Big Picture Big Sound

Last year Panasonic introduced their first 1080p plasma HDTVs to rave reviews from critics and consumers alike. Their 2008 VIERA plasma line is even better with an improved anti-reflective screen, more elegant styling and even better contrast ratios than their predecessors.

And now, the brand new 50-inch model, the TH-50PZ85U is on sale from an authorized dealer (this weekend only) for a low $1899.77 including delivery ($600 below list). Here's the link:

• Panasonic TH-50PZ85U 1080p Plasma HDTV on OneCall

The offer even includes a free Panamax power conditioner/surge suppressor (a $99 value that will be added to your cart FREE on final checkout). This is the lowest price we've seen on this set, a full $50 below Amazon's price: $1949.98 delivered (as of April 19th). Click to view current pricing or to order this set from Amazon.com: 

• Panasonic TH-50PZ85U on Amazon.com

The TH-50PZ85U features a native contrast ratio of 30,000:1, up from last year's already excellent 10,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of a whopping 1,000,000:1 (full on to full off). For watching movies, the PZ85 series supports 24p playback mode which can give you smoother playback of film-based content and the set produces excellent blacks that lend the picture an almost 3-dimensional look.

The set includes three 1080p-ready HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs as well as two HD-ready (1080i) component video inputs, S-video and composite video inputs plus a PC (VGA db15) input for maximum flexibility. It includes built-in NSTC, ATSC and QAM tuners so you'll be ready to rock with just a simple UHF/VHF antenna or digital cable feed from your cable provider.

Additional specifications on the TH-50PZ85U from the manufacturer:

Video:

• Screen Size: 50 inch Class (49.9 inches diagonal)
• Display Resolution: 1080p
• Contrast Ratio: Native: 30,000:1. Dynamic: 1,000,000:1
• Compatible Signal Formats: 1080p/1080i/720p/480p
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9 (Widescreen)
• Shades of Gradation: 4,096
• Pixel Pitch (H x V): 0.576 x 0.576 mm
• Panel Type: G11 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel
• Aspect Control for TV/AV Modes: 4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-fill for TV/AV modes
• Native Resolution (Number of Pixels): 1920 x 1080
• Moving Picture Resolution: 900 lines or more
• Progressive Scan: Yes
• Video Noise Reduction: Yes
• Digital Comb Filter: Motion Adaptive 3D-Y/C
• Color Purity Optimizer (3D Color Management): Yes
• Sub-Pixel Controller: Yes
• Motion Pattern Noise Reduction: Yes
• Digital Cinema Reality: Yes
• 480 Hz Sub-field Drive: Yes
• 24p Playback(2:3): Yes
• Deep Color: Yes
• x.v.Color: Yes

Audio:

• Speakers: Full-range x 2(L,R)
• Number of Speakers: 2
• Audio Ouput: 20W (10% THD) (6 ohms, 70 Hz - 17 kHz)
• Surround Sound: Yes

Input/Output:

• Tuners: Integrated ATSC, QAM, NTSC tuners
• Photo Viewer: Yes
• SD Card Slot: Yes
• HDMI Input: 3 (1 side)
• Analog Audio Input (for HDMI): 2
• Composite Video Input: 2 (1 side)
• S-Video Input: 2 (1 side)
• Audio Input (for Video): 2 (1 side)
• PC Input (RGB-VGA): Mini D-sub 15-pin (rear)
• Audio Input (for PC): 1 (M3 Stereo Plug)
• Component Video Input [Y, PB(CB), PR(CR)]: 2
• Audio Input (for Component Video): 2
• Composite Video Output: 1
• Audio Output: 1
• Digital Audio Out: 1

Convenience:

• VIERA Link: Yes
• Game Mode: Yes
• Pixel Shifter (Anti-Image Retention): Yes
• Video Picture Memory: Yes
• On-Screen Display Languages: English/Spanish/French
• V-Chip Program Lockout: Yes
• Built-In Closed Caption Decoder: Yes
• Timers - Sleep/On/Off: Sleep (Off only)
• Video Input Labeling: Yes

General:

• Power Supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz
• Power Consumption: 690 W
• Safety Standard: UL6500/C-UL
• Receiving System: ATSC/QAM/NTSC
• Operating Temperature: 32°F - 104°F
• Pedestal Stand: Included (TBLX0034)
• Remote Control: Included
• Screen Coating (Filter): New AR (Anti-Reflective) Filter
• Dimensions (H x W x D) w/Optional Speakers: -
• Dimensions (H x W x D) w/Stand: 32.8 x 49.4 x 15.2 inches
• Weight (lbs.) w/Stand: 88.2 lbs
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.6 x 49.4 x 3.7 inches
• Weight: 83.8 lbs