Hi,

I was wondering how the TH-50PZ750 compares to the TH-50PZ700 — is it worth the extra cost or more or less the same unit.

Thanks,
- Filip

Biggest changes are studio reference color for red reds, three HDMI jacks (vs 2) and custom color adjust for accurate gray scale. I feel it is worth the extra cost . But ultimately it is up to you
The HD Guru

Thanks for publishing the review. The set appears to be very impressive. I’m looking forward to seeing it in my local Best Buy. BTW, are the 3 HDMI ports version 1.3?

According to Panasonic, they are 1.3 and will be available at magnolia in best buy.

The HD Guru 

Hello HD Guru
Great review, I look foward to purchasing this model.
Ive been patiently been waiting for 3 years for plasmas to get to this point where technology and price make it a reasonable purchase for the average consumer.
Considering the increased amount of pixels
and that its a new technology for panasonic
are the chances of pixel outages increased?
or concern for reliability?
Do your break in recomendations remain the same for this model?
thanks for any info
greatly appreciated

Bill

1080p plasma has been on the market for a couple of years now starting with the 71″ LG. I see that panel and the 65″ Panasonic from time to time and I never have seen either with a dead or stuck pixel. I is my informed guess that the USA only receives A grade perfect glass from the parent companies and the panels with dead or stuck pixels go to third world and commericial markets. I would not be concerned.
Yes I still recommend break in for plasma upon unpacking take it out of Vivid mode, I used custom mode. For break in period (first 200 hours, lower the contrast. I recommend no higher than the mid setting  which happens to be 0 on the Panasonic TH-50PZ750. After breakin period I would raise it (0 is too dark for an optimum picture) I settled on +7 for my viewing and testing and the overall drive control as set to “Mid” (there is a low and hi too)

The HD Guru  

Thx for the great review HD Guru. The only thing missing is a clear statement on processing qualities of the 750U. What about SD and reduction of heavy noise levels seen on some HD discs. People who saw the 50PZ700u complaint about the processing as still being an issue compared to the 7G of Pioneer.

Hope you can help,
Thomas

In my attempt to keep the reviews simple,  I did not include over some of the items you brought up

The SD upconversion is around middle of the pack of recent plasmas I have tested and not as good as the Pioneer in handling of the jaggies test patterns. On the other hand there is less dithering noise in the Panasonic than the Pioneer or to restate the Panny’s picture has less video noise.
I have not seen what could be descibed as video noise in Blu-ray or HD DVD, what I did see is excessive or exaggerated film grain in  many of the early transfers.

That situation has improved at the studios side and I know of no consumer film grain remover circuitry available. Using the 1:1 aspect ratio one should be able to use an external scaler like the Silicon Optix HQV based NEC Theatersync to improve upconversion of all SD sources. If you  purchase either the Toshiba XA2 HD DVD player or the Samsung 1200 Blu-ray you will have HQV processing of all you SD DVDs, when the player’s output is set to 1080p60 and the 750 is set to 1:1 aspect ratio

The HD Guru 

Crowing the New King of Plasmas: Panasonic’s 50-inch 1080p TH-50PZ700U

Panasonic’s new 1080p set is the best plasma ever. That’s what Gizmodo friend Gary Merson of HD Guru says. The colors were the most accurate, the 1080p signals were processed at full bandwidth with no loss of data, the black…

[...] Exclusive- First Review of the Amazing Panasonic TH-50PZ750U Plasma [HD Guru, thanks Gary] [Photo is of the 700 series Panasonic, but they should look similar.] [...]

I messed up before. I don’t see this model on the Panasonic website. Is it the same as the TH-50PZ700U?
Thanks

No. They are both 1080p but the 750 adds features such as reference color. Scroll down to the 2007 Panasonic line up article for the differences.

Panasonic sent me an early production sample prior to its release to dealers or posting on its website. The should be arriving at stores within a few weeks .  I have asked Panasonic for a list of dealers, since it does not have the same distribution as the other Panasonic modes.

The HD Guru

[...] Interesant unul dintre comentariile ce insoteste articolul. Pentru plasmele “americane” se folosesc tuburi de cea mai buna calitate, cele cu pixeli morti sau intepeniti pleaca spre tarile lumii a treia sau pietele unde nu se poate vinde la fel de scump. [Sursa: HD Guru] [...]

[...] Exclusive- First Review of the Amazing Panasonic TH-50PZ750U Plasma [HD Guru, thanks Gary] [Photo is of the 700 series Panasonic, but they should look similar.] [...]

Do these models have HDMI 1.3 inputs?

Yes The 750s have 1.3

The HD Guru

Thx you for your quick and very helpfull answer HD Guru. Let me ask you want more thing. People are still discussing if the 750u/700u would at least accept 24hz even if it then makes the pulldown internally and is displaying 60hz finally. So can you for example put he Samsung 1200 on 1080p24 or is that button gray?
Thanks

Hi guru. I see from some other comments that you replied to my question (April 07) about high altitude plasmas but I can’t find it. How do I retrive it on your website?

Guru,
With the new Panasonic 700/750, upcoming Pioneer “super plasma”, and existing Sharp D92 units out (despite banding problems), I’d like to see a shoot-out between some really good LCD’s and Plasmas. I understand each technology has it’s pro’s and con’s but the difference between the competing technology seems to be decreasing rapidly.
How ’bout a shoot-out review.

I have asked for a sample of the new Pioneer when it becomes available. I will work on trying to get all three.

