Panasonic Viera 800 Series

The 800U series is at the high end of Panasonic's 2008 plasmas, which is their 11th generation of plasma offerings. Positioned above the 85U series and below the 850s, the 800s offer premium features such as the one-sheet glass design and THX certification, but lack some of the more professional level calibration settings of the 850Us. The 800U series is the first line of plasma to achieve THX certification, with the LG PG60 Series subsequently released as the second.

Pros & Cons
Pros:

•Best-in-class image quality
•THX mode works as advertised
•Good connectivity with four HDMI inputs
•Ghosting effect isn't that bad for a plasma
•Excellent contrast performance
•More shades of color gradation than many competitors
•A good blend of glass finish without being too reflective
•Less grainyness than previous generations
•Runs much cooler than previous generations

Cons:

•High priced
•24p mode can introduce flicker
•The bezel/frame could be more attractive

More information

Specs

* 1080p native resolution
* 30,000:1 static contrast ratio, 1,000,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio
* 24p film mode
* Game mode
* THX certified with a THX configuration built-in
* VIERA link
* Inputs: 4xHDMI 1.3, 1xVGA, Component, Composite, S-Video

800U features

One-sheet glass - The one-sheet glass design is similar to the Sony XBR4's, and Pioneer Elite and Kuro televisions where a single pane of glass covers the entire front of the television, including the bezel. This design reduces/eliminates the "halo" effect that can occur around lettering and logos with traditional 3-pane designs.

THX Certification - Panasonic pays the THX company to run their televisions through a set of tests to get a stamp of approval (THX tests). Not being THX certified doesn't mean a television won't pass the tests, the company just didn't choose to pay THX to test them. Alongside the stamp of approval is the addition of a THX Movie Mode. This a display setting that is pre-calibrated for "optimal" movie watching as the gamma, luminence and other features are pre-set.

800U, and 850U features

PC-input - usually a staple among HDTVs, in Panasonic's 2008 offerings only the higher end televisions retain a dedicated input for computers.

24p support - the high-end sets from Panasonic are the only lines that perform a true direct multiple of 24p content. When receiving a 24p source from something like a Blu-Ray disc the output displays at 48Hz with each from showing for 2 refresh cycles. What this means, is that movie content is smoother and more true to the original source.

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-58PZ800U - 58" screen | MSRP $3600 | May 2008
* TH-50PZ800U - 50" screen | MSRP $3200 | May 2008
* TH-46PZ800U - 46" screen | MSRP $2800 | May 2008
* TH-42PZ800U - 40" screen | MSRP $2300 | May 2008

Best Jogging Strollers

Dreamer Design Rebound Lite (Around $250)

Best jogging stroller.According to reviewers, the Dreamer Design Rebound Lite is the best value in a jogging stroller. With its 16-inch air-filled tires, fixed front wheel and shock absorbers, experts say it’s great for running and fitness walking. Its height-adjustable handle makes this stroller a good choice for parents of differing heights, and its bubble canopy is widely praised as the best jogging-stroller sun canopy on the market. At 24.5 pounds, the Dreamer Rebound Lite is a little heavier than the lightest jogging strollers, but it’s also $100 less expensive than other top-rated strollers like the BOB Ironman (Around $360). The Dreamer Rebound also has a high child weight capacity of 85 pounds.


Baby Trend Expedition (Around $100)

Budget jogging stroller.Reviewers say the Baby Trend Expedition is the best budget jogging stroller for fitness walking and the occasional run. The 27-pound Expedition has an aluminum frame, adjustable sun canopy and 16-inch bicycle tires. Its front wheel does not swivel, so the Expedition is not as maneuverable indoors as all-terrain strollers. Unlike the Dreamer Rebound Lite, the Expedition has a parent tray with two cup holders and a removable child tray. However, some owners say the Expedition is bulky and tricky to close, and reviewers say it's not as durable as pricier jogging strollers.


Mountain Buggy Urban Single (Around $430)

Best all-terrain stroller.It’s expensive, but reviews say the Mountain Buggy Urban stroller is excellent on trails, gravel or just neighborhood strolls (it’s not meant for jogging). Its swiveling front wheel makes negotiating store aisles easier, and the wheel can be locked for better off-road stability. The 22-pound Urban has a height-adjustable handle and large storage basket. What sets it apart from most other three-wheeled strollers is that its fully reclining seat makes it appropriate for newborns. Although other strollers cost less, the full-featured Urban is top-rated overall.


Phil & Teds Sport Buggy (Around $400)

All-terrain stroller, convertible to double stroller.The Phil & Teds Sport Buggy is another highly rated, durable all-terrain stroller (not intended for jogging). What distinguishes this model from others is its unique ability to convert into a double stroller with an optional kit (*est. $90). The second seat installs above or below the main stroller seat. Reviewers say the Sport Buggy is great for parents who anticipate needing a double stroller, but don't want the added width or length of a traditional twin stroller. Otherwise, the three-wheeled, 21-pound Sport Buggy has adjustable-height handles, plenty of storage and a fully reclining seat (so it's appropriate for newborns). Its swiveling front wheel makes it easy to maneuver.


InStep Safari (Around $130)

Budget all-terrain stroller.The InStep Safari (also sold as the Schwinn Safari) isn't meant for jogging, but it does have a swiveling front wheel for better everyday maneuverability. Reviews say the InStep is a great value for parents who want a three-wheeled stroller but don't want to jog with it or spend $400. The Safari has a storage basket, as well as an adjustable handlebar, a child tray, a parent accessory tray and a partly reclining seat. Reviewers say it’s easy to fold and maneuver, and at 21 pounds, it’s not too heavy. The InStep Safari isn’t made to stand up to the same abuse as pricier all-terrain strollers, but reviews say it’s a good value.