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Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Model number: TH-50PZ85U | SKU: 8723232

Experience rich, lush colors on this 50" flat-panel plasma HDTV thanks to 3D Color Management and a 1080p resolution. With surround sound for a rich audio experience, this HDTV turns your living room into an ideal entertainment environment. <class="gs_iv">Geek Squad Installation Videos© See how our highly trained Geek Squad Installers can help you get the most out of your home theater.

Average Customer Rating:

4.9 out of 5

40 of 41 (98%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.

Customer Reviews for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Review 1 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Awesome TV 01/07/2009
By Fusilli from Boston

Picture Quality

5.0 5

Sound Quality

5.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Great picture right out of the box.
What's not so great: The stand does not swivel and is made of a material that shows dust easily.

"In the store I was drawn to the brightness of the LCD TVs but a friend of mine said to go with Plasma. We are very happy with this set and can't imagine a better picture quality for HD. The contrast ratio gives the picture excellent depth; I am glad I went with this model rather than the lower one."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes
Is this product used primarily for business?: No

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Review 2 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Very Cool TV 01/05/2009
By infolock from Cincinnati, OH

Picture Quality

5.0 5

Sound Quality

3.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: The HD Channels are great, even with digital HD cables instead of HDMI
What's not so great: The color wheels and setup is not the friendliest, and the sound sucks. That's what home theater sound is for though.

"Delivered on time, no dead pixels, GREAT experince"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes
Is this product used primarily for business?: No

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Review 3 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Great TV 12/14/2008
By cablejim from York, NE

What's great about it: hands down great picture, built well, and true color
What's not so great: nothing

"I'm a cable tech and see all of the tv's I have alway's thought Panasonic had some of the best pictures out there and I was right. I use mine in spurts some times not watching for days and some times watching for 12-20hrs. at a time never had a problem I have owened mine for 8 months and am happy, I was looking at a Pioneer, Sony, or Panasonic and let me tell you my friend got the Sony and it has great HD pics but not so great none HD pics that is the problem I see a lot of the time on my job is when you buy a tv they only show you HD pictures. I had a customer one time and she had a Panasonic HD tv and it died so she bought a new one she bought a LG and after she had the LG installed she had us out there 3 times saying there was something wrong with the cable because the picture was not as good the cable was the same the quality of the tv was not as good. As far as the sound I have a sony souround and do not listen to stright tv so I can not say how good or bad it is. But everything I have seen on this tv is awsome and I would tell anyone to buy it they will not be sorry!!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes
Is this product used primarily for business?: No

0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 4 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Best Bang for Your Buck 12/13/2008
By Anonymous Reviewer from Orland, IL

Picture Quality

5.0 5

Sound Quality

3.0 5

Features

5.0 5

What's great about it: Great price
What's not so great: Sound could be louder

"Great Bang for your buck. Love the TV.

Stays cool for a plasma, the color green is unreal and simple to use.

Sound could be louder. I will need to get speakers."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes
Is this product used primarily for business?: No

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Review 5 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Great T.V. 11/28/2008
By HB75071 from McKinney, Tx

What's great about it: Easy set up, great pricing

"This has to be the best t.v. I have ever owned, and for the price you can't come close to finding any other brand that can touch the quality. I think Panasonic is leading the market in their Plasma technology. Sound from the speakers is top notch, you will not be disappointed with this t.v."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 6 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Amazing Plasma TV 11/14/2008
By Nick315 from Bismarck, ND

What's great about it: Beautiful Picture, Easy Setup
What's not so great: Nothing yet

"Converting over from an older DLP to this Panasonic plasma was an amazing thing. I thought I new what Hi-def was all about until I hooked this television up. Bright and Brilliant picture on HD, and SD isn't too bad either. Got a PS3 and the Blu-Ray movies and games are simply awesome. If you are thinking of a great looking plasma, the search is over."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 7 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