The  HD Guru

Did the 1080P Panasonics have PIP ? You didn’t mention it and the 2007 Panasonic press release didn’t either. This is an important feature to me with football season coming up in the fall.
Also, will you be taking a look at the Samsung LN-T5265F LCD ? I understand that it is a very fine LCD and would like your opinion. Thanks

Hello Guru!
As usual great info on this much anticipated 750 Panny.I did some reaserch on the on the 750 and the 700 over the past few weeks,and made the decision to purchase the 700.I was tossed between the600U and the one I bought.Everything being equal the 700 had all I was looking for as far as picture.A little short on bells and whistles, but it was 1080P,and the best one you will find in my opinion for price range and then some.I hope you will review this unit soon,I’m curious to get your opinion. Thanks, a happy JP

What kinda b.s. website is this.We know you like the t.v. and it’s cheaper than the pioneer.this is more like a feel good site for those who have bought into your hey let’s talk abouthowlucky we all are to have made a panasonic purchase.All I know is this 750 series better be as good as you say or your reputation,which nobody knows about except you will mean nothing.I have the 700 which I am returning, and I am not impressed,I think the 60u and the 600u produce a better 1080i picture ,(tv network) which most people watch much more than dvd.so tell me why anyone would wait a month and a half to hear what you say!So when or if this television does come to market, I’ll write you back

Thanks for your kind words. Keep those comments coming.

The HD Guru 

Well… I was able to see the 50PZ750 at a Best Buy in NC while traveling on the road… they are showing up Best Buys with a Magnolia department. They don’t stock their high end items, but I was able to order one and it will arrive this coming Monday, the 9th, in north Florida.

Hello,Hello….. Is anyone still there? The Panny TH-50PZ700U Has been out there for a while.I,like others I’m sure are waiting to get a review on this classy chassis piece of work.This beautiful picture compliments an array of features such a simple to use remote,user friendly menu and quick an easy set up.Really good sound for a flat panel.One question I would really like an answer to is weather this unit is a FULL HD unit,there must be 25 definitions of what FULL HD is.Hope you address this soon.Thanks CHAS

There are review samples of the 700 in the hands of a number of competent reviewers, try hometheatermag.com and guidetohometheater.  The HD Guru has his hands full with other tests right now (read on)
Full HD is a marketing term, I believe started by Sony to claim a display device with 1920 x 1080 pixels is Full HD and other set makers have adopted the term.

Whether all 1920 x1080 pixels really appear on the screen is another story. In order for that to happen the display must not crop the image (still called overscan). Many displays crop with no option to display the entire image, some rear projectors overproject placing about 95% of the image on screen.

Another issue is bandwidth. Can the display device resolve down to a single pixel all the image information? If not it is not really displaying Full HD.

The HD Guru has begun performing his 2007 deinterlacing and bandwidth tests of 50+ 2007 model HDTVs. When the tests are completed the story will published. Stay tuned.

The HD Guru 

Panasonic TH58PZ-750 I am anxiously awaiting the arrival in my local PC Richards of the latest plasma display from Panasonic.I am torn between an LCD vs.Plasma display.My greatest concern is burn-in of a static image with the plasma,such as a stock ticker or similiar image.What is your advice on this issue? Is my concern justified or has the problem of burn-in been conquered?Thanx,Paul.

The HD Guru has deliberately placed a high contrast image still frame on the  TH-50PZ750 for testing. After two hours  of the static image, no burn-in. or short term  image retention occured. Make sure  the  panel is out of  vivid picture mode as soon as it is taken out of the box, and keep the contrast control at no higher than midpoint (0) for the first 200 hours to assure proper break-in and aging of the phospors for maximum lifespan. I currently have the panel at +10 contrast (its  past 200 hours now, in custom setting.

 The HD Guru

guru ru still in business? Still have not heard about high altitude plasma displays and no posting from you since May 31. Whatup?

Hey guru,keeping busy I’m sure.saw a question yesterday that grabbed my attention. Someone wanted to know what exactly gave a full HD refrence to the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U. Was it based on being a 1920×1080P resolution,or another factor.I’m curious myself what it was that constituted FULL HD.I never heard or seen Panny make reference to FULL HD,have you?

BYE Chas!

HD Guru,

nevermind my previous post. I reread the article and you say that motion blur doesn’t affect plasma, only 60Hz LCD.
I ordered the TH-50PZ750 yesterday can’t wait to get it.
Thanks for all the help!

-WildCoder

I recently purchased the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U.
This is a fantastic TV, the color is absolutely true to life. I based my purchase on the review you did and compared it to a Pioneer at Best Buy. The Panasonic picture was better than the Pioneer.

Thanks for the reccomendation on the Panasonic.

Roy

I received my TH-50PZ750 and I can’t begin to tell you how happy I am with it. Even my wife yesterday commented on how much better the picture look in comparison to our old 42″ Pioneer TV.

I connected our PS3 at 1080p using some cheap ($5) HDMI cable and it’s a marriage made in heaven.

One tiny complaint I have about it is the inability to change the video labels. I wish it would say “Satellite” or “Sat.” instead of DBS which is not intuitive for most users. And the only label available for consoles is “Game”. So I listed our PS3 as “DVD” so my wife knows what to use to watch movies and our Wii under “Game”.

I also wish it would display the resolution it’s running at when the connected device changes it. It only says “HDMI 2″ when the PS3 resets the screen but not the resolution used (1080p 1080i, etc) like my Pioneer does.

Last but not least, it took a while to find audio settings that we all liked. And I think we just finally got used to the output, more than finding something we really liked. At some point I should read the manual to figure out exactly what all the audio settings mean instead of randomly changing them until it sounded ok.

