Panasonic Viera TH-50PZ850U

Pros: The TV looks amazing even when it is turned off. It is extremely easy to set-up. I use the studio reference setting for the picture and it is great. I also like the internet hook-up.

Cons: There's nothing I don't like. I think it is an amazing TV and worth everything I paid for it.

Summary: This is my first HDTV. It is a huge upgrade over my 15 year old 27" TV. So saying the picture is amazing really isn't saying much; I think I would say the same thing about almost any high end HDTV I bought. The TV looks awesome even when shut off. I have no problems with glare even though I have it in a room with lots of windows. If the TV is off, I can see reflections on the screen. When I turn it on, they are still there but you really have to focus deep in the screen to actually see the reflection. If you are focused on the program you are watching, you can't even see the glare.

I also considered a Sony XBR LCD TV, but the pictures on LCDs don't look realistic. They just don't pop out like they do on a Plasma. Panasonic always gets great reviews here and at Consumer Reports so I new that was the brand I wanted. I decided on the 850 over the 800 mainly because of the internet connection. I didn't notice a picture difference between the 800 and 850. Plus I like that I have more control of the picture on the 850. I find that I always just leave it on Studio Reference. I also liked the internet connection. I know the internet content on the TV is limited now, but I'm sure this content will really open up in the future. Plus it is nice to get firmware updates over the internet which is something I already have done. If you buy it online like I did, you typically can get a really good deal on it and it will only be a few hundred dollars more than the 800. If you shop at any high end electronic stores (not BB or CC), you also will find that they don't carry the 800 because it is not the flagship model.

All in all this is a great TV and I love it.