Panasonic TH-50PX500U 50-Inch Flat Panel HD-Ready Plasma TV

Other products by Panasonic

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.4 x 33.2 x 52.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 188 pounds
• Shipping: This item can only be shipped to the 48 contiguous states. We regret it cannot be shipped to APO/FPO, Hawaii, Alaska, or Puerto Rico.
• ASIN: B0007WKB5A
• Item model number: TH-50PX500U
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,943 in Electronics (See Bestsellers in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 8, 2006

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's 50-inch TH-50PX500U gas-plasma TV offers a 16:9 widescreen dimension to match the aspect ratio of your favorite feature films and an HDMI input for direct-digital connection with high-definition sources. Not that you necessarily need them--the 1366 x 768-pixel set's built-in ATSC (DTV) tuner pulls HD signals (480p/720p/1080i) right from the airwaves, and its QAM tuner is fully compatible with unscrambled HDTV cable reception. A standard analog NTSC tuner receives standard-definition (SD) programming.

The set's authorized CableCARD port means the set will also receive digital cable television systems services directly from a compatible cable operator without requiring a bulky, external cable box. You'll enjoy plug-and-play convenience wherever you are.

A plasma screen renders vivid colors like you've never seen before (as in, up to 8.85 billion in this case), extremely wide viewing angles (wider, even, than those of most LCD screens), and easy placement due to a plasma monitor's slim profile--just 5.4 inches--perfect for desk or wall mounting. Brightness tends to be extremely uniform across plasma screens, which are also impervious to the picture distortion and negative color balances that afflict CRT monitors when placed near lighting or sound systems.

The TH-50PX500U's contrast ratio is rated at an extraordinarily lifelike 3000:1, and its fine, 0.80 x 0.64 mm dot pitch means exceptionally smooth detail. With the 3D Y/C Filter you get minimized noise and cross color in your picture, providing you with a top quality picture, and the all-important quality you require from a large screen television set.

The High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) offers uncompressed digital data transmission between compatible devices, as between the TH-50PX500U and a DTV satellite receiver. JPEG images taken with a digital camera that stores images to a Secure Digital card can be viewed directly on the Panasonic with the built-in SD card slot. It also offers the following connection options:

• Composite AV In/Out: 3 in (1 front)/1 out
• S-Video In/Out: 3 in/0 out
• Component video (YPbPr) In/Out: 2 in/0 out
• HDMI In/Out: 1 in/0 out
• RF In/Out: 1 in/0 out
• Analog audio In/Out: 3 in (1 front)/2 out
• Digital optical audio In/Out: 0 in/1 out
• Headphones: xx

The TV's internal stereo speakers are powered by 13 watts per channel (26 watts total). Special surround processing creates spacious 3D effects from stereo speakers and a selectable audio leveler automatically adjusts the volume level on your TV to prevent wide variations in sound between different TV stations and types of programming. You'll also be able to enjoy 5.1-channel Dolby Digital surround sound via the digital optical audio connection, which you can hook up to a compatible home theater receiver.

Other features include split screen picture-in-picture (PIP), TV Guide On Screen 8-day program guide, V-Chip parental controls, on/off sleep timers, an illuminated remote control, and closed-caption decoding.

What's in the Box
Plasma TV, detachable tilt/swivel stand, remote control (with batteries), AC cord, two cable clampers, IR blaster, printed operating instructions

