With 2007 HDTV models now shipping to retailers, the HD Guru’s first 2007 review display is Panasonic’s TH-50PZ750, a 50†full HD (1920 x 1080p) consumer plasma model, part of Panasonic’s top-of-the line 750 series. The 750 series claims better performance and includes more features such as a “Pro Setting†mode that optimizes color temperature and “studio reference†color points and an SD card reader capable of playing back high definition full motion video.
Unlike the Pioneer Pro-FHD1, a 50†plasma 1080p monitor with no speakers, tuner or stand, the TH-50PZ750U is a television complete with built-in speakers, table top stand and built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM tuner for receiving broadcast and unencrypted digital cable programs.
Housed in a very attractive package featuring a high gloss black bezel topped with a black chrome strip, the TH-PZ750 offers a control panel hidden behind a door located just below the screen that includes a “menu†button not found on lower priced models, for making picture adjustments independent of the remote control. The front panel also houses a third HDMI jack.
In addition to two HDMI jacks, the set’s rear panel includes two component video and three standard definition inputs, all of which have associated L/R audio inputs.
The hefty remote control features large buttons for major control functions. Thought the buttons are not illuminated, the logical layout made it easy to operate in the dark. Panasonic may be one of the last set makers to offer direct access for video inputs. Just a press of the input button reveals the on-screen list. Each input has a corresponding number. A single push of the associated numbered input allows you to access the desired choice.
In addition to the normal video and audio functions and an extensive selection of picture controls, there’s effective digital noise reduction as well as the Pro Adjust menu in another layer of the graphic user interface that includes gamma (rate of change from black to white) and “drives†and “cuts†for color temperature fine tuning. (A color analyzer or spectral radiometer and a great deal of know how are required to make use of these controls.)
The right and left edges of the screen bezel contain Panasonic’s new thin strip speakers that performed surprisingly well, producing ample bass and played quite loud.
After adjusting the user controls I began video performance evaluations using test patterns created by a Sencore HD signal generator, the latest HD HQV Benchmark and the new HD DVD version of the Video Essentials disc. Testing revealed the TH-50PZ750 sends the full bandwidth of the source material to the panel. In other words, the Panasonic reveals every fine detail within a high definition program or movie. Though the red and blue color points were very close to the high definition standard, the green was oversaturated. but not as far from the ideal coordinates as other flat panels I have measured.
(Note: the Panasonic press release for this model refers to a “reference mode†but there is no setting as such, so perhaps the TH-50PZ750 is always in this mode. The HD Guru is patiently waiting for an owner’s manual and an explanation from Panasonic, so watch for an update).
The TH-50PZ750 properly deinterlaces 1080i signals into progressive, maintaining all 1080 lines. This was confirmed using the HQV test disc. Measuring brightness levels within Vivid (dealer showroom) mode maxed out at a blazing 57.5 ft lamberts. With the user controls (Custom mode) adjusted properly, maximum brightness came in at 22 ft. lamberts. This is quite bright for normal in-home lighting conditions. Black level was too low to measure accurately with my test equipment; in fact it was the lowest of any plasma I have tested to date. (This is not a contradiction, I know the spec of my meter’s accuracy and this panel was significantly below that level). The high brightness and low black level create a high contrast ratio, which was evident during viewing evaluations.
There has been a huge increase in the past year in the amount of HD availability. There are now hundreds of Blu-ray and HD DVD titles available, more HD channels are on many cable systems (including my choice, Verizon FIOS) and broadcast television has added local news in HD. NBC, CBS and ABC News in New York are all now in HD.
The TH-50PZ750 placed side by side with the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 made for an interesting comparison. How did the Panasonic’s image look? In a word: WOW. The overall picture quality excelled in reproducing dark and bright level details with a high contrast ratio.
The TH-50PZ750’s color accuracy was the best I have seen on a plasma display and it was the only panel evaluated that produces a true red. Comparing the Pioneer when viewing The Fast and Furious Tokyo Drift on HD DVD clearly showed the difference between Panasonic red and Pioneer red. The same car is red on the TH-50PZ750 and orange on the Pioneer. Ditto for the neon signs and lights of the Ginza in Tokyo at night, where red lights appear crimson versus Pioneer’s orange-y reds. Speaking of night scenes, the Panasonic’s deeper blacks revealed details that the Pioneer (and other plasmas) obscured, as if a veil had been lifted off the Pioneer’s panel.
Jay Leno’s blue sport jacket’s pinstripes provided a fine example of the Panasonic’s superior image. Both panels reproduced the pinstripes; but they were more distinct on the TH-50PZ750. The effect is not subtle; five friends performed the side-by-side tests with a variety of source material. They all picked the Panasonic as the best panel.
In conclusion, the Panasonic TH-50PZ750 is simply the best high definition display I have ever reviewed. With a retail of $3999 and an expected street price that will be even lower, I would also consider it a bargain.
Until last week, the Pioneer PRO-FHD1 was $8000. The retail is now $5000, no doubt in response to the imminent release of the TH-50PZ750. Panasonic has set the industry standard in flat panel performance.
The HD Guru awards the Panasonic TH-50PZ750 its highest ♥♥♥♥ recommendation.
Copyright © 2007 HD GURU ™ All Rights Reserved.
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.
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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
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 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
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
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 GuruÂÂ
Does the TH-50PZ750U have glare reduction? I read that the TH-50PX77U does…but what about the 50PZ750U? thanks!
Sa iau 700 sau 750? Crezi can 750 va fi la fel de ieftin in jumate de an?
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
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 commentÂÂ
HD GuruÂÂ
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 GuruÂÂ
Hey guru,
Regarding: “Pioneer has told the HD Guruâ„¢ that it will soon have a review sample of its 1080p HDTV for the HD Guruâ„¢. 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 GuruÂÂ
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 GuruÂÂ
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 GuruÂÂ
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
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?
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 ÂÂ
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?ÂÂ
The HD GuruÂÂ
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 GuruÂÂ
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.
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
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
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
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 GURUÂÂ
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
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
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
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 1920x1080P 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!
guru ru still in business? Still have not heard about high altitude plasma displays and no posting from you since May 31. Whatup?
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
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 GuruÂÂ
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.
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 GuruÂÂ
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
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
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
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?
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
Do these models have HDMI 1.3 inputs?
Yes The 750s have 1.3
The HD Guru
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
Gizmodo // Apr 29, 2007 at 4:02 pm
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…
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 GuruÂÂ
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 ÂÂ
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 GuruÂÂ
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