

Thanks for all the info on the PZ series and PX series. Now for comparison how about the pro line series. Specifically the TH 42PH10UKA. It is a 920p, but from what I understand for a 42" set that would be fine. Does the pro line series offer a better picture quality than the others mentioned. After shipping and the stand, I can get this model for about 1350. I already have a great audio set, so the only thing I will be getting is the plasma and the wiring and probably a blueray player. Yamaha 659 reciever and axiom m22, vp100 center, qs4's and a HSU stf-2 sub.

 

[hawkerman]

correction, I meant 720p.

 

[Geno]

Unless things have changed recently, the difference between the "consumer" and "pro" versions of the Pannys is this: The units you find in big box stores include speakers and all the inputs you'd normally need. The "pro" models have the same glass, but are just displays without speakers. Also, you used to need to buy the "blades" (input modules) if you wanted inputs other than VGA, S-Video, or Component.

 

[hawkerman]

I know the "pro" models don't have speakers or a tv tuner, but if you think about who needs that stuff. I have a full audio system thru my reciever, and a set top box with the digital cable. The th-42ph10uka now comes with HDMI boards so I wouldnt have to get any extra blades, just a tv stand. I was wondering how the "pro" models compare in picture quality to the consumer models. The price of the pro model is directly on par with the px77u. The pz series is about 400 dollars more. So basically, if I went with 720p, for the same price roughly($1300), which has the better edge, the pro model th-42ph10uka or the consumer model Px77u? If I wanted to spend 400 more on the pz77u for the 1080p, would it be worth it? I don't have the space for a 50" so I'm not interested in upgrading to that. Thanks for everyones input.

 

[jmrife]

I know the "pro" models don't have speakers or a tv tuner, but if you think about who needs that stuff. I have a full audio system thru my reciever, and a set top box with the digital cable. The th-42ph10uka now comes with HDMI boards so I wouldnt have to get any extra blades, just a tv stand. I was wondering how the "pro" models compare in picture quality to the consumer models. The price of the pro model is directly on par with the px77u. The pz series is about 400 dollars more. So basically, if I went with 720p, for the same price roughly($1300), which has the better edge, the pro model th-42ph10uka or the consumer model Px77u? If I wanted to spend 400 more on the pz77u for the 1080p, would it be worth it? I don't have the space for a 50" so I'm not interested in upgrading to that. Thanks for everyones input.

I have had great experiences with the "pro models" purchased from Visual Apex. It is no problem to install the HDMI blade if you want, although the component connection works great.

I have both the 50 and the 42. You can't go wrong if you don't need the speakers or the tuner. And the smaller bezel looks great on the wall.

Look here:

http://www.visualapex.com/plasma/Plasma_details.asp?VA=Panasonic&chPartNumber=TH-42PH10UKA

One more thing: my first plasma was smashed during shipping. One phone call and these guys shipped me another without seeing the damage for the first one. Two weeks later, they sent the shipper around to pick up the damaged unit. I couldn't be happier with their customer service.

 

[funked up]

I am seriously considering the 42" 75U. Will prob buy when I come across a good sale. I went into BB yesterday to get a look at it. I have to say I was a little dissapointed, there was an LG 42"($300 cheaper) next to it with the same specs that looked better, blacks were darker, colors were brighter, obvious enough where I(not a videophile) and my girlfriend could see the difference. Is it possible this LG has better PQ, or is it more likely the people at BB didn't have the panny setup right? I'm seriously hoping its the latter.

 

[hawkerman]

I'm going to go look at the px77u today. I assume that it would look very similar to the "pro" model ph10uka. One question I can't seem to find, if anyone knows. Does the "pro" model ph10uka have the same anti glare screen as the px77u? or would it be more similar to the px75u, without the anti glare screen?

 

[Tomorrow]

I am seriously considering the 42" 75U. Will prob buy when I come across a good sale. I went into BB yesterday to get a look at it. I have to say I was a little dissapointed, there was an LG 42"($300 cheaper) next to it with the same specs that looked better, blacks were darker, colors were brighter, obvious enough where I(not a videophile) and my girlfriend could see the difference. Is it possible this LG has better PQ, or is it more likely the people at BB didn't have the panny setup right? I'm seriously hoping its the latter.