The best Plasma TV for the money 11/04/2008
By LD9000 from Rhode Island

What's great about it: Picture quality, ease of use, sound,Panasonic name
What's not so great: Very little user control, but that may be a good thing for most

"I could write a long, in-depth, semi-technical review about this TV. Let's face it, if you're reading this review you want to know about this TV because you are ready to buy. If you are, you already know that the Pioneer is the best Plasma Tv on the market, but the most expensive. So you've narrowed it down to the Panasonic and Samsung, which really is Panasonic's only competition.
Without a doubt, this is the best Plasma TV for the money out there. This has the best HD picture I've ever seen, and although you're tired of reading about black levels, this one does really shine in that dept, and makes a difference in picture quality. The remote is nicely laid out although the manual is a little confusing because Panasonic chooses to use words instead of numbers to measure control. That may be strange to some, but they are shooting for ease of use here. For example, 16:9 Zoom may be translated to H-Fill on the this set. You have to get use to the terms.
High Definition is the best I've ever seen on an affordable set. It also makes your standard DVDs look great as well if you're not using Blu-Ray. I don't believe that there is a flat screen TV out there that will make standard cable channels look good, and this one is no exception. Depending on the channel signal, you will still have to refocus to watch some standard channels, but you didn't buy this set to watch standard channels all the time I'm sure.
The stand-alone sound on this set is better than most I've heard and above average. Even though you will run it through a home theater system, if you just want to watch TV through its own speakers, fear not because this set does not use a sub-standard sound system like most.
User control was about the only thing I found that you can't play aorund with much. You get about 5 different settings, Game / Standard / Custom, etc but Panasonic doesn't explain in the manual what these terms mean. You just have to use your eyes to guide you through.
Colors are amazing, the remote is well designed, and the TV set is itself is worthy of showcase material. Certainly one of the classiest sets I've ever seen.
If you are thinking about buying down to the 46-inch, or up to the 58-inch, they are all designed much the same and you get the same quality and controls as you do on the 50-inch. You will not be disappointed in this set."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

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Review 8 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

One of the best on the market 11/02/2008
By ADAM911 from Pittsburgh, PA

What's great about it: Great HD picture!, Great for gaming...
What's not so great: Skin tones could be a little more accurate..

"I bought this set in june of 2008. I previously owned a Samsung 1080p DLP. The Samsung DLP had a great sports picture, but had many issues with dark areas or shadows in certain scenes... I hopped on the oppertunity to buy this set (th50pz85u) and couldn't be happier. The black level performance of this set is awsome. The blacks are like ink. There is great detail in dark scenes when watching shows like law and order, or the cave episode of the planet earth series on blue ray. Sports are amazing! Of course I get my Steelers game in every week, and I couldn't be happier. There is absolutely no motion blur. Don't waste your money on a 5000 dollar Pioneer, because you honestly wont notice the difference. Except for the money you pay... Oh, and Pioneers Plasma Panels and parts are made by guess who??? You guessed it... PANASONIC! Have fun and enjoy this amazing set that won't leave you feeling light in the wallet..."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 9 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Wonderful T.V. 10/28/2008
By Armo15 from Pittsburgh, PA

What's great about it: Picture quality, response time, black levels
What's not so great: Nothing yet

"I purchased this T.V. back in May of 2008. I wanted to give it a while before reviewing it. I can honestly say at this point it might be the best purchase I've ever made. It performs perfectly and after having Geek Squad calibrate it after 100 viewing hours, it looks even better. It comes on instantly unlike that short warm up period for DLP's (which I previously had) and the colors are rich and the black level is second only to the Pioneer Kuro. If you have a lot of extra money to spend then the Kuro would be the only other t.v. I'd consider instead of this one. The newer models have 4 HDMI ports which I personally find excessive but i just have my PS3, Xbox 360 and cable to worry about for the HDMI inputs. Bottom line is that the price is constantly dropping on this t.v. and for the level of performance and beautiful picture quality, it really can't be beat. P.S. take a look at BBC's Planet Earth on BluRay on this television and you can tell all your friends about it after you shove your eyes back into your head!"

