Panasonic turned heads with its plasma line-up last year, and this year they're continuing to bring out some of the best HDTVs. This includes the PZ800U line, which is just a step down from the PZ850U line. The main difference is that, unlike the flagship sets, these models lack the Web-enabled connectivity. But unless you're dying to watch YouTube or view photos from Google's Picasa Web site, chances are these models might be worth considering. The price is a bit lower, and these models still include four HDMI inputs (version 1.3, which includes the support for x.v.Color) as well as the GalleryPlayer.

The TH-50PZ800U boasts a very sleek thin bezel design, and features four built-in speakers with a total system power of 31 watts. We still feel this is a tad underpowered for a set this size, but it is adequate for those times when the full blown cinematic experience isn't totally necessary.

The Panasonic TH-50PZ800U is a full HD 1080p set, and can thus can handle 1080i and 1080p content and fill every pixel accordingly, while 720p HD content is upscaled accordingly. For this reason, we think that this set is ideal for HDTV content from satellite and cable set top boxes as well as from Blu-ray players. We were pleased with the reasonably deep black levels that this set provided--while Pioneer still has the deepest blacks we've seen to date this year, the Panasonic line-up is a very close second.

We found the picture to be generally very clear, with fairly lifelike colors. With a bit of adjusting for ambient light, this set has a picture that really can't be beaten for the price. The TH-50PZ800U features numerous color enhancements and multiple adjustments for those looking to customize the set to meet their room conditions, but a few less than expected. If you're not the sort to continually tweak and adjust the picture settings, however, you might not even notice.

Likewise, we found the TH-50PZ800U well-stocked with the requisite A/V connections. We were pleased to find that this 50-inch model features a total of four HDMI inputs, including a front located input. These are HDMI 1.3 inputs, and while the x.v.Color still remains more hype than reality at this point, it is nice that this step-up model comes with the very latest technology. (Now if only someone would create some x.v.Color source material for us to enjoy . . .)

This set has an ample supply of connections, including dual component video inputs at the back of the panel, two S-Video inputs (one front, one back), two composite inputs (one front, one back) and even PC RGB inputs and an optical digital audio output. As mentioned the TH-50PZ800U features an SD card slot for viewing of digital photos, and it is compatible with the Panasonic GalleryPlayer, where images and video can be downloaded (by purchase) and played on the set. This feature can transform this 50-inch plasma into your own private art gallery should you desire.

As with the other Panasonic plasma models, our only minor complaint in regards to the A/V options was the lack of headphone jack, which is included on some competitors' sets. This is always a nice feature to have, and why more manufacturers don't include it is unfortunate.

We were pleased with how this 50-inch model addressed the two main outstanding concerns with plasma HDTVs. The first of course is burn-in, which has been mostly solved. Static image retention (or "burn-in") is mostly a thing of the past thanks to the robust image retention protection, which includes a white wash option that works as a screen eraser to get rid of any slight retained image, as well as a pixel orbiter, which reduces the likelihood of burn-in from occurring.

Additionally, although plasma has never been the first choice for rooms with a lot of ambient light, we found that this year's models from Panasonic--including the TH-50PZ800U--can actually handle it much better than most. The 50-inch model features an anti-reflective coating that reduces glare from light, including indirect sunlight. Although we still found the HDTV to perform better in a room with minimal lighting, you can expect a good picture even with a reasonable amount of ambient light.

The TH-50PZ800U is not among Panasonic's most affordable model this season, but if you're looking for a top of the line model and still don't want to break the bank, this 50-inch might just be the new model of the year.

Pros: Good anti-glare screen, good black levels, built-in gallery player, four HDMI inputs
Cons: Expensive, weaker speakers

Warranty
1 year, limited