PZ800u

[Soundman]

Anyone had a chance to see the Panasonic PZ800U yet? The CNET review was outstanding, but I haven't seen it anywhere yet. I'm looking for a good Plasma and this one seems excellent, but I'm a little reluctant w/o seeing it in person.

 

[Soundman]

I guess...

I guess no one has seen it yet. It did just come out this month and was wondering what everyone thought about it. I'm considering getting one, but maybe there just aren't alot of them out there yet?

 

[Soundman]

Here's a link to the CNET review if anyone was wondering: http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-viera-th-50pz800u/4505-6482_7-32886472.html?tag=prod.txt.1

 

[Hi Ho]

I haven't seen a PZ800 yet but I have seen the PZ85 and I can say that it is a definite step up from the previous generation (which I own). I don't think you will be dissapointed.

 

[Soundman]

I haven't seen a PZ800 yet but I have seen the PZ85 and I can say that it is a definite step up from the previous generation (which I own). I don't think you will be dissapointed.

Yes, I've seen the PZ85U as well, the PZ800U is suppose to be a step up from that, THX certification, a few other features. On CNET they tested it against a Kuro and it came really close. The black levels weren't quite as deep at the Kuro, but it was really close and hard to tell even in a side by side comparison. It actually outperformed the Kuro in other areas. So, after reading the review, I've been trying to take a look at it, but haven't seen it anywhere. So, I was just wondering if anyone else has. Oh well... maybe need to wait a little bit.

 

[mouettus]

I couldn't stay too long in the showroom (cuz I was hearing the gf's foot tapping lol), but I saw that set for a good 5-10 minutes in a black environments (no windows and lights out) and all I can say is wow. Talk about black levels and a black screen on a "blank signal"!! Scaling and processing was "okay" though. Not bad... but let's say on par with other quality names such as samsung and sony as far as processing.

very good buy for the money I'd say (I'd like 2-300$ shaved on it). I don't mind for all the bells ans whistles though...

 

[Soundman]

I couldn't stay too long in the showroom (cuz I was hearing the gf's foot tapping lol), but I saw that set for a good 5-10 minutes in a black environments (no windows and lights out) and all I can say is wow. Talk about black levels and a black screen on a "blank signal"!! Scaling and processing was "okay" though. Not bad... but let's say on par with other quality names such as samsung and sony as far as processing.

very good buy for the money I'd say (I'd like 2-300$ shaved on it). I don't mind for all the bells ans whistles though...

Wow!!! Finally someone who has seen it. Great! I'm a little disappointed about your comments and scaling and processing though. I mainly plan on using this set for games and movies though. So, by using components that have good processing and scaler built in is this really an issue? I don't watch much TV. I mainly watch movies. let me know what you think.

 

[mouettus]

Wow!!! Finally someone who has seen it. Great! I'm a little disappointed about your comments and scaling and processing though. I mainly plan on using this set for games and movies though. So, by using components that have good processing and scaler built in is this really an issue? I don't watch much TV. I mainly watch movies. let me know what you think.

Well... depending on the games and movies your are watching... if they are hi-def you won't have any problems with processing. SD is the monster here. As still many stations here are SD, I check a tvs performance on processing a 480i/p signal. Like I said... I'm not too picky about a tv but enough so that I could see some noise in the picture. A little more than its sony and pioneer counterparts. Still a great tv though. The blacks really impressed me. Another thing is that while I was looking at a blu-ray movie, I was amazed at how realistic it was. Almost as if I was looking through a window.

I'd still buy the pz80u though. Way cheaper and not a whole lot of difference (a little less accurate colors). You could go bigger for the same money. Or if you really want quality... then I say wait for a Kuro or a sale/good ID price on a 800.

 

[Hi Ho]

There are a few settings on Panasonic TVs that shouldn't even be options in my opinion. They should be on by default at the very least. MPEG NR and BOCK NR are two of them. With those two settings turned off one is bound to see pixelation galore. I have not seen any detriment to the picture quality with those settings turned on, only good. The first things I do when I set up a Panasonic is take it out of "Vivid" mode, turn off "Color Management", and turn on "BLOCK NR" and "MPEG NR". Those steps make a substantial difference. The new Panasonic sets only have "MPEG NR".

 

[Soundman]

Well... depending on the games and movies your are watching... if they are hi-def you won't have any problems with processing. SD is the monster here. As still many stations here are SD, I check a tvs performance on processing a 480i/p signal. Like I said... I'm not too picky about a tv but enough so that I could see some noise in the picture. A little more than its sony and pioneer counterparts. Still a great tv though. The blacks really impressed me. Another thing is that while I was looking at a blu-ray movie, I was amazed at how realistic it was. Almost as if I was looking through a window.

I'd still buy the pz80u though. Way cheaper and not a whole lot of difference (a little less accurate colors). You could go bigger for the same money. Or if you really want quality... then I say wait for a Kuro or a sale/good ID price on a 800.