Thanks again for the great review. I’ll never buy a tv again without reading what you have to say about it first.

-WildCoder

Contrast! What contrast? if you mean brightness and sharpness I set those to -O-. The only reference to contrast that can find in the manual is is under C.A.T.S.

In the picture you have posted on your site of the 700 with the nasty stand isn’t the same one that comes with the Th-50PZ750. it has internal posts and looks very nice.

As far as the price was concerened, I when with my company’s EPP web site which has a link to Panasonic’s EPP site. Not only did I get good price but also got free shipping. I felt more at ease than I would have buying it at “Best(best beware) Buy”,etc. If your company has an enployee purchase plan site, you want check for a link and compare the prices with a retail store.

Panasonic forgot to pack the stand when they shipped the HD Guru an early sample, so the bottom of the packing carton was used as a makeshift stand for the photo and the review.

The HD GURU 

I lowered the setting called “Picture” to zero since I couldn’t find anything called contrast anywhere. Was that the right one? Or CATS like Casey found in the manual?

I’ve got another complaint: You can’t split screen between 2 HDMI sources apparently. I wanted to check some stuff on my PS3 while a storm last night knocked down my satellite reception but I wanted to know as soon as my show would be visible again. No such luck.
Is that a general problem with HDMI receivers? or just that particular TV?

-WildCoder

Is the Firmware user upgradeable? My Phillips LCD has a USB port for pictures and for upgrading the firmware, which is a bonus to me being these are new TV’s and will probably have some bugs.

shaun

hd guru ,
i checked out the link to ultimate av
and im concerned with there review of the panny
750 and 700
there seems to be a compatibility issue with 1080 p
signal
aslo a problem with artifacts during fast motion
in comparison to the pionneer elite
they claim the pioneer elite has better processing
have you done any critical reviews/technical testing of these models?
do you plan on it?
i look foward to your technical review of new models
i will feel much more comfortable making a purchase
i want to purchase a quality tv
and i dont mind waiting if better technology is rite around the corner
i appreciate any info you have to offer
thankyou

After doing some research, both here and the avsforum.com, I put my foot in the sand and ordered the New Pioneer PDP-5080HD. Got a great price and the reviews are quite good. Was looking at the Costco version of the 700U but even though Pio is only 720P, the pro’s outweghed the cons. The 1080P version is apparently 2 weeks away, but a grand more.

Hi Guru,

I am looking into getting a new 50″ Plasma and I found your review to be very helpful and thorough. I was considering the Panny 750, the Pioneer PRO FHD1 (which i know doesn’t have speakers, tuner or a stand) and the new Samsung FP-T5084.

Prior to reading your article I was leaning towards the Sammy since it has full 1080p via VGA (for my xbox 360) a 15,000:1 contrast ratio compared to the Panny’s 5,000:1 and 18bit processing compared to the 16bit on the Panny.

I know that Panasonics have been very solid and your review backs that notion up, but do you happen to have any info on the Sammy? If the PQ (which is most important to me) is on par with the Pio and Panny would I be better off with the Sammy? Do you have any reviews planned for the FP-T5084? I appreciate your feedback, and thanks for doing such a great job with your reviews!

A review of a 1080p Samsung is on deck.

The HD Guru 

Love the review of the 750U, one of the best one’s out there, thanks! One question though: why do you refer to yourself in the third person? It’s kinda creepy and weird.

Thanks…keep the great reviews coming!

Goes with the moniker. Third person is good enough for Bruce Wayne. So why not? 

The HD Guru 

Hi HD GURU:

Thank you very much for a great review of the Panasonic plasmas. I purchased a Sony Plasma version KE50XBR900 back in May 2003. I purchased it at Tweeters, and by the time I paid for installation, wall bracket, 4 year warranty I paid nearly $14000. I have been very happy with my unit, and have been happy watching HD for 4 years. We plan to buy a Panasonic 65″ in the next six months or so. Being disabled I am not able to install the unit myself, so I was wondering if you could suggest an online purveyor who would also install the unit? Also is it better to pay high prices and buy from a local dealer? I’ve enjoyed reading your articles, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Installers service the market area that they are in while on-line merchants tend to simply sell product. I know of independent installers in the NY metro area but you don’t write where you are located.

The HD Guru  

This and the TH-50PZ700U are contenders for my next set. Actually, so are the 58″ versions.

I’m looking forward to your comparisons and opinions on the differences between the PZ750U and PZ700U models.

Are any of these new Panasonic plasmas compatible with 1080p/24 frames per second (24p) support?

I have the same concerns as figured maple,
as far as comparisons of the panasonic models.
I am very interested in a comparison between panasonic and pioneer processing capabilities
Im having a very difficult time deciding between
Panasonic and Pioneer
I would greatly appreciate any technical analysis
and opinion that you may offer
thank you
Bill

I am considering the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U, but have heard that they are coming out with a 65 inch (TH-65PZ750U) next month. is it safe to assume that the 65 inch model will deliver the same quality as the 58 inch, or do you have to sacrifice some of the quality for the extra size.
Thanks,
Tim

The 65″ model has been delayed until Sept. and the HD Guru is waiting for the final specifications.

HD Guru 

Hey guru, I am on the verge of buying the Panasonic but have concerns about how well it will perform on SDTV (as well as normal DVD) material. I hear the new Sony XBR4 and upcoming Pioneer claim better processing optimization for SD material, but really don’t want to pay the higher price for a 52″ Sony or 50″ Pioneer. Any comments in this regard (at least for the 2 sets that are out already)? I did see your XBR4 review. I too prefer plasma, but my wife likes a lot of SDTV and I am not sure when cable will upgrade the rest of the channels. Thanks!

