Panasonic 50" PZ85U vs PZ800U - Blu-ray Forum

JJ · 11-10-2008, 02:57 PM

How important is the 24p feature, to all of you, personally; since the 800 has it, and the 85 does not, according to the chart on Amazon.com. I've never known life with 24p, so I couldn't tell you.

I'm looking into this as my next television, and trying to decide if it is worth the $400 on Amazon. I'm thinking I might have to go to Best Buy and plug in my PS3 myself and check them out. My biggest want is the plasma's power to show movement well as well as deep blacks and smooth color gradiation - why, I know it's just a stat, but 30,000:1 static and 1 million dynamic compared to the 1,200 and 8,000 respectively on my Philly is something I long to have. But $1,500 for the 50" 85U is...well, let me tell you that it is tempting. I was thinking I would never get a video upgrade if it wasnt a screen/projector, but I'm going to withhold on that until I move into a house I own instead of the one I currently rent. And I drool for actual black bars,

Go Blue · 11-10-2008, 03:27 PM

On my last TV purchase (50" Pioneer Elite 1150) I looked hard at the Panny 85u (the 800u wasn't out yet). I don't think 24p is essential, but I wanted to make sure I got it on my last purchase to see what I was missing. I notice the benefits of 24p, because I look for them. Do I think it is worth the extra money...yes. It will also give you some piece of mind, knowing that you have it.

Another thing to keep in mind is how the 800u performs 24p. I have read many places, including here (https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=448) that it produces a flicker, which is unacceptable. If it does, you should go with the 85u or even the PZ80U.

JJ · 11-10-2008, 03:34 PM

Is that so? Hmm, I've also read of some dead pixel issues with the 85u here on the forum - well, I'll have to decide later, but all these issues are good to know for right now so I can decide, but - my next purchase is definitely a plasma. Unsure if I afford Pioneer Kuros, though.

bda4life · 11-10-2008, 03:38 PM

I came real close to buying the Panasonic 50" PZ85U this weekend, but when I realized that it does not accept a 24 fps input, I decided against it. I could have gotten the TV and a Panasonic BD player (I think the BDK35?) for roughly $1800 (no sales tax too).

I will not purchase a new TV without the ability to handle a 24 fps input.

Go Blue · 11-10-2008, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Is that so? Hmm, I've also read of some dead pixel issues with the 85u here on the forum - well, I'll have to decide later, but all these issues are good to know for right now so I can decide, but - my next purchase is definitely a plasma. Unsure if I afford Pioneer Kuros, though.

Personally, I would skip on the 800u. If you want something now and can't afford a Pio, I would go with the 80u or maybe the 85u from Panny. I don't think the 85u has significantly better features than the 80u.

Even on my Elite Kuro, I had a dead pixel. I exchanged it, but also learned not to look specifically for that stuff. If I notice it, so be it.

kpkelley · 11-10-2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Unsure if I afford Pioneer Kuros, though.

Check out your local Tweeter/Sound Advice at 11805 South Dixie Hwy. Miami, FL. There are two Pioneer Kuro Elite Pro110FD's available in Florida(Orlando and North Palm Beach) for $2500 on Clearance, with the going-out-of-business sale perhaps you can get that down below the price of an 800u. Doesn't hurt to try. They also may be able to get you a deal on one of the two you are looking at.

JJ · 11-10-2008, 03:44 PM

Got you, thanks - I know the 5010 is still available here and there - but, we'll see what January 2009 brings, that'll be most likely when I get my upgrade. Thanks, schultzy.

kpkelley · 11-10-2008, 03:50 PM

Are you closer to Miami or Fort Lauderdale? This is the tweeter in Fort Lauderdale: 4008 North Federal Hwy. Ft Lauderdale, FL. They have a 60in. Pioneer Kuro Elite on Clearance for $4400, should give you an idea about the 50 in. By the way, Tweeter only sells the Elite model of the Pioneer, not the 5010.

DBlackGT · 11-10-2008, 04:03 PM

Well I have the 85U and absolutely love it. Getting a true 24fps was not that big of a deal to me so I went with the 85U over the 800 and saved me some $. The ficker is not a problem, on the disc that are actually 24fps you would really have to look for it and still if you noticed it, I would say that its not enough to rule this tv out.

Also the 85U over the 80U has a 10,000 higher contrast ratio. So in other words it has 33% more contrast.

I dunno but saving like $400 bucks and getting the 85U is one heck of a deal, and trust me you wouldnt be sorry for getting it. And like you said, you eventually want to get a projector, so why not get just about the same tv as the 800 for hundreds less and start saving for a real nice projector?

JJ · 11-10-2008, 04:07 PM

Because for first, D, I have to save for a real nice house,

And didn't you go through like, 96 TVs before you found the perfect 85u?

dobyblue · 11-10-2008, 04:56 PM

All Viera plasma's in the 8 series accept a 24Hz signal.

