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General discussion

Panasonic Plasmas: TH-50PHD7UY vs. TH-50PX50U

May 24, 2005 9:30AM PDT

I'm looking to buy a 50" plasma TV in the next couple of weeks. After reading way too many reviews, I had pretty much decided on the Panasonic TH-60PHD7UY for price/performance. Looks like I can get one for about $3,500 or so online. I just noticed that the consumer model, the TH-50PX5OU is selling for just $200 more online and it includes a pedestal (which I was going to buy seperately anyway) and substantially more connectors (again I was going to buy the HDMI connector board for the 7UY). I was surprised - I was under the impression that Panasonic's commercial units were much cheaper than their consumer units, but this no longer seems true. Does anyone know if their are any differences between the two models with regards to picture and/or build quality? Looking at the specs online, they look virtually identical. Any thoughts?

Thanks

Discussion is locked

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Sounds like...
May 24, 2005 12:18PM PDT

we are both in the same boat. I too have done the research and settled on the exact two models as you. Need help on which will have the better picture quality now - price is no longer the issue. Performance and aesthetics will be my deciding factor - any help is appreciated!!

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This may help
Jun 7, 2005 3:09AM PDT

I called Panasonic yesterday with this very question. I talked to the consumer division, the plasma division, the industrial plasma division and, finally, the regional sales manager for Panasonic plamsa displays. Nobody gave me a completely straight answer. It does seem that there is only one difference in the display itself, the glass on the TH-50phd7uy is thicker. I asked if that was better or worse and was told it was simply different. Otherwise, I was assured everthing was the same (ie, resolution, contrast, etc.) The other differences we all know about such as speakers and additional tuners on the PX. I was also told by regional manager that, to his knowledge, the new plasmas coming out in the fall will have the same display.

In terms of which to buy. I bought a phd a week and a half ago but have not received it yet (by request, we're moving). There is currently a rebate on the PX of $300 which would make it slightly cheaper based on prices on June 6, 2005. Since the displays are the same and you get a couple extras with the px, which may come in handy though not necessarily, it would seem that currently the px is the better buy.

The rebate is at Pansonic's website:
http://www2.panasonic.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/vRebateDetail?storeId=15001&catalogId=13151&collateralId=288821&cacheProgram=11002&cachePartner=7000000000000005702

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Thanks
Jun 7, 2005 11:53AM PDT

Looks like you did a lot of work researching this! Based on the rebate I have come to the same conclusion that 50X is the way to go.

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Panasonic plasma TV rebate
Jun 7, 2005 12:36PM PDT

I purcahsed a TV through PC Connection last week. Can I get the rebate, or is that only for orders direct from Panasonic?

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Biggest Difference Between 7UY & 50U
Jun 8, 2005 3:35AM PDT

The most significant difference between the 7UY and the 50U PDPs is the 50Us include a "sub-pixel controller." This enables the PDP to address each pixel's... sub-pixel r/g/b individually which supposedly increases horizontal resolution by 30% (Panasonic's words). I purchased a TH-50PX50U on May 1st, and I'm very pleased with this PDP.

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Rebate details
Jun 9, 2005 11:26PM PDT

I talked to customer service at panasonic and I think you can by the TV anywhere as long as its brand new and factory sealed. This rebate is only on installation not delivery. Also if the installation costs less than $300.00 you will only get that amount. So if you got it installed by PC connection you should be able to get the rebate.

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more differences
Jun 20, 2005 9:30AM PDT

The 50px has no PC input, and the PHD doesnt display 1080i as far as I know. Does anyone know if the speaker on the PX is removable?

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No 1080i, are you sure?
Jul 26, 2005 10:56AM PDT

I think the PHD7UY does support 1080i. Another thing, why does the 7UY list at $6500.00 and the 50PXU only $5000.00 and the tuners, speakers, and connetions. Does that mean the 7UY has all the money put into its picture qulity?

I am considering the 2 and would like to know these answers before I buy, so if anyone has them, please Help!!!

Thanks,

Mike

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New Panasonic TH 50px500u
Aug 5, 2005 4:19AM PDT

Hi there, there is also the new TH-50px500u. It's not much more than the 50u but it has the EPG (built in tv guide system), card slots for viewing digital pictures, 6 built-in speakers (the 50u has only 2built-in speakers, and the POP feature (like PIP but side by side). I have installed 2 50u tv's and they are fantastic. The 500u has the same great picture but has a nicer looking pedestal stand. The installation rebate on the 50u has ended and there has been no extension, the 500u does not have a rebate. If you live in the SF Bay area I can sell you a fully warrantied (by Panasonic USA) brand new 50u for $4200+tax+delivery (or you can pick it up for n/c), or a 500u for $4400+tax+delivery (again p/u for n/c). The only drawback is I order the TV after you come and pay for it (normally takes about a week or so). You can get a refund (if you change your mind) any time before Panasonic ships.

Spencer @
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