The big plasma picture

With the VIERA TH50PZ80U plasma TV, Panasonic has achieved picture quality that's sure to blow you away. The high contrast ratio of up to 20,000:1 ensures exceptionally rich blacks and stunning whites. An anti-reflective filter keeps unwanted reflections to a minimum. The result is arguably the most detailed plasma TV in the world. The TH50PZ80U includes a built-in NTSC/ATSC/QAM digital tuner to receive standard definition, high definition, and digital cable content. The set includes 3 HDMI connections, which enables the transfer of high definition video and audio via a single cable. That means you can enjoy HD entertainment without the inconvenience of numerous tangled cables.

Simple operation with VIERA

And speaking of less inconvenience, how about Panasonic's VIERA Link® that lets you operate (through HDMI connections) all your home theater components by pressing one button on the TV remote. An HDMI cable carries not only digital video and audio signals, but control signals too. For example, use your VIERA remote to control a recording operation with your DVD recorder or to start and stop playback of scenes from a video camera. With VIERA, extra ease and convenience are part of the entertainment package.

x.v. Color and Deep Color

ROY G BIV can step aside. x.v. Color is the new standard for high definition color. You see 1.8 times more reds, greens, and blues of the RGB spectrum. x.v. Color offers the wider color gamut while Deep Color brings on a better bit-depth. The result is vivid, accurate color with less artifacts.

Progressive Cinema Scan

Progressive Cinema Scan (3:2 pulldown) achieves exceptionally faithful movie reproduction through a sophisticated analog-to-digital conversion. Movies on film are converted to NTSC interlaced video (480i) for television by a process known as telecine conversion, in which the 24 frame-per-second film is converted to video at 60 fields per second. The fields are then paired to create 30-frame-per-second 480i video. Some of the frames will contain dissimilar pairs of fields derived from two different frames of the original film, which causes artifacts. Panasonic's Progressive Cinema Scan circuitry converts 480i video to 480p while restoring the original frames of the film for a more authentic movie reproduction. This widescreen TV features a width-to-height ratio similar to movie theater screens, providing a theater-like experience at home.

Superb sound

Incredibly slim and elegant, you'd never guess that the TH50PZ80U includes an integrated 20-watt, side-firing speaker system for maximum stereo separation. But just wait until you turn it on and crank it up. A virtual surround sound system creates an authentic and exciting surround sound effect from only the two stereo speakers while preserving the clarity and definition. This expansive audio provides a fitting complement to the incredible picture quality of Panasonic's plasma TV.

V-chip program lockout

The V-Chip allows users to block programming that may be inappropriate for certain viewers. Using program ratings embedded in TV broadcasts, the V-Chip lets parents decide the programming to which their children have access. Blocked program material is accessible only by entering a 4-digit code that parents create.

Share your photo gallery

The best images you can ever view on a Panasonic plasma don't have anything to do with HDTV. Share your own JPEG photos taken with an SD Memory Card-compatible digital camera on the TH50PZ80U through the set's SD card slot. Simply insert the SD card, which is about the size of a postage stamp, into the SD slot on the TV and enjoy a photo slideshow. Panasonic also includes with this set GalleryPlayer, which allows you to enjoy the world's finest high definition art and photography on your HD plasma TV. Use the free GalleryPlayer software to purchase and download the images you like, and then play them on your Panasonic HDTV right from your PC. Sign-up is easy and free. Plus, you get a free collection of high definition images to enjoy right away in your home or office.

Included accessories

Remote control, pedestal stand (TBLX0037)

Comparison Specifications

• 50" class (49.9" diagonal), Panel type: G11 progressive 1080p HD plasma display panel
• 16:9 widescreen aspect ratio, 4,096 shades of gradation
• Native contrast ratio: 20,000:1, dynamic contrast ratio: 1,000,000:1, Native Resolution: 1920 x 1080
• Compatible signal formats: 1080p/1080i/720p/480p
• Video inputs: 3 HDMI inputs, 2 analog audio inputs (for HDMI), 2 composite video inputs, 2 S-Video inputs, 2 audio inputs (for PC),
• Inputs/outputs cont.: 1 composite video input, 1 audio output, 1 digital audio output, 2 component video inputs, 2 audio inputs (for component video)
• Audio output: 20W (10% THD, 8 ohms, 70Hz-17kHz), Surround Sound
• 2 full-range speakers
• Remote control included

Additional Specifications

• Moving picture resolution: 900 lines or more
• Progressive scan, video noise reduction
• Digital comb filter: Motion Adaptive 3D-Y/C
• Color Purity Optimizer (3D color management)
• Sub-pixel controller, motion pattern noise reduction
• Digital Cinema Reality
• 480 Hz sub-field drive
• 24p playback (2:3), Deep Color, x.v. Color
• Integrated ATSC tuner
• Photo viewer, SD card slot

Manufacturer Specifications

• VIERA Link® HDAVI Control, Game Mode
• Pixel Shifter (anti-image retention)
• Video Picture Memory
• On-screen display languages (English/Spanish/French)
• V-Chip Program Lockout
• Built-in closed caption decoder, Timers: sleep/on/off
• Video input labeling
• Power supply: AC 120 V, 60 Hz; Power consumption: 690 watts
• Receiving system: ATSC/QAM/NTSC

Dimensional Specifications

• Dimensions: 33.2" H x 49.0" W x 15.2" D (with stand). 31.1" H x 49.0" W x 3.7" W (without stand)
• Weight: 88.2lbs with stand, 83.8lbs without stand

Panasonic TH-50PZ80U Warranty Details

Limited one-year parts and labor warranty