If you could set your computer monitor to 48Hz, you would likely notice a flicker too. It's the same flicker you see in the theatre. From another -800U owner:

Quote:

Originally Posted by DrewBlu

I have an 800u and the flicker dose not ruin anything, my vision is 20/20 so I'm not missing anything. It's hardly noticeable and even when you do notice it, (example: the climax showdown in Live Free or Die Hard) it looks natural and gives the movie a film-like feel. I love the 24p/48hz and I refuse turning it off. The only thing that flickers is REALLY bright light, and it flickers so damn fast you can barely notice it.

Hopefully they add an option for 72Hz next year for those who do not like the filmic look. Of course you have the option to turn it off too. Some people will obviously notice the filmic flicker more than others, just as some people will notice 3:2 judder more than others.

The 800U has THX certified colour mode and in addition uses a single pane of glass design which the 80 and 85 models do not have.

DBlackGT · 11-10-2008, 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JJxiv1215

Because for first, D, I have to save for a real nice house,

And didn't you go through like, 96 TVs before you found the perfect 85u?

yea that's what I mean. buy the lesser expensive one so you can save up for other stuff, whether it be a house or projector. but me personally I would rather have a house than own a top of the line plasma. and then in that case I'd go with the 80u and save even more.

and yes I went through 6 samsung plasmas and 1 panasonic with 1 dead pixel

but you can't get worse luck with electronics than I get.

bakesalee · 11-10-2008, 11:32 PM

I'm going to buy a 50pz85u in 2-4 weeks. I've already returned two 46pz85us with stuck or dead pixels. What are my chances for getting a good one this time? I figure my chances are even worse considering there will be more panel.

JJ · 11-11-2008, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakesalee

I'm going to buy a 50pz85u in 2-4 weeks. I've already returned two 46pz85us with stuck or dead pixels. What are my chances for getting a good one this time? I figure my chances are even worse considering there will be more panel.

Yes, your thread, bakesalee, is one of the ones that had me wondering. Quite a read!!

Jellybeans · 11-11-2008, 07:18 PM

What is the max size now for an lcd or plasma pioneer tv ?

Uniquely · 11-11-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBlackGT

and yes I went through 6 samsung plasmas and 1 panasonic with 1 dead pixel

but you can't get worse luck with electronics than I get.

I had a standing date with the Circuit City delivery guys every saturday morning for five weeks until I got a set I was happy with.

dobyblue · 11-12-2008, 02:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark Elf

What is the max size now for an lcd or plasma pioneer tv ?

Biggest Pioneer plasma is 60"
Biggest plasma is 103" 1080p from Panasonic.
They have a prototype 150" 2160p set as well which should be available next year, but will cost around $100,000.

Biggest LCD right now I think is Sharp's 108" 1080p set.

I don't think Pioneer's LCD's are available in the USA yet.

turboLAZER · 11-12-2008, 02:56 AM

i own the TH-50PZ800U and the 24fps/48hz looks quite different from 60hz but wouldn't say that is looks better, just different

there are more important features that make the 800 worth more over the 85

Hammie · 11-13-2008, 05:47 PM

how about the 850u or the 800u versus the 85u. I think I may be exchanging my Sammy LCD for one of these. Not digging the clouding from the backlight.

TooBlu · 11-13-2008, 05:54 PM

I have the 800U and i really cant watch it on 24p/48hz. On some movies it is not that bad, but on alot of movies it is really really bad flicker and its not the "Filmic" look people are talking about. I dont think watching a Blu Ray for 2 hours while the picture is flickering is good for your eyes... The 8 Series Sammy Ln52-850 has direct 24p when watching a Blu Ray!! With no judder or flicker.

11-10-2008, 02:57 PM	#1
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Panasonic 50" PZ85U vs PZ800U How important is the 24p feature, to all of you, personally; since the 800 has it, and the 85 does not, according to the chart on Amazon.com. I've never known life with 24p, so I couldn't tell you. I'm looking into this as my next television, and trying to decide if it is worth the $400 on Amazon. I'm thinking I might have to go to Best Buy and plug in my PS3 myself and check them out. My biggest want is the plasma's power to show movement well as well as deep blacks and smooth color gradiation - why, I know it's just a stat, but 30,000:1 static and 1 million dynamic compared to the 1,200 and 8,000 respectively on my Philly is something I long to have. But $1,500 for the 50" 85U is...well, let me tell you that it is tempting. I was thinking I would never get a video upgrade if it wasnt a screen/projector, but I'm going to withhold on that until I move into a house I own instead of the one I currently rent. And I drool for actual black bars,

11-10-2008, 04:03 PM	#9
DBlackGT Expert Member Top contributor Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Scottsdale, AZ Home Theater Gallery:34 Blu-ray collection:58	Well I have the 85U and absolutely love it. Getting a true 24fps was not that big of a deal to me so I went with the 85U over the 800 and saved me some $. The ficker is not a problem, on the disc that are actually 24fps you would really have to look for it and still if you noticed it, I would say that its not enough to rule this tv out. Also the 85U over the 80U has a 10,000 higher contrast ratio. So in other words it has 33% more contrast. I dunno but saving like $400 bucks and getting the 85U is one heck of a deal, and trust me you wouldnt be sorry for getting it. And like you said, you eventually want to get a projector, so why not get just about the same tv as the 800 for hundreds less and start saving for a real nice projector? Last edited by DBlackGT; 11-10-2008 at 05:06 PM.

