Panasonic Viera TH-50PX80U 50-Inch 720p Plasma HDTV

I went in shopping for a 58in Panasonic or 60in Pioneer plasma with a $3000-4000 budget that I'd keep for at least five years like our last tv. While comparing how the picture quality in person looked, the price of this 50in Panasonic TH-50PX80U caught my eye at $1300. Sure it's 720p, but we're at least another year or two out for content in 1080p to be more available especially via cable. I already had a bunch of non blue-ray dvd's and I simply didn't value the improvement that blue-ray dvd's offer to either buy or even rent them. Yes, the blacks looked better on the Pioneer, but only when you're comparing side by side.

I almost still went for the newest 58in Panasonic just because the exterior design is a lot slicker with it's large continuous flat surface. However, when Amazon randomly dropped the price to just below $1000 with free shipping, I couldn't resist. Combined with the $250 in Amazon certificates I already had, I got an awesome 50in Panasonic plasma for $750.

I just received my TH-50PX80U and the delivery went very smoothly. Picture is incredible and all thoughts of 720p vs 1080p and black levels are gone. Only surprise is the location of the 3rd hdmi port which is in the front. I planned on plugging in my cable, dvd player, and apple tv via hdmi but I don't' want any wires out front. So for now my apple tv is plugged in via component cords which isn't bad actually. If I really want a larger screen in the future, the $2000+ I saved now should be about what the 58in Panasonics will cost next year.

Picked this up as a second TV for the game room. Very happy with the clarity, and ease of use. Installation is a breeze. It has an excellent picture at almost any angle that you are viewing from. Hard to believe how much these have come down in price.

I purchased this on Amazon because it was a littler pricer at my local Best Buy by about $100.00 after shipping. Of course as luck would have it once I made the purchase on Amazon the price at the Best Buy dropped. I was concerned about getting such a large ticket item from Amazon becuse of the return hassle that one could encounter but to my surprise it all went off without a hitch.

TV arrived in PERFECT condition and I cannot say enough about the delivery crew (2 Guys). The company never did call me to arrange shipping, however their database said they had contacted me? Could have been an issue but just to be sure on the day of the delivery I actually called the shipper to confirm and to my surprise they said the truck was on its way. Unfortunately for me I was a good hour from my house. The driver called me on my cell and they waited at my home for me to arrive. Once there they took the unit in the house, unboxed it and completely set it up to insure I was satisfied with the entire process. I was VERY satisfied.

As far as the set goes...I was concerned about the sound capability but the built in speakers get REALLY LOUD, in fact I have not had them over a 1/4 of the capability since my initial tests. TV seems to come out of the box calibrated very well. HD at 1080i is absolutely stunning. I watched the Sunday Night Football in America game Cowboys vs. Philly and I have to say it was the BEST viewing experience I ever had. I just cannot get over how stunning the picture is on this set.

Remote comes with a Format button that makes it very easy to adjust the picture setting on the fly for whatever looks best for that channel: i.e: 4:3, Zoom, Full, HD-Full or Just. Works really well. Also the info button is very helpful in determining what a channel is being broadcast in: i.e 480i, 720p or 1080i.

Would I do it over again, YES I would, very pleased with Amazon, the shipping and setup and finally the TV. Highly recommended.

This is my 3rd flat panel tv, and by far the best in terms of picture clarity and features.

I have no complaints. The picture is vivid, crisp, and satisfying.

There are plenty of hdmi, component, and other inputs so no worries there. And they all work, unlike my westinghouse unit. The unit was easy to assemble (4 screws to the base) the online menus are easy to use, and the price here at amazon was better than at any store. Free delivery and no sales tax were a bonus.

I don't use blueray discs so 720p is fine. The $400 premium for 1080p wasn't worth it to me.

Hint: Use a premium credit card that doubles the warranty from 1 year to 2. Panasonic warranty service is in-home or mail in, your choice.

Very pleased with this tv so far.

I have two 50's and a 42. We watch mostly sports on all TVs. The picture is incredible. Why would you ever go to LCD with such a strong warranty on this plasm's screen?