FS: Panasonic Viera 50" 1080p (TH50PZ800) - $2499.99

[verby]

http://www.futureshop.ca/catalog/proddetail.asp?logon=&langid=EN&sku_id=0770HDS0010101133&catid=

[guessguy]

this is suppose to be a hot deal at this price?

[firechkn]

Didn't I see the Costco model of this at $1899 or less?

[rayq]

Didn't I see the Costco model of this at $1899 or less?

Is that price for TH50PZ80 or TH50PZ800? If it was the latter, where did you see it? Is it instore price only? Thanks.

[lorax1284]

Is that price for TH50PZ80 or TH50PZ800? If it was the latter, where did you see it? Is it instore price only? Thanks.

Is there a site that lists the "regular" model numbers vs. the Costco model numbers?

I'd be curious to know if there is a costco numbered model for the TH50PZ800, or perhaps even a larger screen.

[no idea]

I think the Costco model is a slightly modded pz80 not the pz800.

[Glace]

I think the Costco model is a slightly modded pz80 not the pz800.

This is true. OP is quoting a PZ800, not a PX80 nor a PZ80. Costco does not sell this or its equivalent. I'm looking for this exact TV and Costco does not carry this, unless they started to in the last month or two, in which case ignore everything I said.

This is a pretty good sale, but I've seen this at London Drugs for about $2,400 and if you live in Calgary, Soundsaround has it for cheaper but OOS last time I checked.

[gman1975]

This is true. OP is quoting a PZ800, not a PX80 nor a PZ80. Costco does not sell this or its equivalent. I'm looking for this exact TV and Costco does not carry this, unless they started to in the last month or two, in which case ignore everything I said.

This is a pretty good sale, but I've seen this at London Drugs for about $2,400 and if you live in Calgary, Soundsaround has it for cheaper but OOS last time I checked.

You can buy the PN50A550 for $1498

As far as I can see they are rated about the same

[Glace]

You can buy the PN50A550 for $1498

As far as I can see they are rated about the same

The only TV that can beat the black levels of this is the Pioneer's Elite series and is rated second on CNET's top list http://reviews.cnet.com/best-high-definition-tvs/

It all depends on what you want though.

[letigre98]

Considering in the states they are going for under $1500, I would put your money on one of the new Panasonic NEO-PDP tvs that are hitting the market as we speak. They've reportedly made significant improvements to the power usage, brightness, and picture quality. Not only that, but this model has had a problem with "flickering" when the 24p film feature is used to make movies look like film. The new Panasonics have reportedly fixed this problem.

If the tv goes for under $2000, it might be a better deal. But if you add the cost of the exchange rate, the tv's cost should be well under $2000. Retailers are just gouging the consumer and selling old technology.

[MrFloOD]

Not hot. TrueTone has the same model and Even the 850 for cheaper.

[Ctrl-Z]

Considering in the states they are going for under $1500, I would put your money on one of the new Panasonic NEO-PDP tvs that are hitting the market as we speak. They've reportedly made significant improvements to the power usage, brightness, and picture quality. Not only that, but this model has had a problem with "flickering" when the 24p film feature is used to make movies look like film. The new Panasonics have reportedly fixed this problem.

If the tv goes for under $2000, it might be a better deal. But if you add the cost of the exchange rate, the tv's cost should be well under $2000. Retailers are just gouging the consumer and selling old technology.

Definitely. Anyone who buys this TV for $2500 is going to seriously regret it in a few weeks.

[gte357s]

I bought this model at London Drugs last year early Dec for the same price. it has been 3 months, and the Pioneer was on sale on boxing day for $2599. Price can only go cheaper, so, I expect Pioneer will be on sale again for the same price or lower in near future. So, $2499 for Panasonic is not a good deal, I would get the Pioneer.

[Braude]

No posted price at FS is a good deal, even their "sale" prices.

They have the TH50PZ80 on "sale" for $ 1899, which I got for $ 1557 from them (via PM).

Once the new models come out, you should see this TV at many places for $ 1999 (won't be that "low" at FS), yet you can PM it there no problem.

If I hadn't waited this long to buy a new TV already, I would have waited for the 800 model to come down in price. (Also, if my budget was higher than $ 1600 as well) :cheesygri

[xyster]

I have the 50" PZ800, bought it a couple months ago for $1999, open box, which I thought was a hot deal.

The manufacture apparently sold this TV for 22XX.xx, so 2500 is still making FS some good cash, especially if you add on an extended warranty. If you must have a TV *NOW*, then I would say this is an okay deal, as it is a good TV.


Here is a sneak peak of the upcoming plasmas from pany.
http://hdguru.com/panasonic-2009-prices-leaked-part-ii-the-z1-plasma-and-more-hd-guru-exclusive/395/

The U1 Series seems to have the same contrast and resolution as the PZ800.

The U1 series represents Panasonic’s entry level Full HD 1080p plasmas. The U1 does not have the energy saving Neo PDP panel. Motion resolution is rated at 900 lines and the contrast ratio is 30,000:1. Features include 3 HDMI inputs, Viera Image Viewer SD card reader for still photos and Viera Link Internet connectivity. Available screen sizes of 42”, 46” (April) and 50” (March)

Model MAP (USD)

TC-P42U1 $899.95
TC-P46U1 $1199.95
TC-P50U1 $1499.95

I have no idea what to expect the Canadian retail price to be tho. MAP=manufactures actual price? So, I would guess the 50" U1 would sell for $2499 in FS when it hits canada. (I could be very wrong. maybe it will sell for $2000?)

If you can get the PZ800 for under $2500(or the same price as the U1), its a great deal i'm thinking. The PZ800 has an edge to edge glass display that entry level models do not have; as well as a pretty decent premium integrated sound system and a THX-calibrated image mode that I love.

The G15 Series is a step up tho.

The G15 offers the 2” thick design of the V10 and retains the THX certification, 40,000:1 contrast ratio, 1080p resolution, VIERA CAST Internet connectivity, SD card reader with AVCHD playback and Neo PDP panel.

Model MAP (USD)

TC-P42G15 $1499.95
TC-P46G15 $1799.95
TC-P50G15 $2099.95

The G15 will also support Divx.
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayReleaseContent.aspx?ACCT=104&STORY=/www/story/02-26-2009/0004979119&EDATE=

The G15 is what I would be getting if I had waited- im very happy with the PZ800 however. My guess is that the G15 will cost $2999 CDN at FS when it hits.

[zzz3]

If you are looking for a good plasma but cannot find/buy pioneer than the Panasonic pro TH-50PF11UK is a better alternative since it has more features than the 800u as well as proper blu ray playback without the flicker.

[Eldorado]

Does anyone have info on when the new Panny models will be released? I didn't see any dates listed in the articles (thanks for that link btw!)

[xyster]

march/april for the upcoming panny entry level U1 and C1 series.

The V10s will be available in the 50” (May ship; it has a one sheet glass front) 54” (June), 58”(August) and 65” (Aug.) screen sizes. (premium?)

The G15s come in 42” 46” and 50” screen sizes and all are shipping in June. (mid range?)

the ultra premium Z1 plasma will ship in June at a retail of $5999.95

it might take a month or so for the products to actually hit store shelves tho; maybe longer if there is high demand?