Panasonic HDTV Plasma and help with buying tomorrow?

Question

I am buying a Panasonic Hdtv Plasma at Frys tomorrow. I have noticed that the 42", 46", etc each have at least 4 different sets per size.. Confusing? To say the least. They all range from 1500.-2200. And the new models are $3300.

Trying to figure out what I need is not easy. One Tv has 3 hdmi imputs, surround sound, two speakers, viera link, but it cost way more.. On two models they have left some of these out.

What I want to know is what should I buy? I will eventually watch some movies but what are the necessities that I need most.. How many imputs? Viera Link? anti reflective vs. anti coating?.. Help????

Answer 1

I've got the  pz77u model from late 2007 and I love it.  If I were you I'd get the pz85u series. You won't regret your decision.  Just make sure to break in your plasma tv properly and calibrate as well and  you will be fine, specially  with panasonic.  Just don't listen to the nay sayers and buy the panasonic with peace of mind. Stay away from lg, samsung plasmas, they tend to have bad image retention.

Hope you enjoy your new tv!!

Answer 2

Don't buy a Plasma as they are more expensive to run and can be affected by burn-in or image retention.

Plasmas are not good for gaming purposes and not too good for movies as well.

You would be better off with a LCD screen.

You should buy one that is 1080p with 120 Hz refresh rate (to eliminate picture lag) , and the more HDMI Inputs , the better.

LCD will reflect glare better than any Plasma screen.

With the prices you have listed you should find a Sony Bravia XBR series LCD or a Samsung LCD around the same price.

Before you buy the Plasma I would seriously suggest you take a look at a LCD because the Plasma will be the first one phased out as LCD is starting to take over the market due to costs involved in running and repairs.

I personally would buy a Sony Bravia XBR or a Samsung.

Sony make the No1 LCD and Samsung make the No2 LCD screeen.

Answer 3

The 2008 model line-up works as follows:

General model numbers are TH-xxPXyyU or TH-xxPZyyU.

The xx will be the screen size. The yy is the model number. In general, the larger the model number, the higher end the TV.

PX models are 720p resolution. Models PZ have 1080p resolution.

The 80U model's are the entry level products with base features and the lowest viewing contrasts.

The 85U models increase the viewing contrast (brightness) and add a movie mode that eliminates judder (smooths movie play). If you like movies, this is a useful feature.

The 800U &850U models' are the new flagships with top-of-the line features and picture quality.

All the 2008 models use a very effective anti-reflective filter that greatly reduces glare and reflectivity. These TV's have less glare and reflectivity than the Samsung A650, A750 and 71F models and no more than a SONY XBR6 LCD screen. The anti-coatings are last year's models.

On a 42" plasma TV you do not need 1080p. The TH-42PX80U is a fantastic TV with a great picture quality. It is a bargain and a great choice. If you really like movies, then consider the TH-46PZ85U or TH-50PZ85U. Panasonic does not offer the 46" in a 720p resolution. I really like the smoother movie playback & brighter image offered in these TVs. If you are going for the best TV possible, get an 800U or 850U model. These TVs compete with the best of any brand or technology.