Newbie here, Thoughts on Panasonic TH-65PZ850U

[GeauxTigers]

I am considering buying this TV or a Sharp 65" LCD (120mHz)? Does anyone have a thought on which set will be better? The room I am going to put the this in is dark, so glare should not be an issue and I don't play any games (just sports and Blu-Ray).

Couple of other ?'s: Should I wait until March to buy this set? I have seen it online for appr $4700? Does anyone think it will get much cheaper in March or is a much better product coming along?

thanks for the thoughts!!

[joegs300]

You can't go wrong with Panny Plasma's. I was just in your shoes maybe 2 weeks ago and decided to pick up my Panny just last week (its being delivered tomorrow.) The 65inch should suit you well. From here on out I would suggest purchasing the THX certified models.. I think thats the 800u and the 850u if I'm not mistaken. You're making a good choice. I'd go with Panny Plasma over Sharp LCD. I had the same choice to make in the 46'' to 52'' range and went with the TH-50pz85u. Hope this helps!

[gtmorgan23]

def. get the panny

you will be much happier with the pq of a plasma then you would be with an lcd

[KCLARK]

If you tossing up the Sharp 65" LCD vs. the Panny 65/850u model, that is a no brainer. The Panny is the better set. My GF and I went analyzing the two sets in BB for over an hour. There was a fast moving HD loop followed by various shots of waterfall scenes that we watched on the both of them. The Panny background was far clearer. Colors I say were a toss up the Sharp does have some pop to it that I liked. The deciding factor for me was viewing the sets off axis. The Panny picture was just as clear as it was straight on, but not the Sharp. In the waterfall scenes it just looked like a white glob and I couldnt make out how deep the view was because it became flat looking. On the Panny I could still see the cliff BEHIND the edges of the water (hard to explain but the detail of the background image stayed viewable). I know for most off axis viewing is not their concern but I need that due to my sectional I have and had to rule the Sharp out even it was $2000 cheaper.
Sharp is on sale at costco, but may need to check to see if its the 94U model if you set on getting it.

[Sonny]

I don't no where else to put this , so here it is...Last night I was at Best Buy in San Antonio, T.X. & they have a new in the box 65" 1080p 750u Panasonic for $3,999!!! I hope there is someone on this board that can get this fantastic Plasma, & for $4,000 ! Send me a BD movie.

[Sonny]

I know there are lots of people in & around San Antonio on this board. This is a smokin' deal. Anyone out there?!? I just want someone on here to get that set.

[javabear]

How is the Panasonic TH-65PZ850U compared to the Kuro 60". I've heard so much good thing about the Kuro. Despite it being 5" smaller, what is a better purchase? Thanks in advance for your advice.

[jc480]

For the amount of money involved, I'd spend the extra $500 or so and get the Kuro. It's most definitely worth the additional cost. I can't even imagine having a 60" Kuro.

[KCLARK]

Originally Posted by javabear

How is the Panasonic TH-65PZ850U compared to the Kuro 60". I've heard so much good thing about the Kuro. Despite it being 5" smaller, what is a better purchase? Thanks in advance for your advice.

I was just comparing these two sets in BB friday night. Im telling you the Kuro showed more depth in the picture BY FAR. The blacks that it produces over the Panny is the biggest difference you can see right away. It not even close in comparison. I WAS SURPRISED TO SEE that the color pop between the two sets IS CLOSE! but sharpness was better on the Kuro (especially with background shots). The Panny cost $200 more, and to see them side by side, your mind would rule out that 5 extra inches on the Panny because seeing the gain in picture difference on the Kuro would have you mind convinced that you have the better set. Pannys only end up being considered due to their price savings over Pioneers, but for these sets to be that close in price, NOW WAY would I even consider the Panny, the picture difference is something you have to sit down for a while and compare. The longer you watch them the more the differences will jump out. That was the first store i've ever been in that had the two side by side like that, and im glad I got to witness the differences for my own minds sake because I was considering the Panny for a LONG time, but not any more.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by KCLARK

Pannys only end up being considered due to their price savings over Pioneers

That's not true at all - you wouldn't consider the Panny if it had terrible picture quality.

The Kuro's are the best sets on the market, but the Panny's "end up being considered" because they are damned good TV's with excellent colour accuracy, motion resolution, contrast and reliability. The only area they're undone by the Kuro's in is inky blacks, but the new V-Series looks to be somewhere close to the 6020 according to some of the posters on AVS.

[KCLARK]

Originally Posted by dobyblue

That's not true at all - you wouldn't consider the Panny if it had terrible picture quality.

