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Panasonic TH-50PH9UK 50" Plasma Display (Widescreen, 1366x768, HDTV - MPN: TH50PH9UK)
Description: A 50" plasma display with the size and the exceptional image quality that is equally at home in the broadcast studio, a corporate boardroom, or on the set.Panasonic combines the very best in image quality, customization and size selection i.... Read More Description: A 50" plasma display with the size and the exceptional image quality that is equally at home in the broadcast studio, a corporate boardroom, or on the set.Panasonic combines the very best in image quality, customization and size selection in its Professional Series plasma family. With industry-leading 16-bit processing, 3,072 shades of gradation and an up to 10,000:1 contrast ratio, the TH-50PH9UK provides significant image quality improvements to produce an unforgettable visual experience. With Panasonic's multi-function input slot system, this large-screen panel offers seamless integration in virtually any AV, PC or interactive environment, so it can be used in the widest range of vertical or horizontal display applications. This 50" panel is more light weight and energy efficient, and its ultra-stylish design looks ultra sleek even when the panel's turned off.The TH-50PH9UK comes standard with PC Input, Audio Input (for PC), Serial Control (RS-232C) Input, BNC Component Video/RGB Input and Audio Input, BNC Composite Video Input, S-Video Input, and Audio Input (for Video). There is an available slot for an optional terminal board. Or, you can remove the standard boards and mount up to three optional boards. Minimize |
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| Date Reviewed: 08/07/2006 |
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Strengths: Picture quality
Latest panel
Panasonic engine
PQ calibrations
Design
Weaknesses: Not 1080p capable, but my DirectTV can't supply it anyway
Summary: I did a lot of research and waited for this model to come out before purchasing plasma. These are consistently the highest rated by consumerreports and cnet. Latest user reviews on AVS Forum were also helpful in making purchase decision--all point to this as being the best model even remotely in its price point. Purchased from Visual Apex, which has great resellerratings and terrific customer service--I was able to confirm with them, on a Saturday afternoon, that the product was in-stock, would ship on Monday, and had no complaints from previous buyers.
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| Date Reviewed: 01/17/2007 |
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Strengths: Price,
Expandability,
Picture Quality,
Warranty/Rebate.
Weaknesses: No 1080p.
Summary: I bought the Panasonic 50" TH50PH9UK in December 2006 through an official Panasonic reseller online. I had searched all the major retailers around town and could not find a better price or in some cases this model at all.
I did about 3 weeks worth of researching before deciding on this TV. There were a few key reasons why I picked this one and I'll outline all of those for this review.
1) Panasonic. Their equipment has always been good to me in the past and I trust their brand name.
2) Price. This is a bare bones MONITOR. There are no speakers, no TV tuner and no stand. This of course makes the price very reasonable as I have a surround sound receiver/speakers and connect my satellite receiver directly to the TV through component video cables right now. Also, I was able to buy a cheap no name tilting wall mount for the TV and it seems to be working great. I highly recommend checking online before you goto a local retailer and spend $100+ for a wall mount. I have had no problems so far (only a month or so) but it seems very solid and of good quality. I choose to mount mine above my fireplace (check the temperatures before doing this!) and have it tilted about 15 degrees downwards which looks great!
3) Expandability. This model offers expansion slots in the bottom of it allowing you to upgrade and expand your connection abilities, such as adding an HDMI input. Some see the lack of HDMI as a negative, however I don't have any equipment that uses HDMI at this time, so I'd rather have a cheaper priced TV and choose to buy the $100-$150 upgrade card when I want to.
4) Rebate/Warranty. At the time I bought this, Panasonic was offering a 5 year in home warranty and a $100 mail in rebate. This is a huge savings and I strongly advise looking for these type of deals.
5) Picture quality. After seeing various models in store and doing online comparisons, I was confident with the picture quality of this model. Although it does NOT have 1080p, I feel it is very high quality for HD and non-HD content. It is important to remember to feed your sources correctly before you complain about picture quality. Often people loose quality by their cable choices. It should also be noted, that comparing TV's at a local store side by side is not always accurate. Ask a sales rep to adjust the picture settings and inquire about how they're being connected. You'll be surprised at how the most expensive model always has the best settings and cables.