Product Description

Get ready for TV as you've never seen it before! While many widescreen TV models may claim to be HDTV capable, this Panasonic is among the few that actually has an ATSC tuner that can receive those signals (an optional HDTV antenna is required). It also has a CableCard slot for adding new digital card available from most Cable-TV carriers. The CableCard replaces the bulky cable converter box (please contact your cable company to find out if they offer this service in your area). It also has a SecureDigital SD memory slot to present pictures and movies stored from a digital-camera or camcorder. With 3,000:1 contrast-ratio, you'll enjoy an outstanding picture with resolutions up to 1024x768 and over 8 billion colors. It can also be used as a PC monitor. This 50" widescreen offers 8th generation plasma technology for extended reliability and viewing pleasure. Integrate this TV into home-theater by adding a Panasonic (or other brand) home-theater sound system to enjoy encompassing surround sound. Director Lighted Disc Home Theater Remote Up to 1366 x 768 pixel display for WXGA and High-Definition image resolution Up to 3000 - 1 Contrast Ratio 3D Color Management - Displays up to 8.5 billion colors and up to 2048 gradations Progressive Cinema Scan (3/2 Pulldown) Real Black Drive System with deep black filter for excellent clarity and brightness Sub-Pixel Control for higher detail Motion Pattern Noise Reduction Photo Viewer SD / PC Card Slots Up to 1080i / 720p Compatible Integrated TV Guide ATSC / CableCARD Tuner Multi Window PIP viewing Aspect Adjustments (Normal, Just, Zoom and Full) 60,000 Hour Lifetime Unit Dimensions - 52.24 W x 33.19 H x 5.43 D / Weight - 114.6 lbs. Includes table stand Optional wall stand available - complies with VESA standards Panasonic 1-Year Limited Warranty

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars incredible plasma, October 1, 2005

By	Wally Burk "big Wall" (Silicon Valley) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I researched and personally looked at around 2 dozen 50" plasma displays at different local stores and by far the picture produced by the panasonic 500u blows away everything out there. My dad has a pioneer elite 50 which is great but we both agree the 500u's picture accross all colors and shades is far superior. It displays HD signals flawlessly and everything looks layered, If you have not seen a HD sports program you are missing out! As far as finding one of these was almost impossible, Online retailers advertise a low 3500 dollar price but can never deliver on their promise. I got the run around for 2 months from east cost retailers and finally found one at a local dealer , ended up paying 1000 dollars more but at least its sitting in my living room all hooked up and running. Pay the extra money for the 500u over the panasonic 50px. It has more features and the stand looks much better. Dont be fooled into paying 3000 or so for another 50" HD plasma! Good luck finding one. Andersons TV in Dublin, Ca has 2 left in stock.

23 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Panasonic TH50PX500 vs Samsung HP-R5072, September 29, 2005

By	Steve (Florida) - See all my reviews

Initally purchased the Panasonic from Amazon. I received it damaged, so I had to send it back. They didn't have any left in stock, so I decided to purchase a 50" plasma from a local dealer. None of the locals had the Panasonic that I wanted, so I went with the Samsung HP-R5072. I had the Samsung for 20 days before I returned it and purchased the Panasonic TH50PX500.

All-in-all, the picture on the Samsung had a good picture, but it did not have near the picture clarity and color vibrance that the Panasonic has. Additionally, this Samsung model has and "electronic program guide" - not to be confused withe the "TV GUIDE" version. Needless to say, the Samsung version did not work and requires each channel to transit their program information and that just does not happen. The Panasonic TH50PX500 does have the "TV Guide" version and it worked great. Finally, the split screen cabability and integration capability with other Panasonic products put the Panasonic over the top when compared to the Samsung. One last thing, the Samsung remote is very minimal as far as capability goes. Panasonic has this beat hands down.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific!, November 21, 2005

By	D. Gow (14 m by bike from Oakland CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Like many others I've been waiting for plasma to drop into the barely afforable price range. The Consummer Reports review sent me to the stores. I looked at every plasma set I could find and when I could watched them next to LCD and projection HD models. Every one looked good, the 500U looked better. Good quality DVD (Superbit Lawarence of Arabia or the Fifth Element for example) look terrific at 480P via component or HDMI inputs. Good as it was out of the box I tried a video tuneup disc and both DVD and HD movies were impressively close to film. and I bought locally at a specialty store so even with a discount from the general retail price in this area, delivery and painless setup were included. That is some thing to consider if you buy. The set weighs 114lbs. My wife gave my a hard time over the price, but the set looks good and is slim enough even with out a wall mount to sit tight against the wall.
Negatives:Standard Def cable is not as good as on a CRT, especially if streched, but it is very acceptable six or eight feet back. It has only has one HDMI input.