The Panasonic PZ800U VIERA 1080p Full HD plasma models (TH-50PZ800U, TH-46PZ800U and TH-42PZ800U) have the same specification and the recently reviewed PX80U models with the following upgrades to bring them further up-market;

Video Specification Upgrades

• Higher 1080p vs 720p resolution.
• Native contrast ratio is higher at 30,000:1 vs 15,000:1 making it better than excellent.
• Higher Shades of Gradation at 5,120 vs 4,096 lessens the likelihood of any tidemark like, false contouring when the transition between color shades is too abrupt.
• 24p Cinematic Playback is a special mode for showing 24fps movies at the speed they were shot for smoother motion. See the testing notes in the Resources section below.
• THX Mode
  THX mode could be an easily overlooked addition but, it is a significant one. It means that these Panasonic models have undergone THX Certification which means they must meet a wide array of benchmark standards including contrast, color, de-interlacing and black levels to name only some. All THX Certified Displays feature THX Mode which optimizes the viewing experience by providing a single button calibrated video setting adjusting the display’s gamma, luminance, color temperature and other settings some of which may not even be accessible through on-screen menus.

Audio Specification Upgrades

There is a fair jump in audio specification between the PX80U models and the PZ800U models.

• 4 speakers vs 2 to include twin Woofers for action move rumbles
  Passive radiator, Woofer x 2 (L, R) / 23 mm-slim Speaker x 2 (L, R)
• Speaker power output is up from the 20W of the PX80U models and there is the obvious deepening of the frequency range with the Woofers being included.
  
  31 W (10% THD) (Woofer: 6 ohms, 55Hz – 200Hz, Speaker: 8 ohms, 200Hz – 17kHz)
• BBE VIVA HD3D Sound
  BBE High Definition Sound enhancement technology (featured in the BBE Sonic Maximizer range of professional audio signal processors) is licensed by BBE Sound to consumer electronics manufacturers for incorporation into their products. See fact sheet in Resources section below.

Connections Specification Upgrade

Connection options were already good and have been expanded even further with an extra HDMI connection and connections for a PC.

• An extra rear HDMI connection at the rear of the cabinet to make 4 in total
• PC Input Mini D-sub 15-pin x 1 (rear)
• Audio Input (for PC)

The VIERA PZ800U models also come with a swivel base which is something lacking on the lower specification models.

Resources

CNet have tested the Panasonic VIERA PZ800U models and concluded that they are some of the best performing plasmas they have ever tested. CNet were impressed by the new anti-reflective filter. They didn’t however, believe the black levels of the Pioneer Kuro plasmas were matched.

One negative point was some noticeable image flicker when testing the 24p Cinematic Playback mode.

Other 2008 Panasonic plasma models to consider….

If like the idea of gaining VIERA Cast IPTV Capability, Studio Reference Mode, Pro Setting Menu, RS-232C conncetion, AVCHD/MPEG2 playback, H.264 codec and Digital Cinema Color while missing out on THX Certification then you should look at the Panasonic PZ850U models.

If you’re not concerned about dropping the swivel base, THX Certification, 24p Cinematic Playback, BBE VIVI HD3D Sound, a HDMI input, increased shades of gradation and one sheet of glass design then consider the PZ85U models.

Also dropping back to 20,000:1 (from 30,000:1) contrast ratio and not have the PC input gives you the Panasonic PZ80U plasma models.

If a still well featured base model plasma with 720p resolution and 15,000:1 contrast ratio will fill your needs then the PX80U models are for you.

See the base specification for all 2008 Panasonic plasma models below.

Compare the specifications of the PZ850U, PZ800U, PZ85U, PZ80U and PX80U side-by-side.

Brochure on VIVA HD3D Sound BBE (PDF)

User Reviews and Price Comparisons

Amazon has an excellent VIERA model comparison table and user reviews and ratings. As always they have competitive prices on offer.
Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U 50-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ800U 46″ 1080p Plasma HDTV

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800U 42-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

Extended Service Plan

Butterfly Photo is a place to check prices as well.

Panasonic Viera TH-46PZ800U 46″ 1080p Plasma HDTV TH46PZ800U

Panasonic Viera TH-42PZ800U 42″ 1080p Plasma HDTV TH42PZ800U

Newegg.com have first hand customer reviews.

Panasonic VIERA 50″ 1080p 480Hz Plasma HDTV TH-50PZ800U

Panasonic VIERA 46″ 1080p 480Hz Plasma HDTV TH-46PZ800U

Panasonic VIERA 42″ 1080p 480Hz Plasma HDTV TH-42PZ800U

Buy.com is a place to check prices and read reviews.

Viera TH-50PZ800U 50 Plasma TV (Widescreen, 1920×1080, 30,000:1, HDTV)

Base Specification for Panasonic 2008 Plasma Models

• 1,000,000:1 Dynamic Contrast Ratio
• 480 Hz Sub-field Drive Technology
• Anti-Reflective Filter
• Viera Link HDAVI Control
• SD Card Slot w/ Photo Viewer/Gallery Player
• Deep Color Technology
• x.v. Color
• 3D Color Management
• Sub Pixel Controller
• Motion Pattern Noise Reduction
• Anti-Image Retention Mode
• Game Mode
• 3 HDMI Inputs
• Tough Under Force Panel: Provides high resistance to impacts and scratches
• Panel Life to Half Brightness of 100,000 Hours to (8 Hours/Day = More than 30 Years)
• Panels is Lead Free