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Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46" Plasma TV

Panasonic - TH46PZ85URelease Date: Apr 2008

Part of the excitement surrounding Panasonic's 1080p plasma TVs is the screen size. The 46" TH-46PZ85U provides 20 percent more screen area than a comparable 42" TV, yet when it's turned off, it looks only slightly bigger. The "PZ85" models display high-impact images with velvety blacks and an ultra... Read Morehigh contrast ratio of 30,000:1. And that's the "native" contrast ratio, which is a better indicator of real-world performance than the more common "dynamic" spec. Minimize

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Summary of User Reviews

Number of Reviews: 5
Positive Reviews: 100%
Negative Reviews: 0%
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Positive Review

Reviewed by: Steady321 on 22-Jun-08

Strengths: Superb picture on factory settings. I tried to make some adjustments just to see if I could improve the picture but settled back on the factory settings. I have it in my finished basement.

Weaknesses: None so far.

Summary: Unbelievable picture. Truly a great TV. According to CR, very reliable product from Panasonic. No issues at all so far. I went with a Plasma because the set would be placed in my finished basement with no issues from glare. I am very happy with my choice. The HD channels are incredible. You cannot go wrong buying this product.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: fosterron on 19-Jun-08

Strengths: I doubt any other mid-priced 46? can compete. The outstanding picture quality, deep blacks, audio are unsurpassed. While it may not have as many user adjustments as some models, there are a enough

Weaknesses: I really haven?t found any weaknesses; however, I would have preferred this model have the picture-in-picture (pip) feature which it lacks.

Summary: It was time to replace my 32? Panasonic CRT even though it was still working great, it was looking more and more like a dinosaur. I decided to stay with Panasonic but was not sure whether to go with a LCD or Plasma even though I already possessed two smaller LCD HDTV sets. After a few months of observing the differences at several retailers, and reading as many reviews as available, I finally chose to go with the plasma. It appeared to me the plasma colors were more vivid and flesh tones more exact even on the larger screens. I was particularly impressed with the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U, but wasn?t quite sure that was the size I wanted in my 15? x 22? family room. I didn?t want to be overwhelmed by size, but I wanted it to be large enough to provide comfortable viewing. Other than size, my only other concern was a couple inherent problems with plasmas as pointed out in some of the reviews. The problem with plasma screens reflecting light and also the potential for burn-in on plasmas. Weighing the pros and cons I decided to go with the Panasonic 46? model as stated above. Since I already owned two LCDs, I was leaning toward the plasma from the beginning. I have now had the TV for about 3 weeks and can say without a doubt I feel I made the perfect decision. First of all the 46? size couldn?t be better and provides excellent viewing throughout the family room. The Panasonic case is simple yet very stylish, functional and looks great. The HD display and audio are awesome and significantly better at home than previously seen and heard at the retailers. Light reflection is minimal due to the anti-reflective screen and not nearly as bad as with the old CRTs. Since Panasonic provides a screen saver that automatically sweeps the screen when no signal is received to prevent burn-in, I doubt that burn-in would ever be a problem. There are a sufficient number of user adjustments to tweak the picture and colors if desired. The remote control is simple, but fully functional and user friendly. The anti-reflective screen eliminates any annoying light reflections. As another reviewer noted the available concierge service is excellent which I can personally vouch for. Overall, the picture is the best I have ever had the opportunity to view and the ?Wows? I receive from people seeing it for the first time validates my opinion. What more can I say than this is one very happy owner.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: khilsmie on 27-May-08

Strengths: Unbelievable black levels - on par with top rated Pioneer models; 5 aspect controls; solid styling; decent anti-reflective screen; easy to use universal remote; Panasonic Viera Concierge service

Weaknesses: Picture controls lacking - can't adjust color temp beyond presets; stand doesn't swivel; right side ports and SD slot hard to access when used within entertainment center

Summary: I spent months debating with myself about buying a Sony XBR LCD TV because of my somewhat irrational fear over of plasma screen reflections. Fortunately, my wife pointed out one day that we've always had reflection issues with our tube TVs. If the anti-reflective screen did anything at all to reduce reflections, our viewing quality would improve. With that revelation, I started reading pre-release reviews of Panasonic's 2008 models and took the plunge a few days after they became available. I can sincerely say that this plasma will not disappoint. It's black levels are almost unmatched by any plasma and surpass any LCD on the market. The black levels alone make up for any slight picture control shortcomings. The anti-reflective screen works well but its important to have realistic expectations - it will reflect ambient light. If you're upgrading from an old style CRT TV, you're less likely to notice than if you're upgrading from an LCD. If reflections bother you, be prepared to use it in a room where you have control over the light sources. The PZ85U's styling is decent but it does have a quirky chrome "lip" that sits under the bottom frame. This lip houses the internal speakers and generally blends with the styling. However, the lip and the black glossy frame are dust/fingerprint magnets! If you suffer from OCD, be prepared to use the included micro-fiber cloth to clean it several times a day. Lastly, a quick word on Panasonic's PlasmaConcierge service (http://plasmaconcierge.com): This service offers Panasonic Plasma owner members an exclusive range of free services including live access to specialized consultants, a loaner program if your plasma needs to be removed for repair, on-line chat options and call staff can resolve issues without "going to their supervisor". Panasonic and their call center that mans the service have received a number of awards. It's a decent value-added service included with the purchase of a VIERA-branded TV. Big ticket purchases have a tendency to lead to buyer's remorse for me. I'm pleased to say that while the Panasonic TH-46PZ85U isn't perfect, it has left me completely satisfied.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: anandks on 11-May-08

Strengths: Claritywith Blu-ray, this is unbelievablethe 46 Inch is a super plus..as i havent found any in Plasma and this is the first in Panasonic

Weaknesses: nothing i can find yet.the TV mount (OmniMount), that i am using is interfering with the exact cable spot..but not a panasonic problem.

Summary: the frame is lovely unlike the previous PZ 700's which looks great...bcos the previous one looked very plasticky...I am using the OmniMount G3PR which is a stand that looks like the picture frame... overall the picture quality is unbelivable. the laptop to tv connection just happened in a second. i am using the PS3 as my blu-ray and the games are amazing. i am happy that i invested in this version. my apartment is quite bright, but this still fares very well.

Positive Review

Reviewed by: hyoungmd on 23-Apr-08

Strengths: price, appearance, good functions and easy to set up and use

Weaknesses: black picture - not the best or deepest (like my pioneer kuro 50HD80)

Summary: overall good television at a reasonable price. very easy to set up and use. excellent outer appearance with a glossy black frame. the picture quality is about a 7 out of 10. i also have a pioneer kuro 50HD80 which has a picture quality of a 9 out of 10. the biggest difference is in the black background. all the standard features are available on this television - sleep, auto shut off (protects the picture). i would buy this television again especially in this price range. this is an above average mid range plasma television.