Panasonic 58PZ800u: Your thoughts? - Blu-ray Forum

nicholas01 · 10-09-2008, 03:20 PM

Hi all,

I think this site is awesome and the feeback is great! I was wondering what people thought of the Panasonic 58PZ800u plasma set? I've read everywhere that its great and that it is just a notch behind some of the Pioneer Kuro sets. However, when I saw the Panasonic at Best Buy, the display looked really dim. Can the THX setting be turned up brighter to match the other sets or is it really that dim all the time? Also, will this set give me that "3D" look that I hear about?
Thanks!!

BACsader · 10-09-2008, 03:26 PM

I am assuming that the sets you saw nearby it were LCD. In the store all the lights are turned up bright. A plasma is not meant to be used in a bright environment. So, around a bunch of LCDs it will look dim. But, yes, the settings can be adjusted so it doesn't seem that dim, but, in a dark environment, they shouldn't need to be.

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicholas01

Hi all,

I think this site is awesome and the feeback is great! I was wondering what people thought of the Panasonic 58PZ800u plasma set? I've read everywhere that its great and that it is just a notch behind some of the Pioneer Kuro sets. However, when I saw the Panasonic at Best Buy, the display looked really dim. Can the THX setting be turned up brighter to match the other sets or is it really that dim all the time? Also, will this set give me that "3D" look that I hear about?
Thanks!!

Don't worry about it being dim. The LCD's at Best Buy will be turned up enough to burn your eyeballs right out of their sockets. Anything else will look dim next to a set like that. Not to worry though. When you get this plasma home it will be plenty bright. It will handle motion better than an LCD. It will display a much better black level than an LCD. You can't go wrong with this particular model. Yes, they may be just a tick below a Kuro but not enough to even be a concern.

nicholas01 · 10-09-2008, 04:08 PM

Thanks for the info, great to know that this set is a top-of-the-line plasma....I don't remember if the Panny was on display next to LCDs or Plasmas at Best Buy, but I'll go back and check that.

Also, will this set give me that 3D look that people talk about?

FilmMaster · 10-09-2008, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicholas01

Thanks for the info, great to know that this set is a top-of-the-line plasma....I don't remember if the Panny was on display next to LCDs or Plasmas at Best Buy, but I'll go back and check that.

Also, will this set give me that 3D look that people talk about?

Yes, this set with a good source (blu-ray for example or quality HD programming) will give you the effect you mention. You'll love the plasma. Go for it over any LCD no matter what.

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:14 AM

I have an 85u and its awesome, the 1080p PQ is great and the blacks are top notch.

Id recommend to you a 50" 800u. The THX mode allows for a great out of the box calibration, if you choose not to have it professionally calibrated.

If you will have it professionally calibrated, then save the dough and buy a 85u. Nothing really sets them apart PQ wise other than the fact the 800 comes with the THX presets.

My_Two_Cents · 10-10-2008, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nicholas01

Thanks for the info, great to know that this set is a top-of-the-line plasma....I don't remember if the Panny was on display next to LCDs or Plasmas at Best Buy, but I'll go back and check that.

Also, will this set give me that 3D look that people talk about?

That depends on what your are talking about. If you mean will it look processed, fake and soap-opera-like, then no. That is something LCD manufacturers came up with to mask motion blur. If you mean will you be seeing a picture the way it was intended to be viewed (natural and film-like), then yes, that set will provide that. It's a great choice, and one that would only be matched by the Kuro. You will not be disappointed.

plowmanjoe · 10-10-2008, 01:33 AM

i think this 3d look you speak of is the 120hz feature that some lcd's have.

My_Two_Cents · 10-10-2008, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

i think this 3d look you speak of is the 120hz feature that some lcd's have.

You mean "motion-flow", "auto-motion", "super-duper-motionator", etc. 120Hz has nothing to do with this.

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

i think this 3d look you speak of is the 120hz feature that some lcd's have.

Man, this false info is still being perpetuated.

Buzz, wrong answer.

The "3d" look is a combination of grayscale accuracy and contrast ratio, or in other words how well the set can do diff shades for more detail.

plowmanjoe · 10-10-2008, 01:39 AM

many people refer to the look of 120hz as being 3Dish.

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

many people refer to the look of 120hz as being 3Dish.

Its incorrect.

I had to argue this with with a ton of XBR guys on this site a few months ago.

The 3d look has been around much longer than 120hz motion flow.

How do you explain the 3d look on a panny or pioneer plasma?

Contrast ratio.

An ISF calibration increases the 3d look because of grayscale adjustments, not 120hz tweaks.

My_Two_Cents · 10-10-2008, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elwaylite

Man, this false info is still being perpetuated.

Buzz, wrong answer.

The "3d" look is a combination of grayscale accuracy and contrast ratio, or in other words how well the set can do diff shades for more detail.