Overall, I think this is a great TV for the price. It would be nice to have 1080p, however I am very satifised and highly recommend purchasing this unit. A few suggestions for this Plasma or any other is to follow the instructions for the first 100 hour break in period. You can find a great break in DVD that you can play during this period to break it in properly. It is free and you can find it by doing a search online. Another suggestion I highly recommend is a DVD like DVE. This shows you how to set EVERY setting properly and truly makes a huge difference. I think by doing your research and reading A LOT of unbiased reviews, anyone should be able to make an educated and satisfying purchase. Good luck!
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| Date Reviewed: 01/22/2007 |
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Strengths: Stellar performer with an endless number of configurations. This is truly the "erctor set" of Plasmas. Any source can be feed to an appropriate input board or "blade" to match installation requirement
Weaknesses: Price is a moving target, aim carefully...
This is a broadcast quality piece and requires a certain depth of knowledge
Summary: When your neighbor has no choice but to dump his/her set because HDMI has established a newer standard, all I have to do is order a new interface board for maybe 150 bucks!! How cool is that? The picture quality "out of the box" was pretty good, but it does pay to fine-tune any home theater. I used the Datacolor SpyderTV Colorimeter, and was pleased with the results. Plus I can do it again after break-in. I did order one HDMI "blade" at the time of purchase (yes, by Dec 31 for the $100 rebate and the 5 year warranty) so I would have at least one digital input during initial setup. DO print the pdf literature on Pana's website, as it is a great reference for all of the available options. Remember that this is a 1080i display and the 1080p offering costs a bunch more. Hey, for 70k you can get the 103"
O.K.- Here's the current (partial) equipment list: Panasonic TH-50PH9UK is mounted on a BDI Avion cabinet (8527 in espresso) with the optional pillars (8540) that also act as cable runs so you see no cables at all. It's neat whiz bang stuff!
A. Panasonic uses recessed mount points, and luckily I had some nylon spacers
B. Board changes can be done after the set is up (if you like standing on your head) so install them first.
C. Manual is not oriented toward average consumer or retail market. Fine for me but be advised...
In the Cabinet: Yamaha RX-V2500 receiver, 130W x7 channels attached to Definitive Technology Mythos 5's for L/R front, Mythos Seven center channel speaker and Mythos Gems on matching stands for Rears with the DT Sub (Pro 200TL) being driven via LFE. A clean very aesthetically pleasing 5.1 system.
No DVI or HDMI on this model (2 yrs. old), but I cable my DVR (Scientific Atlanta HD8300) right to the Monitor and take Optical Audio into the Receiver. Also take digital video from DVD (basic Sony) to the Monitor and digital audio to the receiver. Best video reproduction and best sound reproduction. Yamaha (like many higher end AV receivers) comes with its own microphone and will set speaker levels EQ etc. so I still need to go Component input to the Monitor to see my AV GUI on the screen.
You now have a STUNNING monitor, protect it with some type of power conditioner or surge suppressor designed for home theater. This is a MUST!
Was trapped in my new townhouse for 3 days due to the recent ice storms, so I had plenty of time to fine tune all of the new toys, and readjust the existing hardware. This monitor was a pleasure to work with. It gives the user total control of picture, tint, color, brightness, sharpness and has advanced settings that should only be changed if you have the proper test equipment. This is where a professional "tuner" can really tweak your set. But not to worry. All individual menus on the Panasonic have a "normalize" option, and all adjustment settings revert back to factory setting. If you become hopelessly lost there is even a reset called "shipping" which is a master reset to all factory settings. Pretty neat!
The list of features for PIP Multi-PIP and multiple input are just amazing. The following link takes you directly to the pdf of the owner’s manual, so you can judge for yourself if this the right product for you. ftp://ftp.panasonic.com/pub/Panasonic/Drivers/PBTS/manuals/OM_TH-9Series.pdf
I followed the 8 and then the 9 series of monitors for a little over a year to replace my main viewing screen (46" Samsung, Rear Projection DLP). It just moved to an upstairs den/library, still has fine picture quality and 5.1 surround will be added to enhance this viewing area.
Master Bedroom currently has a 37" LCD, but will be replaced with a Panasonic Plama soon. Maybe just a 42", but wall mounted on a tilt/swivel.