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

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Review 10 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Awesome! 10/28/2008
By fbronco from New Orleans LA

What's great about it: Picture quality, input jacks, clarity.
What's not so great: Setup instructions are confusing especially because it is so easy if explained well.

"The television is great-good quality picture and lots of input jacks. This television is a good price for what you get. Even the new power cord is cool."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 11 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Great clarity and color, Especially the True black 10/26/2008
By tinkthesink from Provo, UT

What's great about it: Picture is simply the best
What's not so great: Maybe on Electric bill, but none on the TV

"I've done a lot of research on TV's. The Panasonic and Pioneer turn out to be the best. The difference is the Panasonic is much cheaper. This TV can produce true Black whereas most TV's black color is more of a gray. The menu is great and the different aspect ratios (picture stretching) are great for full screen signals.
This has plenty of HDMI inputs which are good for your DVD player, cable/sat, and videogaming. The one downside is the plasma TV uses a lot of energy. My electric bill went up $20 a month. But the picture clarity and color is well worth it. This is money well spent."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 12 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

A must have. 10/21/2008
By ugadawg5

What's great about it: Too many to list.
What's not so great: I'm now addicted to HD.

"I sometimes feel like my eyes are decieving me. The picture is so good, it almost looks like 3D from some camera angles. I have especially noticed this when watching college football. (GO DAWGS) You need to go ahead and get the blu ray to go with it. I was skeptical about spending the extra money on a dvd player. Well, its not just another dvd player. I was blown away with not just the picture, but the sound as well. I would also recommend the geek squad, who installed all of my equipment from wall mount, to blu ray, to home theater sound. Its like going to the movies in your own home."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 13 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Great choice 10/20/2008
By lian

What's great about it: great picture
What's not so great: sometimes glares if in a room with natural light

"The tv has a great picture and surprisingly good sound (even when no speakers are hooked up). Setup is a breeze. All the menus and options are easy to figure out."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 14 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Compare others to this one 10/06/2008
By SouthernHobo from SE, Georgia

What's great about it: Rear panel, contrast ratio, menu control options
What's not so great: Won't use VIERA Link until other updates

"This was the one you could sit down in the store and watch. Looks good at home, too. With the 30k to 1 contrast ratio, regular at-home lighting, great viewing.
Good manual, easy setup and hookup, walk thru the inputs with the menu control. Like the Panasonic name, too."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 15 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Best HDTV by far 10/05/2008
By LOVEHDTV941 from Syracuse NY

What's great about it: Picture, contrast-ratio. fast 480hz prosesser, 3D filter
What's not so great: None

"CLEAR CLEAR CLEAR CRISP CRISP CRISP This is one great HDTV. The picture on this TV is the best by far. I looked at several different TV's before picking this one. With the 1,000.000:1 contrast ratio the HD picture just pops. Has three HDMI inputs and a media card reader. Weighs only 88 lbs. so it can be moved by your self. I love watching football on this bad boy, makes you feel like you need to suit up. If your looking for an HDTV stay with Panasonic this TV has it all. The only TV out there with a better picture is Pioneer Elite with a price tag of around $5000.00 for the same size. Save the $2000.00 and tax and sit back and enjoy the pictures are close and unless your a big TV guy you won't even see the small differance. I WOULD BY THIS HDTV AGAIN WITHOUT QUESTION."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 16 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Wow! I've been missing this 09/28/2008
By jb729 from McDonald, PA

What's great about it: Quality, picture, ease of use, race ready
What's not so great: Should have bought it sooner

