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.
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.
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
Anyone, who has calibrated their 700U or 750U TV, would you please post your optimal picture settings ? Thanks.
@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.
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 ?
Any experience using OPPO DV-980H with 50PZ700U or 50PZ750U ? Is it worth buying OPPO DV-980H for SD DVDs on these TVs ?
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?
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?
@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.
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I just purchased the 750u about 2 weeks ago. I’ve noticed when I watch HD channels…the reds and yellows bleed. Any advice?
Price of 50PZ750U on http://www.vanns.com is $1650 right now. Not sure why it is so low suddenly. Any idea ?
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
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.
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.
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
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’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.
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
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
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!
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!
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
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
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?
Did this 2007 model pass 3:2 test properly?
Thanks, Jay
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′
I am interested in the Z750U series, however, can you tell me how well the anti-glare screen actually works?
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
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?
@ 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)
Has anyone compared this panny to the new Pioneer Elite Kuro sets?
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 ?
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
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?
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
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
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?
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Simply…
Panasonic PZ750 admit 1080/ “24P”
Yes or Not, admit 24p ???
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.
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.
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 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.
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?
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