Panny 58PZ800U or 58PZ850U?

[willyworld]

I see the 850 doesn't have THX cert (even though Amazon chart says it does) but has many more possible calibrations. I am confused as to which would be the better (mostly will watch sports and movies). The $300 difference is not a big deal for me, just want the better viewing experience.

[SoCalTiger]

Looking at the panasonic website it looks like the biggest difference for the 850 is that you have better calibration settings made available to you. Presumably the 850 allows you to adjust RGB more directly whereas the 800 does not. Otherwise the technical specs (color bit depth, black level) look identical to me.

[lghaze42]

With THX you should'nt need calibration.With that being said, I know that 99% of the diehards have to calibrate to Avia's or VE's standards.Since they are far more qualified than Lucasfilm I say you need the regular 58".

[Hammie]

Everyone who has had the 800u and had it calibrated said the colors, primarily red, was off. A calibration got it near spot on. I've also read the 850u gives a far better picture when calibrated correctly.

I'm waiting for my 850 to be delivered so I cannot comment any more than what I have read.

[lghaze42]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

Everyone who has had the 800u and had it calibrated said the colors, primarily red, was off. A calibration got it near spot on. I've also read the 850u gives a far better picture when calibrated correctly.

I'm waiting for my 850 to be delivered so I cannot comment any more than what I have read.

Is'nt the 800 considered to be a step up from the 850.I know that in the past the higher the model number the more features and sometimes performance was claimed.I can't believe that THX would justify more money for the 800.

[DrinkMore]

Get the 800U. You will never likely use the 850U settings.

[willyworld]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

Is'nt the 800 considered to be a step up from the 850.I know that in the past the higher the model number the more features and sometimes performance was claimed.I can't believe that THX would justify more money for the 800.

The 850 is $300 more on Amazon, has more features (except THX) than 800.
I am still confused as to which would be the better model to get, all things considered.

[crackinhedz]

Panasonic Panasonic 58PZ800U

coupon code: couponcabin

shipped.


Panasonic 58PZ850U

coupon code: AFLTV25

shipped.



best prices you'll find.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by lghaze42

Is'nt the 800 considered to be a step up from the 850.

No it isn't.


The reason the -850 doesn't have THX is because it has Panasonic's own Digital Color Cinema setting, you can't have both. Remember they do the encodes for all Disney and Fox Blu-ray's, so they must know something about getting color right.

Here's some articles on Digital Color Cinema:
http://ex-blog.panasonic.co.jp/exhib...1/ces_500.html
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs...&itemId=215669
http://hdguru.com/panasonic-th-50pz8...st-review/249/
http://panasonic.net/avc/viera/features/america.html



The -850 also has pro settings which the -800 does not have, just like the differences between the -750 and the -700. Gamma, white balance, etc., are all included in the pro settings and are not user adjustable on the -800.

In addition the -850 can hook up directly to the internet using Viera Cast.

Hope that helps.

[mike79]

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

Panasonic Panasonic 58PZ800U

coupon code: couponcabin

shipped.


Panasonic 58PZ850U

coupon code: AFLTV25

shipped.



best prices you'll find.

Do these codes work on the 50 inch models?

[willyworld]

Thanks to Dodyblu and Crakinhedz for the fine info. The coupon deal at 6ave works for several plasmas. I just ordered the 850 with coupon for $2899 (no tax) with front door shipping (declined the white glove serv. which unpacks and removes packing for additional $60).
I saw a few other online sources that claimed to be lower price but, upon further research, both appeared to be bait and switch places with bad ratings. Be careful!

[rainfire]

Amazon's delv'd price on the 58PZ800U is now $2,299.97

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by rainfire

Amazon's delv'd price on the 58PZ800U is now $2,299.97

Must.....resist....urge.......

[My_Two_Cents]

Up to $2,430 now...urge has passed.

Edit 1/16: $2,546 now....