Panasonic Viera TH46PZ85U 46-inch 1080p Plasma HDTV

The big war in plasma HDTVs has traditionally centered on Pioneer vs. Panasonic televisions, with Pioneer generally thought of as the higher-end manufacturer, and Panasonic the more affordable brand. But with its 85-series of Viera plasma TVs like the TH-46PZ85U, Panasonic is making it clearer than ever that a purchase of one of its sets does not mean you're sacrificing quality.

The TH-46PZ85U boasts specs you'd expect in a top-of-the-line plasma television, and this might even be the TV that convinces you to the time is finally right to invest in HDTV. If you're someone who's been telling yourself you'll buy when the price lowers to a reasonable level, your wait may be over.

Panasonic's 46" Viera model in the 85 Series, the TH-46PZ85U, includes a number of state-of-the-art features and specifications that rival any of the top sets on the market today. Here's a quick snapshot review of the TH-46PZ85U's key features:

One of the most impressive of the TH-46PZ85U's specs is its dynamic contrast ratio, which indicates the truest white and black tones the TV is able to produce. The TH-46PZ85U is measured at a 1,000,000:1 dyunamic contrast ratio, which puts it ahead in comparisons vs. many leading plasma televisoins available today.

The TH-46PZ85U can display 4096 shades of gradation and includes the innovative x.v.Color system which promises to deliver of the most realistic looking color possible you'll see on any modern television.

By now you've surely done your own plasma vs. LCD comparison, and have decided that a plasma set is the best television for you. The TH-46PZ85U looks like a television that will affirm your choice, featuring the core qualities most critics say plasma televisions do well, especially compared to LCDs (smoother motion, richer color, blacker blacks, etc.)

The TH-46PZ85U also delivers plenty of inputs for connecting your home video components, with 3 HDMI, 2 composite, 2 S-Video and 2 component inputs.

Other key features on the TH-46PZ85U: Viera LinK HDAVI Control, which lets you operate compatible components with a single remote control, and GalleryPlayer, enabling you to "enjoy the world's finest high definition art and photography" from the comfort of your living room.

No research on a television is complete without finding out what other buyers think of the set. Find out what consumers like you think of the TH-46PZ85U in their user reviews at Amazon.com.

Comparisons vs. Top 50" Plasmas

Model	Contrast	Max Res	HDMI	S-Vid	Depth	Weight	Price
Panasonic TH-50PF9UK	5,000:1	1080p	2	2	3.7"	93 lbs	Check Price
Panasonic TH-50PX60U	10,000:1	720p	3	3	3.7"	90 lbs	Check Price
Panasonic TH-50PX75U	10,000:1	720p	2	2	3.8"	84 lbs	Check Price
Panasonic TH-50PX77U	10,000:1	720p	2	3	3.9"	104 lbs	Check Price
Panasonic TH-50PZ700U	5,000:1	1080p	2	3	5.5"	106 lbs	Check Price
Panasonic TH-50PZ750U	5,000:1	1080p	3	3	5.5"	106 lbs	Check Price
Pioneer KURO PDP-5010FD		1080p	4	1	4.8"	84.9 lbs	Check Price
Pioneer KURO PDP-5080HD		720p	4	1	4.5"	77 lbs	Check Price
Samsung FP-T5084	10,000:1	1080p	3	2	3.7"	107 lbs	Check Price
Samsung FP-T5094	10,000:1	1080p	2	1	3.8"	99 lbs	Check Price
Samsung HP-T5054	15,000:1	720p	3	2	3.7"	97 lbs	Check Price
Samsung HP-T5064	15,000:1	720p	3	2	4.1"	97 lbs	Check Price
Toshiba 50HP66	10,000:1	720p	2	3	5.0"	96 lbs	Check Price

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