Pioneer has told the HD Guru it will have a review sample of the Kuru model shipped out soon

HD Guru 

Hey guru,

Regarding: “Pioneer has told the HD Guru™ that it will soon have a review sample of its 1080p HDTV for the HD Guru™. Stay tuned.

The HD Guru”

Good to hear. What about the 768p Pioneer 5080HD? Are they sending one of those for you to test also? Thanks.

No just the 1080p model. If the HD Guru receives enough requests, perhaps he can do in store tests and review.

The HD Guru 

Hi Guru,
I’m very confused. I read a review of the Panny PZ750U and the author made this statement, “The set was incompatible with 1080p sources. With a 1080p/60 signal, there was an image, but it was cropped off severely on both the right side and the bottom, so that only about one-third of it remained visible. The set would not lock onto a 1080p/24 source at all.” Yet earlier in the review he spoke of watching HD DVDs, which, as I understand, is 1080p. Is there some other 1080p source, other than Blu-ray, that is being referred to here? I was getting ready to purchase the TV when I read that review, and now I’m concerned. Thanks for any input.

The TH-50PZ750 and the TH-58PZ750 production models will sync with 1080p/60 via HDMI.  The only two 1080p sources are HD DVD/Blu-ray and some home theater PC.s

If the disc player does 3:2 pulldown properly (converting 24fps film souce to 60 frames per second) there is no advantage using a player’s 1080p/24 output. Two such players are the Toshiba HD-XA2 (HD-DVD) and the Samsung BDP-1200 (Blur-ay)

The HD Guru 

Larry, the quote you cite is from a review of a different plasma model than these new 1080p models cited by the HD Guru (above). I don’t remember which model right now [and it might not have been Panasonic], but I believe you are referring to a plasma review from The Perfect Vision magazine. I’ll double-check later.

Also, as far as I’m aware, all Panasonic plasmas produced from Fall 2006 onward are compatiable with and/or accept 1080p HDMI-inputed signals from HD-DVD, Blu-ray, and upconverted DVD players. HD Guru might want to confirm this for sure.

Already answered in another comment 

HD Guru 

Hello HDGuru:
In response to my last message to you on Aug 18. I live in Middlesex County New Jersey. So I am able to go to Best Buy, Circuit City, and can contact JR.com which I have had good luck with my purchases from there in the past. Like I wrote before I am concerned with installation problems, and I have seen Red Dog as a possible installer, do you have any info on them or other online store installers? Thanks…

I use NYSS Digital 516-777-3675. He services NJ though I do not know the size of the job required. He will install a equipment he does not sell. He is reliable, reputable and does good neat work.

There are two downsides to having an outside company do the install of the equipment you purchase elsewhere.

1) If the installation company is not reputable  and there is a problem with the picture, the installer may simply blame it on a defective TV and leave.

2) If the TV is defective, you will need installer to disconnect, unmount and repack a flat panel and then reconnect and rehang it, at the added expense (you can’t expect the installer to do it fo free if he did not sell it to you.

These two points are something to consider before deciding if you want to use an installing dealer or not.

The HD Guru

Sa iau 700 sau 750? Crezi can 750 va fi la fel de ieftin in jumate de an?

Does the TH-50PZ750U have glare reduction? I read that the TH-50PX77U does…but what about the 50PZ750U? thanks!

I just purchased the TH58PZ750U from Best Buy and a friend of mine was mentioning a break-in period for the plasma. Is this necessary, and could you clarify on this “break-in” period?

Thanks

I have written about this several times. It is very important so I will repeat the basics.

First take your TV at of the factory default picture mode, which is going to be Vivid with Panasonics and appear usually as Vivid or Dynamic with most other brands.

Lower the Contrast (aka Picture) control to 50% level after changing to the Cinema, Movie or Custom (depending on brand) mode of your display. This will let the phosphors gently break in and assure 60,000 hours or more of bright images. After the initial 200 hours you may raise the contrast control above 50% to where you desire, I prefer +7 to +10 on the Panasonic depending on the source material (in its custom mode)

The HD Guru 

Guru:

Which dvd player would you recommand for the panasonic 750u.

Does the 750u like the pioneer 1080p upconvert or upscale broadcast programming HD 1080i to 1080p

thank you so kindly

larry m staten island ny

Hi Guru!
Great review on the Panasonic PZ750. I thought you mentioned that there is a 42″ version, but after reading your overall comments three times I can’t find that reference. I will buy the 42″ if you can send me the Panasonic SKU number. Thanks for the great reviews. As a first time flat panel buyer, the info is greatly appreciated.

Gerry C, Plymouth, MA

Dear Guru,
I also want to purchase the PZ750U soon. I’m concerned about the picture quality with just standard broadcast stations. Not all will be HD. Is it still an acceptable picture ? I read one opinion from someone who purchsed the 750U. It said: Some advertised features on this TV are just a joke, like the PRO-STUDIO setting for picture control that washes the picture with too little contrast and brightness, the split screen feature which you cannot use with the three HDMI inputs and I still havent figured out how to change the split screen channels, and the aspect ratio choices which with any 4:3 signal gives you either a distorted picture or bars which the manual says could lead to burn-in. So all in all I would not recommend this TV for a full time TV which is what I purchased it for.
What are your thoughts ?
Dave

Hi HD Guru,

Any further news on when a review of the Samsung FP-T5084 or the Pioneer PDP-5010FD will be available on your website?