11-13-2008, 05:47 PM	#19
Hammie Blu-ray Champion Top ranked HT gallery Top contributor Member since:May 2008 Location:Washington, DC Metro Home Theater Gallery:53 Blu-ray collection:545 DVD collection:12 Trading Score:12	how about the 850u or the 800u versus the 85u. I think I may be exchanging my Sammy LCD for one of these. Not digging the clouding from the backlight. Last edited by Hammie; 11-13-2008 at 06:38 PM.

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11-10-2008, 03:27 PM	#2
Go Blue Blu-ray Knight Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Home Theater Gallery:23 Blu-ray collection:160 Trading Score:7	On my last TV purchase (50" Pioneer Elite 1150) I looked hard at the Panny 85u (the 800u wasn't out yet). I don't think 24p is essential, but I wanted to make sure I got it on my last purchase to see what I was missing. I notice the benefits of 24p, because I look for them. Do I think it is worth the extra money...yes. It will also give you some piece of mind, knowing that you have it. Another thing to keep in mind is how the 800u performs 24p. I have read many places, including here (https://forum.blu-ray.com/showpost.p...&postcount=448) that it produces a flicker, which is unacceptable. If it does, you should go with the 85u or even the PZ80U.

11-10-2008, 03:34 PM	#3
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Is that so? Hmm, I've also read of some dead pixel issues with the 85u here on the forum - well, I'll have to decide later, but all these issues are good to know for right now so I can decide, but - my next purchase is definitely a plasma. Unsure if I afford Pioneer Kuros, though.

11-10-2008, 03:38 PM	#4
bda4life Active Member Member since:May 2007	I came real close to buying the Panasonic 50" PZ85U this weekend, but when I realized that it does not accept a 24 fps input, I decided against it. I could have gotten the TV and a Panasonic BD player (I think the BDK35?) for roughly $1800 (no sales tax too). I will not purchase a new TV without the ability to handle a 24 fps input.

11-10-2008, 03:44 PM	#7
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Got you, thanks - I know the 5010 is still available here and there - but, we'll see what January 2009 brings, that'll be most likely when I get my upgrade. Thanks, schultzy.

11-10-2008, 03:50 PM	#8
kpkelley Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Aug 2007 Location:Framingham, MA 4K collection:385 Blu-ray collection:2478 Digital collection:113 Blu-ray reviews: 152	Are you closer to Miami or Fort Lauderdale? This is the tweeter in Fort Lauderdale: 4008 North Federal Hwy. Ft Lauderdale, FL. They have a 60in. Pioneer Kuro Elite on Clearance for $4400, should give you an idea about the 50 in. By the way, Tweeter only sells the Elite model of the Pioneer, not the 5010.

11-10-2008, 04:07 PM	#10
JJ Blu-ray Count Top ranked HT gallery Member since:Jul 2007 Location:Miami, FL Home Theater Gallery:99 4K collection:619 Blu-ray collection:1293 DVD collection:31 Digital collection:5 Blu-ray reviews: 18 Trading Score:203	Because for first, D, I have to save for a real nice house, And didn't you go through like, 96 TVs before you found the perfect 85u?

11-10-2008, 11:32 PM	#13
bakesalee Member Member since:Sep 2008	I'm going to buy a 50pz85u in 2-4 weeks. I've already returned two 46pz85us with stuck or dead pixels. What are my chances for getting a good one this time? I figure my chances are even worse considering there will be more panel.

11-11-2008, 07:18 PM	#15
Jellybeans Banned Member since:Oct 2008 Location:Montreal, Canada Blu-ray collection:140 Trading Score:1	What is the max size now for an lcd or plasma pioneer tv ?

11-12-2008, 02:56 AM	#18
turboLAZER Active Member Member since:May 2007 Home Theater Gallery:9 Blu-ray collection:63	i own the TH-50PZ800U and the 24fps/48hz looks quite different from 60hz but wouldn't say that is looks better, just different there are more important features that make the 800 worth more over the 85

11-13-2008, 05:54 PM	#20
TooBlu Senior Member Member since:Jul 2008 Location:Tampa Blu-ray collection:261	I have the 800U and i really cant watch it on 24p/48hz. On some movies it is not that bad, but on alot of movies it is really really bad flicker and its not the "Filmic" look people are talking about. I dont think watching a Blu Ray for 2 hours while the picture is flickering is good for your eyes... The 8 Series Sammy Ln52-850 has direct 24p when watching a Blu Ray!! With no judder or flicker.

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