Panasonic TH42PZ85B worth the extra over a TH42PZ80B?

[BlackpoolR32]

After speaking to a few friends who frequent this site, I'm off to buy a Panasonic 42inch Plasma tomorrow to make the most of the 5year warrenty. However, I'm currently torn between the following models:

Panasonic TH42PZ85B
http://media.panasonic.eu/images/42p...5135G97935.jpg

Panasonic TH42PZ80B
http://media.panasonic.eu/images/42p...0251H80951.jpg

The only obvious performance advantage I can see from the Panasonic website is that the PZ85 has a better Audio Output potential, and that (in my opinion) it looks a little nicer with less silver sticking out the bottom.

I'm going to be buying one or the other tomorrow and do plan to hook this up to a decent surround sound system when I finish decorating the room.

I'm currently leaning more towards the PZ85, but in all honesty, is it worth the extra ~£100 over the PZ80 as 'Visual-Wise', it looks like exactly the same telly?

Thanks in advance for any opinions/suggestions...

In a bit,
Leon.

[RODCULL]

I guess only you can decide whether it's worth the extra £100 to you, but I went with the '85 on looks alone, although it's very subjective which looks 'best'. Perhaps you could see them in the showroom (or major retail chain just to have a look) before deciding, as they look quite different from each other in the 'flesh' (as far as TVs with black bezels can look different). The silver bit on the bottom of the '85 also seems much less pronounced in reality compared to the photo, appearing as just a silver 'flash' at the bottom of the set.
It's only a minor point, but on the '85 the third HDMI port is mounted around the side, whereas I have a feeling it's under a front flap on the '80. If you need to use it on a permanent basis, the side mounting may be better. It's recessed enough for the cable to be hidden.

[JMWS]

We had a similar decision and went for the PZ80.... No regrets either.

The PZ80 is virtually identical but does not have the Intelligent Frame Creation (IFC) and lacks 24p Real Cinema. Instead it has 24p Playback. By all accounts the PZ85 is the same PQ.

If you read the forum threads, the majority of people switch off the IFC as it doesn't make for 'nice' viewing .... Have a look at these two reviews from hdtvorg and hdtvtest.

Panasonic TH42PZ80 Review

Panasonic TH42PZ80 / TH42PZ80B Review: 42" Viera Plasma HDTV

Also, the PZ85 is a little thinner but wider by about two or three cms than the PZ80!

All in all, I think you will be happy with the PZ80! I know I am ..... then spend the saving on a harmony one remote!!

[Holwill]

I have the 85 and my mate has the 80 there is no difference in PQ and IFC can be use full sometimes. The only reason I brought the 85 over the 80 was for the optical out then found out it would not pass 5.1! So the shop I brought it from gave me half the difference back as overall I was very happy with the tv. My mate does say the sound from my 85 is more weighty and fuller than his 80.

[philoz]

Hi there, I had the same problems.
So I took the wife to see them and we walked out with a TH46PZ85B.
She prefered the look of the 85 and said the 46 looked nicer still
What ever one you choose you will not be dissapionted, After 6 weeks we still have to stare and say look at that picture!!

[BlackpoolR32]

Thanks for the prompt replys...

I'm about to start phoning round the local AV shops to see who has one or both of the units in for me to take a look at.

Like you say, its best to compare both in the flesh, but by the sounds of it, its going to be down to looks and personal preference. Which is exactly what I wanted to hear ;D

Thanks again,
Leon.

[BlackpoolR32]

To keep you updated, I had a look at both tellys today in the various Trafford Centre electrical stores and personally I liked the PZ85 over the PZ80 purely on exterior looks.

However, I also then looked at the PZ81, which is basically the same spec as the PZ85 but with the built in Freesat HD and has Black trim all over rather than the Sliver bottom section, and this really did win it for me. Then I was plesantly suprised by the price too, it was only extra ~£50 over the PZ85.

So John Lewis are currently trying to sort me a price match, and if they do I should be picking up my TH42PZ81B next week for £899, fingers crossed!

http://media.panasonic.eu/images/42p...3536B55683.jpg

Mate of mine is also after the 46inch version of the same unit, however having seen the prices today he's even thinking about splashing out on the 50inch as that's even cheaper.!?

Really highlighted to me today just how much these prices vary...

Cheers Again,
Leon.

[audiphile76]

Originally Posted by BlackpoolR32

However, I also then looked at the PZ81, which is basically the same spec as the PZ85 but with the built in Freesat HD and has Black trim all over rather than the Sliver bottom section, and this really did win it for me. Then I was plesantly suprised by the price too, it was only extra ~£50 over the PZ85.

Good choice. I have never liked the silver lip on PZ80 either.

[jayden28]

I would save yourself abit of money and go for the PZ80,the 85 looks slightly better design wise but i donk think its worth the extra dosh,i wish i had done that at the time of getting the 85.

[Indecisive]

Originally Posted by audiphile76

Good choice. I have never liked the silver lip on PZ80 either.

Agreed, Went to go and get a PZ80 but ended up with the PZ81, 50" version . Worth the extra just to get rid of that Silver trim, it made a Quality TV look cheap I think.

They still kept it on the PZ800 though????

[Indecisive]

You can't argue with it really...

There is only one looker in the range...

PZ81B

PZ85B

PZ80B + PZ800

If anything was going to take your eye's away from the beautifull picture it's that stupid silver plastic trim. If your going to go to that effort in the design, at least make it out of real brushed aluminium like Bang n olufsen would otherwise it's just tacky looking. Each to their own