Thanks.

I think most reviewers out there (on the AVS Forum, etc.) believe that the flat panel landscape changed again with the introduction of Pioneer’s KURO line. Your review of the Panasonic PZ750U dates, of course, back to April, prior to KURO availability. When can we expect a review of the KURO’s (especailly the Elites that can be calibrated to a higher standard) and a side-by-side comparison with the PZ750U and other recent contenders? Your opinion, HD Guru, matters to a lot of us out here.

guru

go to panasonic website an you can download the owners manual for pana 750u. Once you are there check out pg 56, this tv has some unbeleivable settings on pro setting an studio reference, it is the best 1080p on the market regardless of price

Guru
im also very excited about your upcoming reviews and analysis
you mentioned several weeks ago that your soon to come out with the most comprehensive review to date
over 70 tvs
when can we expect this review?
thanks for any insight

Hi Guru

I’ve heard that the Z700 does not have HDMI1.3 and is not compatible with 1080p24 sources. Are those two points worth someone avoiding this panel? I doubt we’ll get the Z750 in Australia.

Thanks in advance

I just bought the 42pz700u and I have one slight problem. Everything works great except the audio. The TV makes a rattling/buzzing noise every time the speakers have to process bass. I was wondering if this was common and if so why. This is my second TV. I took the first one back assuming it was defective. Thanks in advance.

HD Guru,
I have read your review for the first time today for the 750U, and it makes me feel good and reconfirms everything that I love,love,love, about this HDTV. I purchased this unit from ABT and have been mesmerized by it’s performance from day one. Directv HD programming/vidio is excellent, and the Samsung 1200 blueray player that I purchased with it,is where this unit really shines. To sum it up, my wife liked our 36 inch tube XBR picture, and made sure to let me know that there was NO need to change from that format any time soon. Since I figure that sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness rather then permission, I just brought this unit home one day and had it installed. She’s now asking me why we waited so long. Enjoy.

gary long time no see,just bought the 58 750u panel do you want to calibrate it let me know my number is 516-996-2909……thanks hope all is well

Guru-
When will the 120hz refresh rate be available on plasmas? Many LCDs have them now, and JVC is even supposed to have 180hz ready to go.

You mentioned judder was less on plasmas than LCDs, but what if the plasma was compared to a Sony XBR4/5 with 120hz refresh? Will that make the playing field even?

Please help with a confusing issue re: split screen ability. The 50″ Pioneer plasmas seem to be able to do this, but the Panasonic representatives are telling me their website info is wrong, and that none of their 50″ plasmas (including the pz750)can split the screen.
I want to be able to hook up an additional tuner source (such as a vcr/dvd combo) so that I can watch two different sources side by side.
Is this possible on the pz750 or not? Is Pioneer the only mfg that can offer this?

Thanks.

Hi
On the pz750…or any plasma for that matter…how long is TOO LONG to have the ticker going at the bottom of the screen…or anything else that can cause burn…we’ve never had a plasma so any info will be appreciated…:-)

Please help me decide between the Panny 58PZ7500 or the Sony XBR4. I get the impression you would go with the Panny, but I am too indecisive and the Panny does seem dim at the stores. I know everybody says they look great at home but it is a large purchase and I need nudging. Also what if I had to go with the 700 instead of the 750. Would that change your opinion. Thanks.

HD GURU, based on your high recommendation of the panasonic 50 pz750 i am planning on buying one, but I not sure I have the room above my fireplace. Can you tell me if panny makes a 42 that is as good as the 50inch that you would recommend. Also the veiwing distance is 10 to 11 feet if that still makes a differance with the 1080p sets. thanks for your time.

Simply…
Panasonic PZ750 admit 1080/ “24P”

Yes or Not, admit 24p ???

Thanks.

Excellent review, I’ve kept an eye on this set for quite a while along with Samsung’s FP/HP-t-5084 and have heard the sets were similiar if I’m not mistaken; not to mention the Samsung is half a thousand dollars cheaper. However, I’m very picky when it comes to purchasing computers/television sets/game consoles, etc, and I want my money’s worth. Though right now I’m debating with myself and cannot decide which one is worth buying/won’t make me kick myself later for buying…

I’ll just get straight to the point — which would you say performs better? If any difference(s)/advantage(s), please specify. BTW: I’ll be using the set I purchase primarily for watching blu-ray & standard movies and gaming. Thanks,

-Sal

A simple question for you…I’m in the market for a 50″ flat screen and I want the best one out there. I’ve done my research and have concluded that the best plasmas are still better than the best LCDs. I’ve narrowed down my plasma choices to the Pioneer Pro-FHD1 and the Panasonic TH-50PZ750. In this review you describe the TH-50PZ750 as “the best high definition display I have ever reviewed.” In light of all of the detailed, non-biased conscientious reviews of yours that I have read, I would be very confident going with the Panasonic. My question though is that in light of the fact that this review is from April, does your opinion still hold? Is there anything in the price range of the Pioneer or Pansonic that has come out since then or will come out in the very near future that I should also consider? Thank you, Boris.

Guru – you’re the best. With Cdn dollar equal to U.S. and better pricing, I’m seeking top dealers in Buffalo/Rochester (even though no Cdn warranty service). Which indiv or chain stores are the value leaders for 750 series? What do’s and don’ts do you recommend to Cdns bringing electronics across the border? Believe we just have to pay the 7% provincial sales tax plus federal 6% goods and services tax, and no duty. Checking to be sure. Interestingly, Best Buy websites say Buff area dealers have 750’s in stock nor available for pickup there.