And nobody on here would be considering it to a Pioneer either if that was the case (or any set for that matter if the picture quality wasnt worthy of the comparison in the first place). Imo give you the benefit of the doubt that you understood what i was trying to say about the Panny vs. Pioneer topic in regards to the cost difference. I wasnt talking about any other set in my comparison.

[javabear]

Thank you for your input, KClark.

Now, about the news that Pioneer is stopping TV production. Would it be a good idea to buy the Kuro right now? On one hand, it is the best TV out there and if I don't buy it now, I might never get to buy it. On the other hand, if there are problems in the future with the tv, then I might be in hot water. Perhaps, it may be a good idea for me to sit out on the sideline for a while to see what this year will bring?

Again, your thoughtful ideas are much welcome.

[gearyt]

Article says they will continue the support...... hmmmm....

[ewsjr]

Originally Posted by GeauxTigers

I am considering buying this TV or a Sharp 65" LCD (120mHz)? Does anyone have a thought on which set will be better? The room I am going to put the this in is dark, so glare should not be an issue and I don't play any games (just sports and Blu-Ray).

Couple of other ?'s: Should I wait until March to buy this set? I have seen it online for appr $4700? Does anyone think it will get much cheaper in March or is a much better product coming along?

thanks for the thoughts!!

I have had my 65PZ850U up and running for about two weeks and it is one amazing display, even at the reduced settings. I can't imagine what it will look like once I get it over 100 hours and get it calibrated. I finally got my Sony BDP550 set up with HDMI connection and 1080/24 and watched Horton and Surf's Up and I think my mouth hung open the whole time. I've been watching a Toshiba 65 inch RPTV over component for the past six years that had a great picture after calibration so the blacks on the Panny don't have the same punch but they are still very good and in the ballpark. Great contrast and the image is razor sharp.There is even a dramatic improvement in my cable HD. Have had no problem with flicker. I looked at a number of displays and did my research and glad I got this one. I'd check ClevelandPlasma.com. The owner Chris is a really nice guy and will help you in anyway he can. I got the set for $4500 (though he just recently raised the price to $4800 but it is now down to 4300.00) with the pedestal and delivery for a total of 5085.00. by the way, you don't need the newer, more expensive stand. You can use the older model and it works like charm. very tight fit and rugged. That's my two cents since I've been watching this set and for me, it's a real winner.
ed

[Musashi]

Originally Posted by javabear

Thank you for your input, KClark.

Now, about the news that Pioneer is stopping TV production. Would it be a good idea to buy the Kuro right now? On one hand, it is the best TV out there and if I don't buy it now, I might never get to buy it. On the other hand, if there are problems in the future with the tv, then I might be in hot water. Perhaps, it may be a good idea for me to sit out on the sideline for a while to see what this year will bring?

Again, your thoughtful ideas are much welcome.

I've mentioned this before: if it's Panasonic vs Pioneer, it depends on your uses. The Kuro edges out the Panny in overall PQ, but you can't play old video games (6th gen/PS2 or older) on a Pioneer: it lags them. I discovered that in my field tests and went with the Panasonic 850U, same as OP is considering.

For the OP: I still can't comment on my own personal experience as, despite owning the thing for a month and a half, I'm still waiting on the wall mounting, now set for Friday. It was impressive in the store though.

If you are going to wall mount it, break out the stud finder and check the distance. 16" between them will handle any type of mount, but if they're 24" like mine, you'll have to check the mount for compatibility. I wanted a full motion before, but I'll be settling for a tilting; hopefully it moves enough for me to change the inputs now and then.

[primaz]

Originally Posted by GeauxTigers

I am considering buying this TV or a Sharp 65" LCD (120mHz)? Does anyone have a thought on which set will be better? The room I am going to put the this in is dark, so glare should not be an issue and I don't play any games (just sports and Blu-Ray).

Couple of other ?'s: Should I wait until March to buy this set? I have seen it online for appr $4700? Does anyone think it will get much cheaper in March or is a much better product coming along?

thanks for the thoughts!!

Sorry but I think you would be a fool not to buy a front projector! Why settle for a small 65" when you could have 7 to over 10 feet of screen for the same or less? That makes zero sense to me.

Two of the best front projectors that many say are the best front projectors in the under $4k range is the Panasonic 3000 and the Epson 6500; both sell for about $2500 online. The Epson 6500 would be the one to get if you are worried about bulb life as it has an amazing 4000 + hour bulb technology! There is nothing to compare to a screen that large with incredible 1080 clarity! I had nice TV's but now I only use a front projector for both TV and movies and would never go back It's like buying a Ferrari and someone trying to say for the same price or even a little more you should get a Mazda Myata

SIZE MATTERS Now those are great projectors for the price with your budget you could look at the Epson 7500 pro unit with 3 dlp chip technology