Panasonic PZ800 Series: TH-46PZ800 / TH-50PZ800 / TH-58PZ800

[Host]

Thanks for your informative post cicero.
I have the Panasonic 42PZ800 Plasma and it appears has similiar features to yours.
I had 57 come out and adjust it. We are quite pleased with it.

[seinsmeld13]

I have had the PZ since it came out September 1. I am happy with it, however, on THX tmode he picture is way too dim. I only use that setting for Bluray and HDDVD. I use custom and standard for other viewing which is mostly HD but still too dim. Any recommendations on picture calibration??? I would have thought THX would have done the trick, again way too dim for all that watch it. Any feedback on calibration would be appreciated.

[57]

Any recommendations on picture calibration???

Yes, please read the following post on TV optimization: I would have thought that the custom mode would be pretty close to bright enough. I thought it had the contrast (picture) set pretty high in default, but I can't be sure for this model.

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76161


And the following post, useful for those new to the forum:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

[hugh]

Comparisons & Conclusion

The most obvious comparison to make here is with the LG 50PG60, the only other 50-inch, THX-certified plasma on the market.

....

Pricewise, the Panasonic is only $200 less than the LG ($2700), and both produce a very pleasing picture. Despite the LG's greater calibration flexibility, my nod goes to the Panasonic TH-50PZ800 for its deeper blacks and 48Hz display rate for 1080p/24. Its performance was improved with a full calibration, but I suspect many buyers will be perfectly happy with the out-of-box THX mode.

Highs
Excellent overall detail
Superb shadow detail
Great color
Fairly low black level
48Hz refresh rate for 1080p/24

Lows
Menu system very frustrating
Red bump at 50 IRE
Video processing not that great

Complete review at AVMag

[cptchris]

I'm looking to buy a flat screen. The debate is on LCD or Plasma. I've gotten offered a fantastic price on the 42 PZ 800 at Bay Bloor. A couple friends are poo pooing plasmas though...making me nervous. I have a wife who frequently leaves CP24 running on televisions around the house. I'm sure I can get her to stop However we just had a baby and people are getting me worried about gaming on a plasma and it getting burn in.

Any thoughts...especially from maybe people who got this television but were also considering an LCD?

[57]

Please see the following thread on LCD vs Plasma where numerous people have expressed their opinions already:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=68800


The following post on Burn in, which you should be aware of, but not paranoid about:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=21270


And the following post, useful for those new to the forum:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=57741

[AVphile]

Originally Posted by seinsmeld13

I have had the PZ since it came out September 1. I am happy with it, however, on THX tmode he picture is way too dim. I only use that setting for Bluray and HDDVD. I use custom and standard for other viewing which is mostly HD but still too dim. Any recommendations on picture calibration??? I would have thought THX would have done the trick, again way too dim for all that watch it. Any feedback on calibration would be appreciated.

Hmmm... what are you used to watching?
Do you have any bright lights or windows shining on it?
Have you tried increasing Picture (contrast) to 100 as per the CNET review?

[daz-man]

Well I own a DLP (Toshiba) and LCD rear projection (60" XBR2) and the TH42PZ800U rocks.

I almost bought a Bravia LCD and I'm glad I didn't. Don't trust the images on the TVs in the store because they are horrible. This thing is great for SD and excellent on HD.

These might help:

5 Reasons to pick Plasma over LCD:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/content/view/1961/206/

Review of PZ800U

http://www.soundandvisionmag.com/hdt...-50pz800u.html

[ryoung]

I've had the Panny 800 since it was released and I think its great. I use the THX mode for all video content, DVD, HDDVD, Bluray, Sat. I don't find it too dim, but it does take a little adjustment as it is a more realistic looking configuration rather than the normal torch mode most sets display with.

[Archaic]

Hi,

I recently purchased the 58PZ800U and I am finding HD channels fairly noisy especially when watching live basketball or hockey(TSNHD, RAPSHD, and CBCHD amoung others) in HD. Usually the ice surface or the court doesnt look very good. I am using HDMI (tried multiple cables), ive tried adjusting the sharpness and the NR. What am I doing wrong?

[57]

You may need to adjust more than the sharpness/NR. See the following thread on proper TV optimization:

http://www.digitalhome.ca/forum/showthread.php?t=76161

You need to switch away from the default mode, turn off edge enhancements, etc.

[CyberStorm]

Definitely listen to 57 and properly optimize your TV. I purchased my PZ800 during the boxing week sales and like ryoung, I've settled on the THX mode for all my content and I don't find it too dim at all either. I watched the WJHC on TSNHD (Go Canada!) and was very happy with the PQ.

Make sure your HD STB is configured correctly as well. The Digital Home FAQ has all the info you'll need.

[Senna27]

Just got my 46PZ800U yesterday and hooked it up last night. All I can say is WOW and all my wife can say is holy @%&* is that big! I didn't go to bed until 3:00 AM.

I haven't done any tinkering yet other than selected THX mode. I'm actually very surprised how good the SD channels are. If anyone is thinking about buying a new TV, I certainly recommend the PZ800.

I now have 3 new toys. PZ800, Yamaha RX-V1800 and a Rogers HD-PVR. I'll be adding a Panny BD55 shortly. Talk about information overload!

Once I have my speakers mounted I'll be giving 57 a call so he can do his magic!

I notice something strange when changing channels last night. When I change the channel, the screen goes black for a second then the picture flashes the channel you've selected for a split second, then goes black again before it reappears. Is this normal?

[57]

If you're using an HDMI connection, or changing formats from 1080i to 480i for example, the screen flashes can be considered "normal".

[f9guy]

I hear ya, I busted out the bank roll last April and bought a 50in, couldn't be more happier. I've twinked with everything and I think I have it down to a science if you want to try these settings, keep in mind the room ambiance. In my case I have little or no exterior light coming in ( window shades) and my lighting is recessed lights on a dimmer.

Picture mode: THX, Picture: +80, Brightness: +52, Color: +48, Tint: +0
Sharpness: +50, Color temp: Warm, Color mgmt: Off, x.v.Color: [grayed out]
C.A.T.S.: Off

Advanced picture menu: Video N.R.: Off, 3D Y/C filter: [grayed out]
Color matrix: [grayed out], MPEG NR: [grayed out], Black level: Light
24p Direct in: [grayed out], HD size: Size 2