The Panny undoubtedly needed proper setup. An LG should not be noticeably better than the Panny. B&M stores are notorious, maybe even especially BB, for not setting up tv's...just plugging them in as they come from the factory.

 

[annunaki]

All big box stores just pull them out of the box hook them up and turn them on. Only once all the sets are calibrated to NTSC standards for contrast, brightness, color, tint/hue, and sharpness would their true flaws and differences show. The Panny is a superior unit to the LG that is for sure, regardless of how it appeared on the floor.

As a part time Circuit City employee (holiday cash), yes that's right, I can tell you that if you find the right people to work with you can get an additional 10% off the TV if you purchase other things with it. Actually he got 10% off the whole purchase. I know because I sold one (TH42PX75U) on Tues. at $944.99. The customer also bought a basic surround package and few cables and a couple other things. The guy got no interest financing for 12 months as well.

 

[hawkerman]

Well, I just got back from Best Buy, they suck. I wanted to compare a 1080p to a 720p with a 1080p source. But, none of there 720p's are hooked up to a 1080p source. I know I have read and people tell me that on a 42 inch screen, 1080 won't make a difference, but I just wanted to see for myself. I'm still not sure on the anti glare thing, don't know if I like it or not. Still considering the "pro" model th-42ph10uka (720p) or stepping up to 1080p in the th-42PZ700u or 77u depending on the anti glare thing. I did like the th-42PX75u and 77u, but think the pro model would be better if I'm going to go with 720p. But I still haven't seen what a 720p looks like with a 1080p source.

 

[gus6464]

But I still haven't seen what a 720p looks like with a 1080p source.

It will look like a 768p picture on the 75U. Look, don't get yourself caught up on the whole resolution thing. Take it from me who went from a 1080p LCD to a 768p plasma and the plasma has a much better picture. And the 1080p LCD wasn't a substandard LCD by any means either (Toshiba 42HL167).

 

[svxbart]

720p vs1080p on PS3?

HI all. I'vbeen looking for one answer.
I know that diff between 720p and 1080p could not be seen on 42' when watching tv or dvd( and i checked that at BB today), but i just got PS3 and looking to buy plasma to ply on it
So:
1. will i see any difference between 720p and 1080p when using PS3 on 42'?
2. will i see any difference between 42' 1080p and 50'720p when using PS3?

Thanx in advance

 

[westcott]

I just got a hell of a deal on a 42" Panasonic TH-42PE7U. It was a left over from Black Fridays door busters. I payed $800 for it. What a deal. Awesome picture, plenty of inputs, anti glare screen, and contrast that is out of this world. I bought it for my wife so she can watch TV in the bedroom and I am kind or sorry I did. I have a hard time pulling her away.

You may have to ask a salesman to go look for one. He may be reluctant to even tell you as some of the employees are hoping to acquire these displays for themselves. Keep asking until you find one if you really want a deal. They are not advertised and they are not on their website.

Happy Holidays!!!

P.S. And as others have said, at normal viewing distances and at these relatively small screen sizes, 1080i\p is a waste of money.

 

[funked up]

I just got a hell of a deal on a 42" Panasonic TH-42PE7U. It was a left over from Black Fridays door busters. I payed $800 for it. What a deal. Awesome picture, plenty of inputs, anti glare screen, and contrast that is out of this world. I bought it for my wife so she can watch TV in the bedroom and I am kind or sorry I did. I have a hard time pulling her away.

You may have to ask a salesman to go look for one. He may be reluctant to even tell you as some of the employees are hoping to acquire these displays for themselves. Keep asking until you find one if you really want a deal. They are not advertised and they are not on their website.

Happy Holidays!!!

P.S. And as others have said, at normal viewing distances and at these relatively small screen sizes, 1080i\p is a waste of money.

Was this at Best Buy? I'm gonna take a ride there after work and see, if I can find one for $800, its sold!