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"This set is big , bold and beautiful no regrets here." on by mikes250r
Pros: THX mode,Color accuracy,hd picture detail, standard definition picture quality also very good. Ability to choose from five different aspect ratios is also a big plus. All black exterior is quite handsome-tuxedo like. Quiet no buzzing. Wife likes it.
Cons: Very heavy. HD 1 and HD 2 mode should be a one click on the remote instead of having to go thru the main menu. Black bezel although handsome could be a little less reflective.
Summary: First this is my fourth HD tv and my third plasma. I've had this Panny for about three weeks now and absolutely love it. This tv is replacing a 50" Vizio which in its on right had a very respectable picture. The Vizio never failed to impress whenever I had company over even if my guest had other more expensive HD tvs of their own.
Before I made this purchase I researched it long and hard. I liked the Samsung but in the end it came down to Panasonic and Pioneer. I thought the elite had the best picture but the elite had an elite price. So then it came down to the 6020 and the 800U and the 850U. I chose the 800U over the 850Ufor its THX mode which has earned excellent reviews from all the professional critics and I did not need Vierra cast internet capabilities. When doing side by side comparisons between the 6020 and the 800U it was very close. Both had subtle strengths and weaknesses. My viewing distance is about twelve feet. If my viewing distance were six to eight feet I might have chose the Pioneer. Ultimately I felt like the Panasonic was a better value. I consider myself very picky about picture quality and I could have afforded the 6020 if I really wanted it. That being said the picture quality on the 800U really is that good. The initial settings out of the box are horrific. After I bit of tweaking and amateur calibrating this set continues to impress me and all my friends every time I turn it on. As it breaks in it does seem to get better and better. I have a PS3 and have not noticed any flicker on any of the BR disc that I have watched. At any rate I would not let that be a deal breaker no matter what others ahve said beacause this tv produces some of the most fantastic images I have ever seen on any screen.
Don't take my word for it, do your own research, go to the AVS forum and do some reading. In the end you will realize that this 58" Panny gives more bang for your buck than any other tv out there. -
"One Small Error in the Review" on by larrfry
Pros: Stunning Picture
Cons: None that I'm aware of.
Summary: A tiny correction. This 58" does NOT have the "one sheet of glass" look of its smaller siblings. The bezel is in fact raised a 1/4" from the screen.
Update: After 3 months of use, I find I no longer use the THX mode. I found the THX picture mode too dim even after maxing out the picture setting as recommended by CNET.
The brightness of the picture can be greatly increased if you don't use the THX mode, which is noted in the review. I've been switching between THX (with the picture setting turned up) and a custom setting with more "pop". Nine times out of ten the THX is better. This set is certainly bright enough for anyone.
Glare - not a problem for me. I had my Sony 35" CRT TV next to this set for a day. They both reflected about the same amount of room light.
Updated on Jan 7, 2009
I now use a custom mode, using settings I found on the AVS forums. What a difference. When compared to the THX mode these custom settings are brighter and I see no difference in the color accuracy.
I strongly recommend this set but can not recommend using THX. It is too dim and washed out even when set at maximum per CNET's recommendations.
This HDTV is not that easy to set up (and maybe no HDTV is)and I'd strongly recommend the AVS forums for advice! Look for the forum discussing this exact model. -
"One of the Best, and definitely the best for the money." on by nagel2
Pros: Beautiful picture, and great price for it's size and features.
Cons: Just one, a bad flicker in 48Hz mode.
Summary: This set is incredible, I love it.
Some people have misunderstood the single panel glass statement. Let me explain, most Plasmas have 2 sheets of glass in front of the glas on the plasma panel (so essentially 3 sheets), this set only has a single sheet and instead of the second sheet in front there is a 1/4 thick "frame" around the outside, on other models this frame would continue across the the front as the second sheet of glass. The advantage to the single sheet is a reduction in ghosting at certain angles when the image reflects off of the back of the front sheet and back on to the front of the second sheet, there is also a very noticeable reduction in weight over last years model.
My main concern is with the 48Hz flicker issue, I have had 3 conversations with Panasonic so far, they are looking into the issue and have told me they will get back to me shortly, hopefully with some sort of a fix. This really is my only complaint with the set, it is a stunning plasma for the price, probably the best value for the money in a 58" by anyone. Yes the Pioneer Kuros has slightly better blacks (I'm talking maybe 7 or 8 % better), but not enough better to justify the price difference. As far as the flicker issue goes just run it in the 60Hz mode since I can see no major issues with image smoothness in 60Hz mode, I just find it odd that they sent it to market with a feature that is virtually unusable. -
"best home movie experience ever" on by edwinagustin
Pros: plasma strenghts: deep blacks, uniform color throughout screen, fast response times, no off axis picture deterioration
Cons: none really, but maybe could be lighter and more energy efficient.
Summary: this is our first real big screen (replacing a 50 inch panny plasma) and the enjoyment and satisfaction from watching a screen this big with excellent picture quality acorss the board, is well worth it! and panasonics seem to be very well made and reliable (our 3rd panasonic plasma in the house!) TV is used as main tv in our family with 3 windows and a sliding door. the blinds do have to be drawn and yes, there is reflection on the screen. not to the point of distraction but is noticeable. still playing with cnet recommended settings and our own custom settings. buy this tv, you won't be disappointed. (also have sony lcd in the house - but the panny plasmas all seem to have better picture quality).
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"Panasonics makes great plasma TV" on by Johnny-DK
Pros: High contrast ratio to display perfect dark scenes in movies makes Panasonic a perfect quality Plasma TV. I recommend you check out http://www.squidoo.com/best-hdtv for information what best and cheapest HDTV to buy this year.
Cons: LCDs are generally speaking better than plasma.
Summary: I give it a 5 star for trying so hard to improve over the past few years. I think Pioneer and Panasonics are the best plasma brands.
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