I’m just on the verge of buying this new Panasonic 50PZ750, but I have a strange question that no one seems to be able to answer: This TV has to live near a wood burning fireplace, about 18″ in front of the opening and about 12″ to the side (so not directly in the heat blast, but near.) Is this a problem? We use the fireplace every night during the winter.

Great site. Smart, articulate, and confident– exactly what we need.

Thank you VERY much for all your hard work and diligent research.

This TV is at the top of my list but I’m concerned by your results in the Home Theater article where it failed some of the conversion tests.

I plan watch Cable HD (Time Warner) and HDDVD/Blueray and want the best results possible.

Thanks!

HD Guru, is there some reason you have yet to do a feature review of the Pioneer Kuro line up? I know people can get their fill of “kudos to Kuro” on all the AVS forum threads, but your balanced analysis does matter to some of us. You obviously have seen Pioneer Elite panels as the standard before. What’s stopping you from doing an update?

HI Guru
Which one of TH-50PZ700 or PH-50PZ750 gives the best Full HD Picture?
and Which one gives the best Picture when fed regular SD signal ?
David

And one more question gives TH-50PZ70 a better picture than TH-50700 since its newer and higher contrast SD quality better as well?
David

All looks good with this set. However I have a question about the power consumption. The web site shows approximately 700 watts. Is this a constant power consumption or is this peak? Have you tested the realistic KWH consumption or have any related information?

sick i sell tv’s and a customer came in today and asked about this one and i didnt know really what to say because i have never heard of it good stuff

hi the PZ750 and PZ700 have only 5000:1 contrast
While PZ77 have 10000:1 plus anti glare screen

Does this make TH-50PZ77 a superior TV with better image right ?

Has anyone compared this panny to the new Pioneer Elite Kuro sets?

@ David Vestnes: Contrast ratio is not the defining spec for a great TV. I’ve compared LCD TVs with 5000:1 in the showroom versus this Panny 750, and the LCD blacks still look grey. Just go see the TVs for yourself in the showroom. I think it’s silly to spend $2k or $3k after reading a spec sheet.

The spec comparison between the PZ77 and PZ750 says that the PZ750 has a Studio Reference and Pro setting, but the 77 does not. The 750 has 4 speakers, the 77 has 2. The 750 has 1 HDMI input in the front and PC input, the 77 has neither. The 750 has split screen display but the 77 does not.

@ Gary (from 22 October post): measure the temperature at the future location of your TV, where the edge closest to the fireplace will be. If that temp is less than 100 degrees then that will be an OK spot for the TV (operating temps are 32-104 degrees F for this Panasonic plasma)

Thanks for the review on the Panasonic. I took a look at the Panasonic website MSRP on the one you reviewed, and also the larger 58″ and 65″. They are eye opening. Could you please explain to me, and I’m sure others would also be interested, how Panasonic can justify charging almost 3 times the price, (just under $6,000 more), for a 65″ TV as compared to the 50″? While I’m sure the material costs are greater as it is larger, I highly doubt it is that substantial. Does it simply come down to people being stupid enough to pay it?

I am considering either the TH-50PZ750U or the Samsung FP-T5084 or the LN-T5271 or the Sharp LC 52D82U or the Sony KDL 52XBR4 or 5……..have you seen these and can you give me some insight…..my room has a lot of windows, but direct sunlight for a short time during some seasons of the year. The screen will be above a fireplace (gas log, no chimney). I had significant issues with blurred motion on the old sony XBR2’s…I would characterize as pixelization. Can you help???

Bob Mc

I am interested in the Z750U series, however, can you tell me how well the anti-glare screen actually works?

I contacted Panasonic customer support about the altitude issue mentioned above, and their response was that their plasma displays were good up to and elevation of 2,700m above sea level, which is roughly 8,800′

Did this 2007 model pass 3:2 test properly?

Thanks, Jay

at best buy the panasonic th-50pz750 is 3499.98….at tvsdepot.com it is selling for 2299.00….are these websites credible? are they reconditioned, but say brand new?

Hello Mr. Merson,
I was hoping you could help with the set-up of my new Panasonic TH-50PZ700U. I purchased this Plazma based on your review of the 750. I didn’t go with the 750 because of price and I lack the expertise and equip. to use the set-up features.However I know my 700 can look way better than the factory settings. Before the new 1080p Panasonics came out I was going to buy the TH-42PX600U,and found a website that published the optimal picture settings using ISF calibration-for the 600U.I have been unable to find these settings for my TH-50PZ700U. If you have the ISF settings for my display or can direct me to where I can find them I would greatly appreciate your help. I know my dislay is capable of so much more than the factory settings. Thank you so much for your help…Happy Thanksgiving and also Merry Christmas!!!
Best Regards,
Steve Forrester
706-781-6764

Gary,

How is the anti-glare performance on this set? Sounds like the 77-series has really good anti-glare performance and the 700-series has less effective anti-glare. Thoughts on this one?

Thanks!

CH

Points I’d like to add…
1) On reviewing this unit at local stores, I feel the anti-glare s better than most Plasmas, and the other contender — Samsung’s 81 Series 50″ LCD.
2) Taking with a Tech who visited my home recently to repair my Sharp Aquos’ HDMI problem, he says Panasonic is an absolute dream to work with on any repair or support issues — even after the Warranty has expired. He must’ve repeated this 6 times while we were discussing which companies stand behind their products.