I agree, if you mean a natural 3D look from quality plasmas, but I believe the OP is referring to the LCD auto motion crap (which a LOT of folks think is the same as 120Hz).

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:45 AM

Oh I know, Im just trying to make them understand that 120hz video processing is not the reasoning behind 3d effect. This is another false statement that some lcd owners like to continue to give life.

plowmanjoe · 10-10-2008, 01:46 AM

i never thought those plasmas looked 3d. the picture is amazing, but not 3d. i don't think directors intend to show a 3d image, so no just because i tv has amazing accurate reproduction doesn't mean it looks 3d.

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:47 AM

Oh boy, here we go again.

Completely ridiculous.

Have you ever seen a properly setup Kuro?? Thought not. My Panny has a very 3d like appearance.

Motionflow is how the film moves on the screen, has nothing to do with 3d. 120hz processing allows for proper handling of 1080p/24 which eliminates judder in side to side pans.

plowmanjoe · 10-10-2008, 01:54 AM

you can't have a 3d effect without motion

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:55 AM

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6792632-1.html

Its all about eliminating motion blur and giving judder free movies (which 72hz plasmas do) just fine.

elwaylite · 10-10-2008, 01:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by plowmanjoe

you can't have a 3d effect without motion

Dude, you really should research a little about what 120hz is.

plowmanjoe · 10-10-2008, 01:59 AM

most people that desire the "3d effect" are referring to 120hz. how accurate the image is or how non blurring it is, is irrelevant.

10-09-2008, 03:20 PM	#1
nicholas01 Member Member since:Apr 2008	Panasonic 58PZ800u: Your thoughts? Hi all, I think this site is awesome and the feeback is great! I was wondering what people thought of the Panasonic 58PZ800u plasma set? I've read everywhere that its great and that it is just a notch behind some of the Pioneer Kuro sets. However, when I saw the Panasonic at Best Buy, the display looked really dim. Can the THX setting be turned up brighter to match the other sets or is it really that dim all the time? Also, will this set give me that "3D" look that I hear about? Thanks!!

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10-09-2008, 03:26 PM	#2
BACsader Expert Member Member since:Jan 2008 Location:Cooper City FL Home Theater Gallery:29 Blu-ray collection:72 Blu-ray reviews:9 Trading Score:1	I am assuming that the sets you saw nearby it were LCD. In the store all the lights are turned up bright. A plasma is not meant to be used in a bright environment. So, around a bunch of LCDs it will look dim. But, yes, the settings can be adjusted so it doesn't seem that dim, but, in a dark environment, they shouldn't need to be.

10-09-2008, 04:08 PM	#4
nicholas01 Member Member since:Apr 2008	Thanks for the info, great to know that this set is a top-of-the-line plasma....I don't remember if the Panny was on display next to LCDs or Plasmas at Best Buy, but I'll go back and check that. Also, will this set give me that 3D look that people talk about?

10-10-2008, 01:14 AM	#6
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	I have an 85u and its awesome, the 1080p PQ is great and the blacks are top notch. Id recommend to you a 50" 800u. The THX mode allows for a great out of the box calibration, if you choose not to have it professionally calibrated. If you will have it professionally calibrated, then save the dough and buy a 85u. Nothing really sets them apart PQ wise other than the fact the 800 comes with the THX presets.

10-10-2008, 01:33 AM	#8
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	i think this 3d look you speak of is the 120hz feature that some lcd's have.

10-10-2008, 01:39 AM	#11
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	many people refer to the look of 120hz as being 3Dish.

10-10-2008, 01:45 AM	#14
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	Oh I know, Im just trying to make them understand that 120hz video processing is not the reasoning behind 3d effect. This is another false statement that some lcd owners like to continue to give life.

10-10-2008, 01:46 AM	#15
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	i never thought those plasmas looked 3d. the picture is amazing, but not 3d. i don't think directors intend to show a 3d image, so no just because i tv has amazing accurate reproduction doesn't mean it looks 3d.

10-10-2008, 01:47 AM	#16
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	Oh boy, here we go again. Completely ridiculous. Have you ever seen a properly setup Kuro?? Thought not. My Panny has a very 3d like appearance. Motionflow is how the film moves on the screen, has nothing to do with 3d. 120hz processing allows for proper handling of 1080p/24 which eliminates judder in side to side pans.

10-10-2008, 01:54 AM	#17
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	you can't have a 3d effect without motion

10-10-2008, 01:55 AM	#18
elwaylite Blu-ray Samurai Member since:Mar 2007	http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6449_7-6792632-1.html Its all about eliminating motion blur and giving judder free movies (which 72hz plasmas do) just fine.

10-10-2008, 01:59 AM	#20
plowmanjoe Senior Member Member since:May 2008 Blu-ray collection:6 Trading Score:2	most people that desire the "3d effect" are referring to 120hz. how accurate the image is or how non blurring it is, is irrelevant.

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