In summary, the 50" Panasonic will be the heart of my home theater in the living room, and the base for a complete Home Automation Interface. I'm using Control4, which utilizes wireless zig-bee mesh networking and their home theater controller. Installed Hunter Douglas motorized shades throughout the home which was also pre-wired for ethernet, cable and alarm. My lighting (interior and exterior), window shades, thermostat, sprinklers, alarm system, exterior video surveillance, ceiling fans, gas fireplace and three separate viewing areas each with surround sound and HD screens will be controlled from any screen in the house. Or from Control4 wireless touch panels. A small form factor PC in the AV cabinet facilitates storage of audio and video, and allows greater depth and distribution. That was probably the single most important buying decision for me. A PC input to the monitor and total control for side by side video. Net surf while watching TV programming... on screen control of my environment and all from the comfort of a large overstuffed leather chair!!! Now, how is that beer gonna get from the fridge to the chair? Hmmmm...
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| Date Reviewed: 09/10/2006 |
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Strengths: Exceptional color, out of the box display is great, improved contrast ratio. Very clean appearance. Modular
Weaknesses: Doesn't come standard with HDMI input.
Summary: 2006-11-27 08:26:35 A friend has the TH50PHD7UY which is still one of the best on the market. I was planning on buying the TH-50PHD8UK but came across the 9UK while shopping online. Having seen the 7UY in action I knew the Panasonic Pro model plasmas were extremely comparable to the Pioneer Elite in performance. When the 9UK hit the street I was all over it. I purchased mine from Visual Apex with a one year extended warranty, HDMI card and an articulating arm mount for a bit over $3,500. I am Very pleased with the monitor. I am currently using a Sony up-convert (1080i) DVD player through the HDMI card and I feel like I have a new collection of movies. I've yet to watch any HD programming as I can't get DISH out until the Sep 16th. Once I do I will update this review. I have little doubt that I will be even more pleased with this plasma.
***Update***11/27/06***
Dish has been installed for a couple months now and I have been extremely pleased. Dish currently has the most HD channels available. The 1080i channels (Discovery, Rush, and Rave are my favorites) are amazing! You won't be disappointed. I'm also able to get HD locals over the air and am again impressed. I'm using component video cables with no complaints. Since I've purchased this plasma the 1080p monitors are now on the streets which has made the price of the 1080i monitors drop significantly. Currently there are only 2 1080p sources that I am aware of. Blue Ray dvd and the Playstation 3(uses blue ray discs). So, unless you are going to spend the money on blue ray devices this plasma should last you for quite some time. The longer I have it the more I like it.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/28/2006 |
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Strengths: Crystal clear picture, deep blacks, easy setup, no burn-in noticed.
Weaknesses: None.
Summary: Excellent TV, would recomemend to anyone purchasing a plasma tv. Simple understated design looks great in our room. Easy to setup, out of the box performance is excellent (Little or no calibration needed)
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| Date Reviewed: 08/12/2006 |
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Strengths: WOW - picture quality on this unit is amaizing. No asthetic excess (speakers, thick frame, buttons), Very clean appearence, Ultimate funtionality yet, perfect picture out of the box. VERY pleased...
Weaknesses: I'm sure there will be some - fortunatley, I've not gotten to them yet - which is a good sign. I'll try to update if significant weakness' surface.
Summary: Did MONTHS of research and have been very patient to select the BEST unit for the HIGHEST value point. Clearly, you'll find the same thing I did - this is an incredible plasma that happens to be pretty affordable compared to the market for the best units. Purchased from Visual Apex who was the first company on the internet to distribute this brand new (9th generation) Panasonic. This is my first purchase from them - I recommend them and will absolutely buy from them again. Pleasant, prompt, and good follow up so far. There is next to no chance you'll NOT be blown away by this TV :-) ENJOY!!
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| Date Reviewed: 12/04/2006 |
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Strengths: Great picture, simple classic style fits anywhere, auto power save feature and screensaver saves money and life of screen. Menus logically seperated and easy to navigate with remote.
Weaknesses: Manual shows how to change settings but no explanations about choices. Std terminal boards req. 4 BNC to RCA adaptors to funtion with std cables. Need DVI terminal board to get most out set using MCE
Summary: No speakers, no tuner, no cable card are all good things if you want a simple and elegant display to hang on a wall with minimal cables hanging from it. I looked at all the different types of HD displays but find Plasma the most like my good old CRT and the easiest to watch. I am happy with the display and I haven't even seen an HD picture on it yet. Still waiting for my adaptors to arrive. Bought mine at Newegg but you should consider Visual Apex because they include the adaptors, have the dvi terminal boards in stock, and have knowledgeable reps. I only saved $50. If you are not sure whether to get the consumer version or this one, remember you can get both a $100 rebate and a 5 year extended warranty offered by Panasonic on the pro series models.