I was leaning heavily toward the Pioneer Kuro or 81 Samsung, but I’ve got a third one to consider, now. Thanks, HDGuru!

looking at either the PZ750U or the PZ77U.

The spec sheet tells me the difference . . . 750U offers more speakers/ more power, 3-HDMI, Pro Settings, PC input . . .77u offers anti-glare coating, contrast is 10,000:1 vs 750u’s 5000:1 but only has 2 HDMI is this enough for the future? I really didn’t care what the different manufactures listed as contrast rates because each one measure it differently, no set standard. But, when the same manufacture list that big of a difference it sends up a red flag to me. Anti-glare sounds better than anti-reflective.

This is a lot of money to me and I want to make the best purchase possible. I really want this set to last me a long time and not be obsolete in a few months . . . 3 kids in college, so I can’t afford to be getting new equipment any time soon.

Thanks for your help!

HD GURU,

I haven’t seen any recent comments from you on the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U. I’m debating between the 58 and 65 inch sets, which I will purchase within the week. Any preference, excluding the price? Also, are the Panasonic TH-PZ750U series, still the best HDTVs on the market, or something better coming in the horizon?

Thx. Scott

Im seriously considering upgrading to a PZ750U due to the extra pro settings/adjustments and the extra HDMI input.

Right now I have DirecTV standard def on a 32″ JVC tube tv.

My living room has a large sliding window and no curtains right now so the anti-glare feature is important to me. How well does it work. I read somewhere that this higher end Pani has BOTH anti-glare and anti-reflective ? or is that not true on this model? Or should I consider getting LCD instead even though its not as nice as plasma. If I get some curtains the glare can be reduced

I also plan on getting a PS3 soon to use with this HDTV (to play Guitar Hero3)

Until I upgrade my satellite feed to HD DirecTV, can I still use my standard def Satellite with this and if so, how bad will it look? or is it still OK?
I use a Tivo box

I watch more TV than DVDs usally. Also sports (so not having the jaggies or motion issues is important)

Would also consider the 50PZ700U but it only has 2 HDMI inputs and I want to be future protected.
With only 2 that would only let the PS3 and HD satellite to be connected to to the HDMI inputs

I appreciate any and all opinions and feedback

I’m considering purchasing the 50PZ750 for my Windows Media Center. Does the 1080P resolution present a problem with PCs? How does the 50PZ750 perform with PC video? Is setup a problem? I’ll be using the PC in all ususal ways, web surfing, Word processing, and Games. Have you tested the 50PZ750 in this manner? Thank you for your assistance.

Having the choice between the Pioneer PDP-5080HD (720p res.) and the panasonic PZ77U (1080p res)
Both sets are approx the same price where I live.

Which would provide the best picture quality, which set would you prefer for the same dollars? Both are rated quite good. I dont know what I am going to be missing in the future with the 720p resolution

Thanks
Paul

I saw an article in the Hartford Courant on 11/29 that mentioned you could get the Panasonic’s 42-inch (TH-42PX75U) for as low as $699. in the Hottest Buys section. Do you know where this TV could be purchased for this price?

Thanks,
Eileen

Like a couple others above I am very interested in the 77U. The anti-glare screen is a big plus for me. Panny claims twice the contrast ratio on the 77U vs the 750U. Aside from that the video specs look the same. The biggest difference seems to be in the built in sound system. I am going to use an external home theater system anyway, so is the 77U a better buy?? Help, Guru, help.

You mention in your comments that you will eventually receive a Pioneer KURO 1080p plasma to review. Any word on that yet? I’m anxiously awaiting your review and comparison to the Panasonic 750 series efore I invest my $$. Everyone sings the praises of the KURO, so I’m interested in your take, especially as it is compared to the Panasonic.

Hey HD Guru:

Just ordered the Panny 50pz750u and expect delivery next week. I would really appreciate the settings you ended up using during you initial review 4/07. My inputs will be TimeWarner Digital Cable DVR and Panny DVD-S53K upconverting DVD.

Your review put me on the research path that convinced me to buy this unit. Thanks Jim

Price of 50PZ750U on http://www.vanns.com is $1650 right now. Not sure why it is so low suddenly. Any idea ?

I just purchased the 750u about 2 weeks ago. I’ve noticed when I watch HD channels…the reds and yellows bleed. Any advice?

.

@Hiten, the price of the PZ750U on Vanns.com is $3499. You are seeing the price of the model on the row above, the TH-50PX77U at $1650. It didn’t drop! Vanns has thin horizontal lines between each product.

I have had the 50PZ750U in my living room for three weeks and it’s fantastic in 1080i hi-def cable channels from Comcast, and Xbox 360 games look spectacular. I have a huge picture window (5 ft by 10 ft) behind my viewing seat, and had to put curtains over it; no anti-glare coating can clobber that much light during the day. And, like all standard def sources they look below average because there is always scaling; just accept the fact that a CRT is a superior technology over flat screens for std def sources.

I just purchased the PZ750u 2 weeks ago. I’ve noticed when I watch HD channels….the reds and other bright colors, bleed. Anybody else experience that?

I have just recently bought the new panny 50PZ750U with a Denon 2808 and the new panny DMP-BD30 blu ray player. If I just use HDMI cables to hook up the system will I get surround sound when I watch regular TV (for football games and the like) or do I have to hook up the audio seperate?

Any experience using OPPO DV-980H with 50PZ700U or 50PZ750U ? Is it worth buying OPPO DV-980H for SD DVDs on these TVs ?

