Question RE: flicker problem with Panasonic 800u (50" only) in 48Hz mode

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by Steelmaker

Has Panasonic even acknowledged that the flicker in 24p mode is infact a problem and are they doing ANYTHING to fix it in future models? It just seems like a serious design flaw that needs to get corrected.

I totally agree with you. I would wait for a working firmware update before even considering purchasing the display. Hopefully a firmware update is in the works. The Pioneer 72HZ Plasma's and Hitachi 48HZ Plasmas do not have this flicker issue.

[DezNutz]

I have seen the sets and havnt really seen the flicker problem yet myself. I heard the same in regards towards firmware update.. but have yet to see anything official.

That being said it did not stop me from buying the 58" 800u for 2800 shipped today.

[Hammie]

I just purchased the 50" 800u. Mine comes sometime next week. I was hoping to have it before the Thanksgiving, but since it is an exchange, I still have the Samsung 46" 860 to watch.

I've heard mixed emotions on the flicker issue. Some see it others don't. As far as Panny acknowledging it. I heard the same thing about a possible mid-December firmware update.

[Mr Dodger Blu]

I just got the TH42PZ80U. I have 24p active and I don't see a flicker.
I'm running the Panny BD35 player.
One ? I do have, the set is 20,000:1 native, is there a menu option to turn on the dynamic 1,000,000:1.

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by Mr Dodger Blu

I just got the TH42PZ80U. I have 24p active and I don't see a flicker.
I'm running the Panny BD35 player.
One ? I do have, the set is 20,000:1 native, is there a menu option to turn on the dynamic 1,000,000:1.

The TH42PZ80U converts 1080P/24 to 60HZ and does not have the flicker issue. Only the 800U and 850U have several reports from three or more professional reviews regarding the "unwatchable flicker" or "flicker issue" when the 800U and 850U are placed in the 48HZ mode. The 800U and 850U do not have flickers at the standard 60HZ mode but then that defeats the purpose of 1080P/24 signals.

[HDTV1080P]

Originally Posted by louhamilton

I just purchased the 50" 800u. Mine comes sometime next week. I was hoping to have it before the Thanksgiving, but since it is an exchange, I still have the Samsung 46" 860 to watch.

I've heard mixed emotions on the flicker issue. Some see it others don't. As far as Panny acknowledging it. I heard the same thing about a possible mid-December firmware update.

If you turn down the contrast and brightness the flicker is less noticable on the 800U and 850U at 48HZ.

[Steelmaker]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

If you turn down the contrast and brightness the flicker is less noticable on the 800U and 850U at 48HZ.

What about running in the THX mode?

[RealSkyDiver]

How is the picture with these TVs? Are they comparable with 120mz lcds?
I still don't know if I should get the TH-46PZ80U or TH-46PZ800U (1,500$ @ amazon). Is the difference worth it? I don't care that much about the speakers.

[My_Two_Cents]

Originally Posted by RealSkyDiver

How is the picture with these TVs? Are they comparable with 120mz lcds?
I still don't know if I should get the TH-46PZ80U or TH-46PZ800U (1,500$ @ amazon). Is the difference worth it? I don't care that much about the speakers.

The picture is fantastic, and no, it is NOT comparable to 120Hz LCDs...it is much, much better. Colors are more accurate, blacks are black, no motion blur and great off-axis viewing (if needed). Get the 800U.

[crackinhedz]

Originally Posted by RealSkyDiver

I still don't know if I should get the TH-46PZ80U or TH-46PZ800U (1,500$ @ amazon). Is the difference worth it?

the PZ80u has 20,000:1 contrast ratio..the PZ85u and higher have 30,000:1

match that with the THX mode and the 800u is a clear winner. Very much worth it.

[dobyblue]

Originally Posted by HDTV1080P

I totally agree with you. I would wait for a working firmware update before even considering purchasing the display. Hopefully a firmware update is in the works. The Pioneer 72HZ Plasma's and Hitachi 48HZ Plasmas do not have this flicker issue.

The Pioneer refreshes fast enough you wouldn't notice it.
If the Hitachi review wasn't done by the same person that notices flicker on the Panny, it's irrelevant.

There may be some issue with some runs of the TH-50PZ800U in the processing upon further research, but I see NO mention of the "problem" some people notice on any of the 58" 800U models and any of the 50", 58" and 65" -850U models nor is there any consistency with the so-called "unwatchable" flicker on the 50" -800U model.

It is certainly not the epidemic you seem to be making it out to be by making blanket statements that all the -800 and -850 series have some inherent flaw in the 48Hz mode.

[Mr Dodger Blu]

I understand now guys! Thanks.