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| Date Reviewed: 09/09/2006 |
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Strengths: Unbelievable colors
Lightweight panel
No additional programming
Weaknesses: none yet
Summary: After reviewing several plasma displays i was set on buying the TH-50ph8UK when Panasonic released the 9UK model. From the moment i recieved and installed the unit i cannot get enough of it. The colors and vividness of the display are unbelievable compared to other plasmas i have viewed. My money was well spent on this professional monitor.
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| Date Reviewed: 12/09/2006 |
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Strengths: Exceptional Picture Quality
Sleek, black, professional design
Weaknesses: HDI/DVI ports are optional, for a professional display, supposedly to be used with a computer, DVI/HDMI input module should be standard
Summary: I have it mounted on the optional stand, feeding 1360x768 signal... the picture is breath taking out of the box.
This is my second plasma, the first one, 42" Daewoo died after a year... with the refund from Amex I bought this for almost the same price...
Purchase decision primarily based on:
Free Five Year Manufacturers Warranty between November 1, and December 31st 2006!!!
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| Date Reviewed: 11/28/2006 |
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Strengths: Great picture, deep blacks. No burn-in noticed.
Weaknesses: None
Summary: Excellent TV- would recommend to anyone purchasing a plasma tv. Simple "industrial" design looks great in our room. Easy to setup- out of the box performance is outstanding. (Little or no calibration even needed)
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| Date Reviewed: 08/21/2006 |
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Strengths: Minimilistic design of narrow bezel surrounding TV. Pay for only what you need. Configurable video inputs. Outstanding picture quality, second to none. Reduced weight.
Weaknesses: Not 1080p.
Summary: 2006-09-14 09:46:37 I wanted a TV in time for football season, but as soon as I heard about the 10,000:1 contrast ratio on this new model and the weight reduction, I decided to wait a month or so (and still get it in time for the regular season).
I sure am glad I waited!
I recently completed the 100 hour break in period, so with the brightness and contrast ratios dialed up to normal, the picture is simply amazing a dark room while also very very good in a room with ambient light.
I, like many others, have researched plasmas and other HDTV sets for almost a year now, and for those with their own video sources (cable, satellite) and audio equipment I honestly cannot think of a reason not to purchase this Panasonic monitor, and save the cost of a tuner, speakers, and other items you won't use.
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| Date Reviewed: 10/01/2006 |
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Strengths: picture,price upgradable with cards
Weaknesses: no tuner, no stand included.
Summary: unbelievable picture when fed a hd feed. sd is not too bad either. i hooked up my hd dvd player which looks fantastic. the only cons are no stand included and no tuner.but most people will probably use a stb anyway. i definately recomend this unit.
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| Date Reviewed: 07/09/2007 |
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Strengths: Picture quality is unbelieveable, just beautiful.
Price is unbeatable for this quality of picture.
Makes for a clean theater installation.
Incredibly flexible thanks to interchangable inputs.
Weaknesses: Not a consumer unit or a TV. Plan your system well in advance and be comfortable with a complex set up and operation compared to a purpose built plasma TV. Inputs like HDMI come at additional cost.
Summary: This unit makes an incredible home theater monitor. We have watched about 25 DVD's ranging from Pixar animation to dark movies like Lord of the Rings and Pan's Labyrinth and the monitor has blown me away. The blacks are so black and deep and the colors are bright. I must have seen the Cars movie 30 times with my kids on our old RCA HD CRT set but playing it on the TH-50PH9UK was like seeing it for the first time. It was so crisp. You will definitely want a good DVD player to fully exploit this monitors capabilities and you will need to spend some extra money for the HDMI input, receiver speakers etc. In the end however this is the most bang (in terms of picture quality) you can get for your buck.
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| Date Reviewed: 03/19/2007 |
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Strengths: Perfect picture, great price, simple to use, simple to hook up, plug in for hdmi for extra cash
Weaknesses: no hdmi output (have to purchase the plug in),
Summary: This was a great buy I already had a 42" EDTV so HD was my next step since I have Dish TV I felt I didn't need to pay for a built in tuner so this monitor was the ticket. It now (after purchasing a HDMI output plug in) has everything I need and the picture is awesome you've got to see it to believe it. You may not know that when you are watching a HD channel that is broadcasting normal (non HD) the picture does not fill the whole TV so Panasonic has a stretch feature that widens out the picture it also widens out the image but we prefer that to not using the whole screen
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