I want to buy the Panasonic TH-58PZ750U. I saw it in action with a blue ray (the last DIE HARD) at future shop. I’m concern about the quality of picture. Very grainy…. I changed for the blue ray fantastic four. Again somes scenes very grainy… I changed the output hdmi cable and plug it to the sony sxrd just beside and surprise the picture was more watchable (much less grany…).
What cause that ? The plasma ? the blue ray ? The combinaison plasma blue ray or some setup ?
Someone can help me please ?

@Vic Walker, HDMI cables do not automatically give you surround sound. If your cable or satellite box is capable of delivering digital surroud sound AND the program you are viewing has surround, THEN you will get surround. NFL on FOX or CBS do broadcast in surround, and make good use of it. My Comcast digital cable box has digital optical sound output, and that’s what I plug into my receiver to get surround. Some programs are broadcast in mono or stereo, and my receiver can process that into a surround mode, meaning the receiver itself handles the surround sound processing by creating it from the stereo source. Not all receivers have surround sound modes.

@Bob, about grainy picture: for a 58″ screen you need to be standing at least 6 feet away. My guess is the source may have been grainy. It was a film, after all, not a Discovery Channel HD program where they want to show accurate, clear, real-world objects. You were watching a movie with specific lighting, translated from film to video. Minority Report is a grainy movie on DVD, but that is more a function of the director and the lighting than their choice of HD cameras. You can’t judge a TV based on one movie or program. Look ad SD, DVD, HD DVD, sports. I used to bring my own DVD’s into the store when looking at new TV’s so I looked at a source I knew well.

Anyone, who has calibrated their 700U or 750U TV, would you please post your optimal picture settings ? Thanks.

Hi, I just received TH-50PZ750U and it works great. Just a question, the unit does not have BBE, HDTV, SDHC logos (stickers) on the right most side. but I see the logo stickers on the TVs in any other places.. did u guys see the logo stickers? just curius

hi kingsen, also received a TH-50PZ750U recently, the only sticker on my panel is the energy star compliance logo at the bottom left, nothing else (thankfully, imho!). any extra adhesives on a glossy surface would be bad, so i’m really happy they didn’t plaster stickers all over it.

Panasonic TH-50PZ750U vs. Pioneer 110-FD?

Manoj,

http://www.cnet.com has dark room and darkened room settings for the 700U. Search “700U” in Tips and Tricks tab.

I’d also be interested in the 50PZ750U settings if anyone has them. Mine arrives in a few days.

Hdguru-great stuff, not sure why people send some of the commnets that they do. I’ve seen the new Kuro (both Elite and non-Elite) against the 750U and the KURO far outpaces the 750U. The costs are very different (almost 30%-about $1000 on a 50″). The question really is are we willing to pay for the superior color? I’m still debating.

I don’t see any mention by anyone about the P50X901 – Director’s Series Hitachi. I have the 42 inch version from 1-2 years ago and love it.

Does anyone have any opinions on this vs. the Pioneer or the Panasonic TH-50PZ750U?

I see that there seems to be some controversy over whether or not the Hitachi is 1080P or not. It seesm that they are saying that it is FULL HD with a proprietary system that seems to be better than 1080P for most movie and television feeds, but is not truly a 1080P. Can anyone help me understand this better?

Is this site still alive? No responses for quite some time….

I am trying to decide beteen the Panasonic 50PZ750U Plasma and a Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4 LCD. Doo you have any comparison articles between the two? I’m looking for a finished basement Northern wall where there can be very bright southern exposure. From what I have read the plasma uses more power…therefore more heat generated much less the $$$.The Bravia seems to have better than average viewing angles…approaching the Plasmas…does it really come down to just personal preference???
Thanks.

I was just about to buy this model, when I saw your review that described its rear inputs. I plan on mounting it on a wall mount bracket. Will there be a problem getting at the rear inputs and other devices in the rear? What about with other models that have rear inputs?

No there is no interference to the inputs when wall mounted. Inputs are on the bottom and the wall mount is higher up in the center of the panel. I have an articulating wall mount and no issues. This beast tokk 3 of us to mount though as it weighs 100+ pounds and not easily lifted when trying to get the arm into the opening and bolt it on.
Amazing picture when hooked to HD source. Simply amazing.

@Mike, who is trying to decide between this Panasonic plasma and a Sony Bravia KDL-52XBR4. I was trying to decide too, and looked at them in three different stores. Side-by-side the Bravia looks pale, faded, and 2-dimensional. The Panasonic has visibily higher contrast and deeper color, and a ‘depth’ to the picture. I watched a football game and I could still see pixelated motion-blur in the Sony (and all LCDs, it drives me crazy). Comparing the Sony to all other LCD brands the Sony does stand out as the sharpest and best LCD picture. I bought the Panasonic 750U five months ago and I’m really happy. If you have a bright room you’ll need to buy some black-out curtains; I had to put in curtains because my TV faces a 4′ by 8′ window.

Mr HD Guru,

Could you tell me has Panasonic come out with a new higher level model then the TH-50PZ750U for 2008 and which model replaced the the TH-50PZ750U.

Thanks

Hye, Thanks for the such a nice review of Panasonic TH-50Pz75oU Plasma.Also the picture is fanstastic. I really appriciate.

I have a pz 750 58″ panasonic plasma and wonder if it has 24p and 1.3.

I have a Panasonic 58 PZ750 and it appears the blac bars have caused image retention. How can I get rid of those. I would like to try putting on an untuned channel to get that snow effect. But whenever I do that, the snow effect only last for 4 seconds and then goes to black.

Do you have any suggestions.

Thanks
Nick