"Opened the box, plugged it in, and was ready to go. I didn't have the HDMI cable at first and was using patch cable. Everything was good but once I attached the HDMI cable...holy smokes this TV is dynOmite!! Being a big NASCAR fan I decided the plasma would be the best fit for my needs. I am sure glad I spent the extra money and got the plasma. Racing pictures are great, no blur, and the black really is a true black. If you are debating about this TV - I say go for it. No regrets. Sound is the only ever so slight negative. The screen is so large it seems like the audio should be bolder. Next purchase will be surround sound system because I think it will just bolster the TV."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 17 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Incredible Picture - Slight issue 09/22/2008
By Anonymous Reviewer from Iowa

What's great about it: Picture is great; good # of hook-ups
What's not so great: None except for my issue - read below

"I got this TV to replace the 52" LG LCD I had that I immediately returned due to green shadowing effects. I hooked it up and immediately loved the picture. I played some Xbox 360 (NCAA Football) and the picture was great. I watched some HD HBO and HD local stations and the picture is great. I would highly recommend this TV to anyone.

Here's my one issue:

About 26 hours after having the TV, a 3" or 4" bar went out on the right side of the screen and does not come back. I've heard it is an easy fix but Panasonic is actually exchanging my TV for another. Assumming that this does not happen again, I believe I will have a great TV for yuears to come."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 18 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

Absolutely excellent plasma! 09/15/2008
By vroberts from Johnson City, TN

What's great about it: great contrast, deep blacks, 3 HDMI, everything pretty much
What's not so great: lack of more color controls

"Bought this set a month ago and have been extremely pleased. As a previous Panasonic owner (42px60u), I knew of their great reliability and excellent customer service. That in itself made this an easy pick over the Samsung, which has better color adjustments (but not as deep blacks and far more technical problems it seems). The 50pz85u is simply stunning once you dial it in to the proper settings (in my case, a tweaked version of the Cinema pre-set). All around, it's a big improvement from last year and definitely worth the investment. You won't be disappointed."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 19 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

great picture! 09/15/2008
By dudette from orlando, fl

What's great about it: We love this TV. We are amazed at how clear the picture is. The sound is also excellent.
What's not so great: none

"We are completely satisfied with this TV. It is great for gaming as well. The quality of the picture is awesome."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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Review 20 for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV

Customer Rating

5.0 5

What a TV 09/14/2008
By ras57 from Pacific North West

What's great about it: Picture, Colors, Audio, Setup, and the "Wow Factor"
What's not so great: No USB input, but it does have a SD card input.

"My wife and I both went to Circuit City, Video Only, and Best Buy last Labor Day weekend "Just To Look".
Weve been looking for almost 2 years at upgrading our TV, and was waitng for a quality TV to become afordable.
We looked at both LCD and Plasma TV's, and actaully got to talk to a Panasonic rep who really got into the pros and cons of each kind.
Since were movie buffs, and were in the market for a Blu Ray player also, we decided to go with Plasma for the rich colors it can produce.
We just fell in love the Panasonic 85 series 50 inch model. But we ended up buying the 42 inch "little brother" model of this TV, as it was well with in our budget. Plus Best Buy had 36 months no interest so it really was very afordable.
Since we upgrading from a 32 inch CRT model TV we thought the 42 inch model would be big enough.
Got it home and set up, and tho the picture was great, however, it just did not have the "WOW" factor the 50 inch TV has. We actually regreted not going for the 50 inch TV, tho it was $700 more, spreding it out over 36 months made it still afordable to us.
So we called Best Buy the next morning, and they said "Sure, we were free to bring it back either for a refund or an exhange".
So we boxed it up, went back to Best Buy, and traded up to the 50 inch model.
"WOW" This is a great TV for the money. So far, while waiting for HD service to arrive, were watching Blu Ray movies, and we are very impressed.
This TV actually rivals much more expensive Pioneer and Elite models.
If you want a great TV, but cant afford Thousands for a Pioneer, or Elite upper model. You wont go wrong with this TV."

Would you recommend this product to a friend?: Yes

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More Reviews for Panasonic 50" 1080p Flat-Panel Plasma HDTV