Panasonic Viera PX80 Series

The PX80 Series of televisions are Panasonic's entry-line of plasmas and feature a native 720p resolution. An entry level line means there is a sacrifice in features compared to the more advanced lines, with the benefit being a significantly lower price. One of the big changes from the 2007 to 2008 models is the replacement of the anti-glare screen to an anti-reflective screen across the entire lineup. Panel life has also been extended from 60,000 hours to 100,000 hours. The step-up line over the PX80 Series is the PZ80 Series which contains many of the same features, but has a native 1080p resolution.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Great dollar/performance ratio
•Deep blacks
•Decently attractive design
•Long panel life
•Low power consumption

Cons:

•Poor noise reduction capabilities
•Reds are oversaturated and needs to be compensated for

More information

Specs

•720p native resolution
•15,000:1 static contrast ratio, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
•Game mode
•VIERA link
•Inputs: 3xHDMI 1.3, Component, Composite, S-Video

Clarification on 24p handling - Unlike the higher end PZ800U and PZ850U series, both the PZ80U and PZ85U series perform a 3:2 pulldown on 24p content. What this means is that the 24 frames per second signal is converted into a 60Hz display, with one frame showing for 3 refreshes, and the next frame showing for 2 refreshes. The higher end models display each from for 2 refreshes which makes for smoother motion especially during pans and zooms.

Common to all 2008 Panasonic Plasmas

Anti-reflective screen - created by Fujitsu these screens reduce the amount of ambient reflection that can appear in a brightly lit room.

100,000 hour half life - Panasonic rates the panel to last 100,000 hours, which is about 30 years of regular usage, or 11 years of non-stop, before the brightness of the display is halved.

Models

TH-42PX80U - 42" screen. Spring 2008.
TH-50PX80U - 50" screen. Spring 2008.