Canon Ixus 800 Review
Canon Ixus 800 Review

The Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U and the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U are both 50-inch 1080p Plasma High-Definition televisions from one of the leading HDTV manufacturers today. They have some key differences, though, which can play a big role in your decision to buy either one.

In terms of design, the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U and the TH-50PZ850U have the same non-glossy black frame with a large pane of glass and what looks like a pair of pursed lips at the bottom. They both have swivel stands, too, so you can easily rotate the screen. Only the remote controls and the color of the base differ – grey for the TH-50PZ800U and black for the TH-50PZ850U. The remote of the TH-50PZ850U is partially backlit while that of the TH-50PZ800U is not.

In terms of picture quality, both models are good contenders, displaying crisp and clear images with an increased native contrast ratio of 30,000:1 and a dynamic contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1. They also both have a 480Hz Sub-field Drive for excellent moving picture resolution. The Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U, however, has a THX mode, which delivers images with optimal brightness, contrast and color reproduction.

They both deliver great colors, as well. Both the TH-50PZ800U and the TH-50PZ850U reproduce deep black levels, which are the trademark of Plasma TVs, although the TH-50PZ800U does better in terms of color accuracy. The TH-50PZ800U is also equipped with Deep Color Technology while the TH-50PZ850U comes with Digital Cinema Color Technology for an even better viewing experience.

The TH-50PZ800U and the TH-50PZ850U have almost the same exact connectivity options, with four HDMI inputs, a PC input, two composite-video inputs, two S-video inputs and other popular connections. They both have a built-in SD card slot, too, so you can share and enjoy your home movies and digital photos directly from your camcorder or camera without connecting any extra cables. The only difference is that the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U has an ethernet port, which is necessary for its Viera Cast feature.

The features of the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U and the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U are also almost identical. Both models have noise reduction features for sharper and clearer images, as well as features to prevent temporary image retention or screen burn-in. Both come with an anti-reflective screen and a dedicated game mode, too, along with a feature which allows you to choose your environment to save energy. Best of all, both carry the Viera Link feature which allows you to synchronize all your HDTV-compatible devices with the push of a button.

The only feature that the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U does not have, which is added on the TH-50PZ800U, is the Viera Cast. The Viera Cast lets you access selected online content, such as YouTube videos and stock market updates from Bloomberg Television, even without a computer. All you have to do is connect your HDTV to the Internet via the ethernet port and you can see all the information on the built-in web interface.

In summary, the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ800U and the Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U are two very similar models, and similarly excellent at that. If you’re bent on having the ultimate home theatre experience, then you should go with the TH-50PZ800U which has a THX mode but if you’d rather get online entertainment, then the TH-50PZ850U is the better choice. Either way, you’re sure to have a great HDTV on your hands.

To learn more about Panasonic HDTVs or read more HDTV reviews, visit HdtvReviewLab.com.

Razer Goliathus Fragged Speed Edition Review (Deutsch)