How do you make the "best" HDTV better? Add an anti-reflective screen and boost the contrast of course, of course. And while you're at it, lower the price. Panasonic's TH-50PZ700U was described by Consumer Reports as the "best TV" they'd ever tested with rich saturated colors, deep blacks and nearly three-dimensional detail.
Well Panasonic couldn't leave well enough alone and followed that set up with the 50-inch TH-50PZ77U, which features the same 10th generation plasma panel from the 700 series, but with an improved anti-reflective screen to minimize room reflections, an improved contrast ratio (now 10,000:1) and a lower price.
And now Amazon.com has this HDTV on clearance, making room for the new models, down $1300 from its list price to an amazingly low $1699.98 including delivery! Click link below to view current availability and pricing (price current and item is in stock for immediate delivery as of March 17, 2008). Put it in your shopping cart and buy it while this price lasts!!
Note that the PZ77U does lack a PC/VGA input, which the PZ700U has, so if you intend to use a PC with this HDTV, you'll need to use one of its HDMI inputs for that (and an HDMI or DVI-D output on your PC).
The TH-50PZ77U features two 1080p-ready HDCP-compliant HDMI inputs as well as two HD-ready (1080i) component video inputs. 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-50PZ77U from the manufacturer:
|
VIDEO: |
. |
|
Screen Size |
50" Class (50.0" diagonal) |
|
Display Resolution |
1080p |
|
Contrast Ratio |
Up to 10,000:1 |
|
Compatible Signal Formats |
1080p/1080i/720p/480p |
|
Aspect Ratio |
16:9 (Widescreen) |
|
Displayable Colors |
Maximum 68.7 Billion Equivalent Colors for Darker Part |
|
Shades of Gradation |
4,096 |
|
Pixel Pitch (H x V) |
0.576 x 0.576 mm |
|
Panel Type |
G10 Progressive 1080p HD Plasma Display Panel |
|
Aspect Control for TV/AV Modes |
4:3, Zoom, Full, Just, H-Fill |
|
Native Resolution (Number of Pixels) |
1920 x 1080 |
|
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 |
|
AUDIO: |
. |
|
Speakers |
Full-range x 2(L,R) |
|
Number of Speakers |
2 |
|
Audio Output |
20W (10% THD) (8 ohms, 70Hz-17kHz) |
|
Surround Sound |
Yes |
|
INPUTS/OUTPUTS: |
. |
|
Tuners |
Integrated ATSC |
|
Photo Viewer |
Yes (SD Slot) |
|
SD Card Slot |
Yes |
|
HDMI Input |
2 |
|
Analog Audio Input (for HDMI) |
1 rear |
|
Composite Video Input |
3 (1 side) |
|
S-Video Input |
3 (1 side) |
|
Audio Input (for Video) |
3 (1 side) |
|
PC Input (RGB-VGA) |
No |
|
Component Video Input [Y, PB(CB), PR(CR)] |
2 rear |
|
Audio Input (for Component Video) |
2 rear |
|
Composite Video Output |
1 rear |
|
Audio Output |
1 rear |
|
Digital Audio Out |
1 |
|
IR Out |
No |
|
CONVENIENCE: |
. |
|
EZ Sync™ HDAVI Control |
Yes, via HDMI interface |
|
Video Picture Memory |
Yes |
|
On-Screen Display Languages |
English/Spanish/French |
|
P-I-P Scalable Size |
No |
|
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 |
693 W |
|
Receiving System |
ATSC/QAM/NTSC |
|
Operating Temperature |
32°F - 104°F |
|
Pedestal Stand |
Included |
|
Remote Control |
Included |
|
Screen Coating (Filter) |
Anti-Glare Coating |
|
Dimensions (H x W x D) w/Stand |
31.6" x 52.1" x 14.6" |
|
Weight (lbs.) w/Stand |
111.3 lbs |
|
Dimensions (H x W x D) |
29.7'' x 52.1'' x 3.92'' |
|
Weight |
94.8 lbs |