OK, I see. So is it mainly the price that would discourage you from going with the 800u? I've seen it going for $2169.00 online with free shipping. So, that actually brings it closer to what the 85u is going for.
Also, you mentioned,

The blacks really impressed me. Another thing is that while I was looking at a blu-ray movie, I was amazed at how realistic it was. Almost as if I was looking through a window.

But then you said there wasn't a whole lot of difference when compared to the 85u. I'm a little confused. You made it sound as if you thought Blu-Ray movies looked fantastic, but also that there wasn't a whole lot of difference. Is it worth the slightly higher price? As far as online prices go, I see about a $300 difference. Can you clarify for me? Thanks for your help.

 

[mouettus]

OK, I see. So is it mainly the price that would discourage you from going with the 800u? I've seen it going for $2169.00 online with free shipping. So, that actually brings it closer to what the 85u is going for.
Also, you mentioned,

But then you said there wasn't a whole lot of difference when compared to the 85u. I'm a little confused. You made it sound as if you thought Blu-Ray movies looked fantastic, but also that there wasn't a whole lot of difference. Is it worth the slightly higher price? As far as online prices go, I see about a $300 difference. Can you clarify for me? Thanks for your help.

Yes the 800u is superior. I could see why with a little better processing and a little better colors and black levels. But what I was trying to say is that blu-ray doesn't need scaling or converting. It's pixel for pixel. It was really nice. It had a realistic image. The only other tv I had this impression with was the 5010fd Kuro!

For the price... holy dang! go for it my man! I'll show you the price WE have around here for the 50":
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=FR&sku_id=0770HDS0010101133&catid=
plus taxes!

So like I said... for the price... the pz80 would be a better choice. I will never pay 4000$ anymore for a tv because in 3-4 years it will be "obsolete" (when compared to newer stuff). My 46v2500 is already what I would call on par with some 2K$ tvs out there right now.

Now have a look at this reasonably priced tv:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=FR&sku_id=0770HDS0010100490&catid=

Like a computer: some pay thousands to have 2-3 videocards in it. 2 years after they come out with a single video card that outpaces the 3 of them together
Like a car: some buy a 85K$ CayenneSS.


I really envy you in the states. You always have great deals over the net and always have free shipping on one site or another!

 

[Soundman]

Yes the 800u is superior. I could see why with a little better processing and a little better colors and black levels. But what I was trying to say is that blu-ray doesn't need scaling or converting. It's pixel for pixel. It was really nice. It had a realistic image. The only other tv I had this impression with was the 5010fd Kuro!

For the price... holy dang! go for it my man! I'll show you the price WE have around here for the 50":
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=FR&sku_id=0770HDS0010101133&catid=
plus taxes!

So like I said... for the price... the pz80 would be a better choice. I will never pay 4000$ anymore for a tv because in 3-4 years it will be "obsolete" (when compared to newer stuff). My 46v2500 is already what I would call on par with some 2K$ tvs out there right now.

Now have a look at this reasonably priced tv:
http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=FR&sku_id=0770HDS0010100490&catid=

Like a computer: some pay thousands to have 2-3 videocards in it. 2 years after they come out with a single video card that outpaces the 3 of them together
Like a car: some buy a 85K$ CayenneSS.


I really envy you in the states. You always have great deals over the net and always have free shipping on one site or another!

Thanks for clarifying. That helps a lot. Yeah, I didn't realize you weren't in the US. I guess that was a little confusing when talking about price. Check out this price on the PZ800U. This is why I was considering it.: http://www.butterflyphoto.com/product.html?postId=1105442&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Panasonic-_-Plasma+TV-_-PANTH50PZ800U&zmam=8564958&zmas=1&zmac=83&zmap=PANTH50PZ800U
Whatcha think?

 

[mouettus]

Thanks for clarifying. That helps a lot. Yeah, I didn't realize you weren't in the US. I guess that was a little confusing when talking about price. Check out this price on the PZ800U. This is why I was considering it.: http://www.butterflyphoto.com/product.html?postId=1105442&cm_mmc=PriceGrabber-_-Panasonic-_-Plasma+TV-_-PANTH50PZ800U&zmam=8564958&zmas=1&zmac=83&zmap=PANTH50PZ800U
Whatcha think?

I think I should get a friend in the states lol

 

[Soundman]

I think I should get a friend in the states lol

Come on down anytime, Man. I'm in NC. Actually, I work for RBC Bank. How ironic, eh.

 

[mouettus]

Come on down anytime, Man. I'm in NC. Actually, I work for RBC Bank. How ironic, eh.

Well that's a little too far. How about I ship it to your place and then you send me the tv by fedex or something? How much do you think it would cost with brokerage and all?

I'm sure I could save 1K right there.

 

[Soundman]

Well that's a little too far. How about I ship it to your place and then you send me the tv by fedex or something? How much do you think it would cost with brokerage and all?

I'm sure I could save 1K right there.

That's a good question. I have no idea how that works. I haven't really shipped outside of the US before.