Plasma HDTV - Panasonic TH42PY800

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BazNZ

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#23964 11-Jul-2008 20:48

Hi Guys,
I am currently looking at purchasing my first HDTV. Now that I have investigated reviews/info over the net and inspected all HDTV's at various stores. I have decided the Plasma Panasonic TH42PY800 is the best priced, has the best specs and has by far the best picture quality I have seen from a HDTV this year to date. Am I correct in my assumption? and can you guys confirm my opinion on this model?...

Panasonic TH42PY800

Regards
BazNZ

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#146971 11-Jul-2008 21:14

Hi,

These new generation Panasonic panels are supposed to be very good, in a lot of ways better than the Pioneers (there are several reviews on the web, like here or here ), but I would question a 42" panel that is full HD (1920x1080), as unless you are sitting very close you will not get the full benifits over a 720p panel.

Based on recomended viewing distances (google it or look at http://myhometheater.homestead.com/viewingdistancecalculator.html), you would have to sit about 6 feet away, which is very close.

Otherwise it is a great set!

BazNZ

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Ultimate Geek
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#147259 12-Jul-2008 22:25

Thanks for the feedback and reply Timbosan,
I went back to the store today and reviewed the new Panasonic Plasma 42" leading model again. I have now talked myself into upgrading to the 50" model which really doesn't cost that much more (more bang for buck). Panasonic have hit this market hard with great prices for their leading top of the line HDTV. The 50" arrive in NZ next week. I think I'll pre-purchase this now as some have already sold to customers sight un-seen. I don't wanna miss out if they're that good. I guess not many geekzoners know much about this latest release? Seems a very new model indeed!

davidcole

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#147275 12-Jul-2008 22:55

Does this new model have an integrated Freeview tuner?

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#147301 13-Jul-2008 06:42

davidcole: Does this new model have an integrated Freeview tuner?

No, but Panasonic have a promotion running where you can choose from either:

1) Freeview HD STB
2) or Panasonic hometheatre system
3) or Panasonic DVD & HDD recorder.

A week or so ago I bought a new TV, and after looking at the new Sony LCD TV with integrated Freeview tuner, and this Panasonic 42PY800 Plasma, I opted for the Panasonic. I've been very happy with it so far.

clevedon

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#147321 13-Jul-2008 10:05

Was in at Lim's in Manukau yesterday and was offered the new Panasonic 50PY800 Full HD for $3480 cash [ no credit cards or add 2.5% ] arriving next week or so with also the same redemptions as above. Pity, have already ordered one from another store.

BazNZ

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Ultimate Geek
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#147625 13-Jul-2008 23:21

Well today I bit the bullet and purchased my first HDTV. The Panasonic 50'" Plasma TH-50PY800 for $3999 @ 30 months interest free. Whatta great deal! Arrives next week....wish me luck!

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#147636 14-Jul-2008 06:42

I paid $2900 for the 42" TH-42PY800.

Having had a 50" tv in the past, and most recently using a 42" Fujitsu plasma, both in the same lounge, and knowing I'll be watching mainly standard definition tv, with the occasional PS3 blu-ray or game play or Freeview HD channels, I decided a 42" was going to give me the best picture. Any larger was going to look worse for our mainly SD day-to-day usage. (How great it would be to have majority of the sky channels in HD...)

sbiddle

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#147643 14-Jul-2008 08:01

BazNZ: Well today I bit the bullet and purchased my first HDTV. The Panasonic 50'" Plasma TH-50PY800 for $3999 @ 30 months interest free. Whatta great deal! Arrives next week....wish me luck!

Congratulations.

Bigger is always better!

Rhygar

86 posts

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#147660 14-Jul-2008 09:23

BazNZ: Well today I bit the bullet and purchased my first HDTV. The Panasonic 50'" Plasma TH-50PY800 for $3999 @ 30 months interest free. Whatta great deal! Arrives next week....wish me luck!

Cool, now start saving for a Blu-Ray player to show off what the best your new TV can do.

BazNZ

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#147811 14-Jul-2008 16:02

Yeah guys....looking forward to watching TV on this thing. What ever happens it'll be a marked improvement on my 7 year old 4:3 letterbox Phillips 29" which has now produced black curtains down each side of the screen.

I also recieve a Freeview Top Box for nothing through the Panasonic promotion...cool HDTV. I went for the bigger 50" because the picture quality tends to improve on the Plasma's as you increase in screen size. Certainly looked like it to my eyes and the Salesman confirmed this too with Plasmas. Remembering this Panasonic model is Full HD 1920 x 1080p. Rhygar your right!....I need something Blu-Ray to go with it. My dilemma is what? 1. A Blue-Ray player or 2. A Sony PS3 ? I was thinking the PS3 would give me more value for money at the current prices. What do you all suggest?

Regards
BazNZ

Rhygar

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#147825 14-Jul-2008 16:49

Hey Baz, I was blown away with my 720p projector so it will be awesome on your 1080p TV. The PS3 is certainly a good value option as you can get gaming and Blu-Ray in the same machine. I got a deal on my BD-30 and got it for $649 from JB Hifi last week, normal price is around $800. The BD-30 is a profile 1.1 player so it will do PIP but does not have internet connectivity. The PS3 is profile 2.0 compiant. I didn't have any need for internet connectivity and I don't play games on a console so the PS3 was not so appealing to me. Since I got a good deal on the BD-30 I went for that.

I am glad I didn't wait for a cheaper price as I can start enjoying the benefits of Blu-Ray now. I have started buying Blu-Ray movies from Amazon US as it works out cheaper even with shipping. I ordered 7 Blu-Rays which cost on average NZ$30 per disc whereas it costs $40 - $50 per disc to buy in NZ. Although, JB-HIfi is bringing the prices down and I saw some in Wharehouse although at $50. I don't think it will take too long for the prices to start dropping here but in the mean time I can buy through Amazon. You just have to make sure any movies are region free, you can find a ist of region free movies at http://bluray.liesinc.net/.

Probably your first decision should be do you want a standalone player or do you want a PS3? If you decide standalone then you can look further as to which model you want. If you want a PS3 then the decision is easy :)

Once you start watching movies in Blu-Ray you will not want to go back to SD-DVD. Also the local United video store here in Hamilton is starting to stock Blu-Ray movies. They already have some 8 day hires which I can get for $1.25 on Tuesdays.

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BazNZ

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#147867 14-Jul-2008 19:08

Hi Rhygar,
Small Country...I'm in Hamilton too.

Out of interest... Do you think the Panasonic BD-30 will give better HD picture quality over the Sony PS3.?

BazNZ

258 posts

Ultimate Geek
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#148925 17-Jul-2008 17:53

There is a shipping delay on the 50" model of this Panasonic Plasma....Due 25 July now. Dang it !

clevedon

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#148948 17-Jul-2008 18:45

Bummer, I'm waiting for mine as well. Want it to be here before before MySkyHDi arrives on the 4th August, better not be delayed before that or there will be trouble brewing.

Rhygar

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Master Geek
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#149034 17-Jul-2008 23:34

BazNZ:
Hi Rhygar,
Small Country...I'm in Hamilton too. Out of interest... Do you think the Panasonic BD-30 will give better HD picture quality over the Sony PS3.?

I don't really know but I don't think there is much between them in picture quality if there is. You probably would have to look at them in the store. It's probably the other features of each player which will decide it for you.

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