Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U
TVs Buying Guide
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April 20, 2008 02:23
4.5/5
This set is superior to every other TV other than the Pioneer Kuro Elite, but the Panasonic is less than half the price. Other than the too red flesh tones, I have not seen any of the other video deficiencies alleged in the CNET editor's review. I also have not experienced any of the alleged noise issues, but I use a home theater system, without the TV's speakers. I think that the video is slightly better overall than the Samsung. I would recommend this product, unless you have $5,000 plus to spend on the Pioneer Kuro Elite. -
April 26, 2008 03:14
4.5/5
I waited patiently for the cnet review to come out for the 85U, and once again, I think their criticism is geared to the most discerning of readers ... I was concerned that the quality and color of skin tones, as critiqued in the review, would be more glaring. But to my eye, they were not.
This will be a non-technical review, but since I have been waiting for a year to pull the trigger on an HDTV purchase (and dithering between LCD and Plasma), and considering that I got it for $1189 (for the 42" inch version -- including the $200 rebate from Panasonic - and then getting J&R to beat B&HPhoto's price by $10), I am stunned by what is now hanging on my wall at home. The reception I am getting is by far better than any picture I have seen in any of the show rooms around town.
My one complaint is that the Time Warner Cable Box did not transmit sound through the HDMI cable I purchased. But using component audio cables (and routing the sound from the t.v. through my computer's speakers and sub-woofer (am using an A/B switch and a wireless keyboard to make me as fully non-compliant desk wise as I can : ), I am now very happy with the way the system sounds (again, the sound coming through the set itself was a bit tinny -- and I very much suggest you add external components to this product).
I purchased an upconverter Samsung DVD player for $84, and although BlueRay is probably a far superior technology, I don't see myself running out to buy one any time soon -- the picture I got (watching the Sweeney Todd dvd) was as impressive as anything I have ever seen on any television anywhere. The Black contrast level, as advertised and as reviewed, is extraordinary.
As far as I am concerned, waiting for this Panny to come out was well worth the time spent considering the quality of the set and its very low cost. -
May 4, 2008 06:04
4.5/5
Purchased this TV when my piece of junk Phillips went out(Circuit City replaced always by the warranty on a large TV). Salesman recommended this model over Sony and Samsung. Mounted it to the wall and it looks great. We play a lot of Xbox 360 on it, watch regular DVDs, HD and SD all looks great. Sound is not bad but it can be thin, I solve this by running it through my home theater system. I like the remote it is simply and easy to use. The only real negative is the way my living room sets up I catch some reflection off my front door when it is bright outside. You can only see it from one spot on the couch so I deal with it. -
May 12, 2008 06:54
4.5/5
I was set on buying an LCD until I saw this TV side by side with some of the best LCDs. This TV has the best looking picture, skin tones and black among all of them. A video of a guy playing the piano was displayed on all of the TVs. Only the Panasonic Plasma next to all the LCDs showed the lines between the white keys. All of the LCDS overexposed the white keys and made it look like one big white slab. -
July 18, 2008 05:09
4.5/5
This was my first plasma TV and was leaning towards LCD....after upgrading from DLP Samsung. Salesman suggested this model and the picture sold me on the console. He hooked up a Blu Ray player and played Ratatouille next to Sony Bravia LCD....blew it away with clarity. Although the LCD was brighter, the plasma's picture was outstanding. I would definitely recommend this TV for anyone that is looking for a great picture in HD. -
July 3, 2008 05:03
4.0/5
This is an overall good TV for the money, not spectacular but very good. It has a bit of a red push but it's more than tolerable for the viewing angles, blacks and motion resolution. I have to recommend against using the settings Cnet recommends because they seem to have just made up settings without testing them, you guys need to hire someone competent. Custom mode on this TV has a bad gamma setting which will make the picture noisy, the reviewer even docked points for this TV being noisy and then recommends to use the worst mode, to top it off he tells us to turn on color management and Video NR, color management makes the primaries even worse and Video NR obscures detail. Please Cnet for godsake either check your reviews or hire people who know what they're doing -
October 10, 2008 12:11
4.5/5
Night and day difference when calibrated by a trained technician with the equipment to go into service mode and set it up for the home instead of the Show Room floor. -
August 12, 2008 11:59
5.0/5
Great value. 100% recommended. I got it at Circuit City for $1453 + tax (August 2008).
I used the AAA 8% off coupon - which I recommend to everyone since the amount that you save by buying an item at this cost actually exceeds the cost of membership. -
August 1, 2008 01:18
4.0/5
I have had this tv a week now, the 50 inch (TH-50PZ85U). I read everything I could the past year on tv's, and this was the best for the money. Sure there is better, but you need to shell out a few hundred or thousand more. Frankly, after 14yrs with a 32" CRT (another Panasonic) this baby is more than I need. It fit's my needs, and my Playstation 3 looks amazing on it. Only negative is that the Optical Audio Out is in 2.1 and not Dolby Digital. But most tv's are like that I've been told. I wouldn't call it Spectacular, but definately Excellent. I am very happy with it. Plus it is in CNET's top ten. Not shabby given that many of the other tv's in the top 10 are much more expensive, plus my opinion is that Pana just out performs Samsung. But it is a personal choice. -
July 20, 2008 05:37
4.5/5
We bought this TV on Amazon for around $1500. This is a great TV, and not just for the money. I researched plasma vs LCD and different brands for weeks. If you are considering this TV you wont be sorry. I was actually a little apprehensive after reading the Cnet review regarding colors and lack of color controls. I havent adjusted anything on the TV and it looks fine to my "average Joe" eyes. Im sure I will tweak it later, but unless you are a videophile, you probably wont notice anything. Sure, some of the other TVs may have more controls, etc but they also cost more. You will very happy with this TV.
Our other concern was plasma not being bright enough, screen glare, etc. We have our TV in a standard living room with a decent size double window, and there is less glare on the screen than our old CRT. And it has several anti-burn in features so that is less of a worry as well.
Overall, this is a great TV with a great picture right out of the box. Cant wait to upgrade my DVD to a PS3!
