» Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-Inch 1080p Plasma HDTV Reviews

Customer Rating:
Summary: Hard to find faults...
Comment: Like most everyone else I didn't take buying a new tv lightly, after all you're not talking about going to the local department store and grabbing something off the shelf for $300-$500 any more. Spending up to two grand on a tv makes you really want to get what you're paying for, and there are so many options in screen sizes, options, features and even the most basic decisons such as LDC or plasma that you'd better do some research to know what you're getting into.

I had been looking to replace our old 32" tv for a couple of months, but didn't find the perfect screen size until Panasonic came out with this particular 46" model. I knew I wanted plasma, I knew I wanted a good brand name and I knew I wanted to be able to take advantage of the features like HDMI outputs, optical outputs and various other controls so that I could easily add a home theater system later. Amazon had the best deal going at the time so I bought it, and the white glove delivery was just fine. I was happy to get it all for under $1,700 when it would have cost me at least $300+ more at any local retailer.

I haven't experienced any problems at all with the tv, it was in perfect shape right out of the box and instantly confirmed that I made a good decision with the 46". The picture on an HD channel is stunning in either 1080 or 720, and regular shows in 480 don't look as bad as I was lead to believe they'd be. The remote is very intuitive and easy to use. The sound from the tv speakers is fine, if a little flat and tinny, but I don't plan to use them much anyway. I've already received my Panasonic SC-PT960 Home Theater system and that should handle any complaints I have with the tv's speakers when I find the time to set it up. It's very easy to do, and with both the tv and the theater system having digital optical capability I'll be able to get the best sound possible from a HTiB.

If you're looking for a really good buy on a plasma, you want something bigger than a 42" and smaller than a 50", and you want a smooth transaction and professional delivery this set deserves your attention. I really don't think I could be any happier with something else.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Excellent TV
Comment: This tv graced our family room the moment we set it up. It has great colors and is very sturdy even just on the stand it came with on top of a console. The picture quality is great.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Panasonic Viera 46 inch Plasma TV
Comment: Delivery was prompt, right into the living room and opened to show it was perfect. Plays great, no problems at all. And we saved a lot of money compared to retail stores.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: WOW!
Comment: Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

The first day I set this TV up, I watched Dream Girls in HD on HBO from my cable company. I saw Dream Girls before - just after it was released on DVD, but I never experienced Dream Girls like I did the first night I watched it on the Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ85U 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV . The colors (especially reds) popped. The subtle shades of blacks and browns were (are) incredible. The picture was the clearest, brightest, most amazing I've ever seen on a TV. Since then, I continue to be blown away at the visible subtleties in the colors and crispness of the picture. Standard def DVD's upconverted to 1080i are very good (although a bit soft on the edges-not a fault of the TV). Regular TV (via Cable) is excellent. A video conference unit connected to the PC input on the TV displays a picture that is better than any I've experienced on other monitors.

I have an Apple TV connected to the 3rd HDMI port on the TV. This past week-end I rented the HD version of Sweeney Todd from the iTunes store. The picture was every bit as beautiful as Dream Girls HD, and seemed better, if that's even possible. The pairing of Apple TV with the Panasonic plasma is an unbeatable combination. However, I'm anxious for the next generation of Panasonic Blu-Ray DVD player so that I can see how this TV displays a true 1080p picture.

For sound, I have the TV connected to a Sony Home Theater System via optical cable from the TV to the Theater system and HDMI cable from the Theater system to the TV (for DVD playback). Interestingly, these two systems communicate with each other. Apparently Panasonic's Viera and Sony's Bravia systems of component communications are the same, or at least similar enough that they are compatible. Using the Panasonic remote control to turn on the Panasonic TV also turns on the Sony sound system. Setting the TV to TV mode, or DVD mode, or Cable/Sat mode causes the Sony to follow suit and set itself for correct playback. Volume on the Sony is controlled through the Panasonic TV remote. Turning off the TV also turns off the sound system.

Nice Job, Panasonic, Apple, and Sony!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Awesome TV - love it!
Comment: I love this TV! Reading these other reviews helped, as I was in the ever-lost world of looking at so many TVs. Also had the LCD vs. Plasma concern. My living room is small, so the 42" is too small, 50" too large. Just like Goldilocks, this one is just right! The black bezel finish looks great. The sound is pretty good, would prob be better with a home-audio system, but for movies, it is incredible as is. The HD channels are good. I don't see the reflection problem other Plasmas have. Can't wait to watch football on this, it is like sitting on the bench! Got mine at Best Buy and it was worth the $59 delivery fee. This is one great TV for the money! Of the models I researched, Panasonic, Pioneer, and Samsung seemed to be the top 3. My friend has the 50" and likes it as well.

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